Dissed again by Tom

[Jinmyo]

I too think that Tom does a good job at weeding and also of being on the spot.

And that Citronelle has gotten some ill-intentioned and undeserved smacks.

And that, dear Mark, such is the way of the world wide web. Yet you still don't have to take it.

[tanabutler]

Rochelle asked:

BTW, Mark, you must follow up on your comment about Citronelle's iced tea. What makes it the best in town?

Paradise Iced Tea has a subtle passionfruit flavor that makes me drink gallons of it every day. I love this stuff!

I am delighted to read this. That's the tea I make, acquired from Trader Joe's.

(Mark, keep your chin up. Five complaints a year? With that kind of volume? Be proud!)

[Mark Sommelier]

Having just now read these reviews, I can't see why it is easier to assume that it is always the same person (or jerk) rather than a few different people experiencing the same phenomena, especially as Tom also apparently experienced this for himself.

I also have to say that the "Concerned Employee" response certainly didn't help your case and the attitude of that response would put off as many people as the negative reviews.

I'm not wanting to be negative - I have yet to visit your restaurant - just to point out that it isn't always the best policy to shoot the messenger (or to assume that it's because they're low class rubes only worthy of eating Cheeze in a box).

Bottom line is you always have to take these reviews with a pinch of salt. The good ones as well as the bad ones. I'm sure there are as many good reviews posted by interested parties as bad ones posted by competition or people with an "axe to grind".

Dear theakston,

Thanks for your response. You are right, the legitimate, published kudos far outnumber the petty, vicious jibes. My favorite recent one was in Food and Wine magazine: "Best place to bring a wine snob".

[Joe H]

Sometimes it is very difficult for someone on this side of the table to have patience and understanding for someone who stands on the other side.

[russ parsons]

Sometimes it is very difficult for someone on this side of the table to have patience and understanding for someone who stands on the other side.

even without knowing which side you're on, it's easy to point out: "and vice-versa."

[Joe H]

I'm a well travelled customer who has a sister that has been in the industry for twenty five years. I also worked as a waiter when I was much younger (I'm 56 today) while going to college and today know a number of people well who own and/or manage restaurants at all levels around the U. S. I also have reviewed restaurants for a trade publication in my industry. Having said all this I believe that I have seen both sides, perhaps not as fully as some, but enough to have a fundamental understanding that some customers want a great deal more power and influence than they have a right to.

[ronnie_suburban]

(I'm 56 today)

Happy Birthday Joe H

=R=

[Joe H]

Thanks for the nice thought but I meant today as in currently. Sorry for my lack of clarity.