You know what they say about opinions. Opinions are like %@#)%, everybody's got one. I recently received a not too flattering review on Yelp. Guy came in for brunch and said the server got everything mixed up at the table and the food was uninspired. This is right after another not so glowing review also on Yelp. Who are these people?
Just so you know, most of the chefs I know take this thing very very personally, at least for an hour or so, I know I do. I want to pull the covers over my head and never go back to work. I kick myself in the ass for not being everything to everyone at all times. It doesn't matter that my back was breaking or that I had just called an ambulance for a customer having seizures in the dining room while trying to keep the driveway from being blocked by the fire truck so the 100 people or so in the dining room at the time could leave for the Va Highlands Festival on time and the party of 25 on the back deck could get in.
Just how inspired does someone want a Sausage and Pepper Omelette to be for $8.75?
But I don't take light of the restaurant saying that you're only as good as your last meal. I liked Saturday night's crowd better. The guys who said it's the best meal they have ever had and the couple who said I have the "perfect" restaurant. Too bad the Sunday guy ruined my weekend.
"Just how inspired does someone want a Sausage and Pepper Omelette to be for $8.75"
That might be my favorite quote from you EVER!
Always listen to the Saturday people! You know how brunchers are!
Posted by: Julia | June 10, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Oh, Marla. You do a wonderful job. This guy probably had something else going wrong before he even walked in the door. Don't sweat it.
Posted by: Cara | June 10, 2009 at 11:25 PM
I've become known for being a hard ass. Don't take it personally when someone chimes in. [especially when it comes from people like me who respect thoughtful chefs]
When I harsh on someone, it's for one of two reasons: a) they have no business doing what they do [which isn't you] or b) I know they can do better.
Everyone has an opinion, and some of those opinions will help you get better and some of them won't. It's ultimately up to you to filter out the good from the bad. Decide who has something to add and who doesn't. Most of the yelpers don't know the difference between a souffle and sous-vide ... so keep your chin up.
And regardless of what any weenie tot behind a computer screen says ... if you are smart enough to think about these things ... than you are smart enough to do what you do and do it well.
Keep on rocking and don't stop.
[and just for clarification: no i haven't said anything publicly about Babette's]
Posted by: foodiebuddha.com | June 11, 2009 at 01:15 AM
Thanks for the note. And I even reviewed the critique with my staff. I always listen to what is said and take note. It's just very hard to not goof up sometimes.
Posted by: marla | June 11, 2009 at 10:52 PM
Marla,
For every one bad thing said, there are 50 nice things told that, unforturnately, don't get posted. Believe me, the very favorable word of mouth that your regulars pass around has got to be far more effective than the opinion of some unknown yelper.
Babette's rocks!
Posted by: Bill | June 12, 2009 at 11:11 AM