Thursday, October 25, 2007

a quandry (and some other stuff)

Folks, I'm having a quandary.

I've eaten out the last two days. One meal was 'eh', one meal was kinda grody. Normally I'd just spill the dirt, but a couple weeks ago I mentioned a dish I had at a local restaurant and got some immediate feedback from a member of the staff and the owner. Now, I don't want to trash anyone or their business or hurt anyone's feelings (and frankly, I've seen the stats on this-here blog, and while there seems to be a loyal following, it's definitely not reaching all of Pittsburgh or anything). So, how do I approach this? I really just want to relay my honest experiences about food--the good, the bad, the ugly. So, how do you navigate the public v. private? I can only imagine this won't be the first or last time this may come up since Pittsburgh's not so big, and I know a lot of peeps. I appreciate any feedback. Cripes.

In other news, I ended up skipping the film on Tuesday. It was so rainy and grey and I had some netflixes, and that made me just wanna hang out on the couch, watch, read, and cuddle pets. But, there are definitely more films I'd like to see this week. There are two womens' movies tonight, the local shorts tomorrow, Nina's Heavenly delights (the first line of the description is "Calling all foodies!") and Itty Bitty Titty Committee. And, in addition, a couple of friends have shows this weekend. And, there's the Halloween parties, too. Eek! And, all this is counterbalanced by my intense desire to hibernate as much as possible. What's a girl to do? I'm gonna have to make a list of the essentials vs. non-essentials. Shite.

Speaking of friends' shows, check 'er out!

Friday, Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m.
Jen Lawton (ek's note: Jen Lawton = "Junior"!): Cities
Coca Café 6:30pm - ?
3811 Butler Street, Lawrenceville
Some booze will be provided by the artist-on-a-budget, but more always keeps the party going! Please feel free to bring a bottle to share.
Final Fridays on Butler Street

Shop. Drink. Eat.

Mark your calendar for "Final Fridays," the final Friday of each month, featuring festivities from 7 to 11 p.m. on four fabulous blocks of Butler Street in Lawrenceville.

"Final Fridays" is a great opportunity to make an exciting evening of Lawrenceville activities. Whether you're shopping for yourself, your home, or just looking for some great entertainment, there are plenty of choices. Visit cool Pittsburgh boutiques and galleries, including La Vie, T's Upholstery Studio, Pavement, Divertido, SUGAR, Accessorize, Elisco Advertising, O'Bannon Oriental Carpets and Elements.


and...

Sunday, Oct. 28, 8:30 p.m.
The Sunday Night Hayride
Howler's Coyote Cafe
4509 Liberty Ave. (Bloomfield)

FREE! No Cover!
FREE vegan buffet - 8:30
Beagle Brothers - 9
Jenn Gooch (ek's note: Jenn Gooch = "The Gooch") w/guest John Carson - 10


The after-work plan today is to hit up the Bloomfield Farmers Market. I'm on the hunt for brussels sprouts, figs, pierogies and a slice of blueberry pie. I also usually run into some lesbians there, too. That's not what I'm on the hunt for (pipe down, wiseacres!), but it adds a nice je ne sais quoi. You feel me?

6 comments:

Hummingbitch said...

I recommend blogging your honest criticism of the food you've eaten for a couple of reasons:

1. Food critics do it all the time.
2. How can a place improve their food if they don't know it sucked?

Spill.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Ashley that you should blog your honest criticism -- plenty of other folks do that, in blogs and in the paper. At any rate, my interest is piqued now so I want the dish!

sheryl said...

you should totally be honest!
just to let you know, I would not have come at you about the mac and cheese if I didn't know that you are a loyal customer and also an intelligent eater---meaning, I trust your criticism and it is valuable. It's not easy to get honest criticism from reasonable people! You are providing a worthwhile service (provided someone from the restaurant reads it or hears about it)
PS I am working on getting the recipe for those crabby cakes. the cook responsible moved to new york but she emailed recently and I am going to try to get it out of her....

nowlze said...

dude, you gotta keep it real, lil e. perhaps you could post a disclaimer that this is just your opinion and that you are in no way compensated etc etc etc for positive or negative reviews?

this is a curious position, but i think the people wanna know what you have to say, and that's that.

Anonymous said...

as ehrrin's dining companion last night, i can get behind her in saying that the food we ate (or didn't eat) was terrible. and, i didn't care for the service, on the rare occasion we had any. we left nearly three full plates on the table, and our server didn't seem to think anything of it.

i know that the place can do better; after all, i'm the one who recommended we go there.

Sue said...

I think posting a critique you would share with the manager/owner is very reasonable. I'm a big advocate of talking with the manager when I'm displeased with food and/or service. I never take it out on the server, either verbally or tipfully.

Put the truth out there, babe. Honest criticism from reasonable people ... that says it all.