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From Serious Eats

Things I Learned While Working on the Kogi BBQ Taco Truck

The piece was written back in January. It was 38 degrees back then, no heat and onLy the stove to warm us!!! CaLifornia beach bunnies or not, that's fricken COLD!!!

Most people wear just a sweatshirt or just a tee because too many layers sLow down the process and sLeeves get aLL grody with taco juices.

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

Whatever.

STOP OPPRESSING THE FOOD GEEKS!!!

Seriously -- "banning photography from restaurants" is not an issue, it's more specific than that. It's "banning photography from high-end, upscale restaurants."

Etiquette and protocol for enjoying your restaurant experience is so friggin bourgeois, I find it as a turn-off.

That said -- when in Rome... So when in an egotistically-charged, rockstar headlining eats place, ok -- mebbe I can understand the upside-down smile. They want the food to be eaten, not be visually dissected like a zoo animal.

THAT said, if we're PAYING that much for a meal, why are we not allowed to snap a photo? It's MINE, I ORDERED it. Plus, food photography and pornography does play a heavy role in whetting the appetites of those who are attracted to come that such a high-end or gem-of-a-find establishment. Chances are, it's a special occasion, and camera clickers just want to document and share the joy.

Sigh, sigh, and SIGH. Unabashed joy be banned. It must be restrained enjoyment.

THAT said... I DO think there can be something to an effect of a compromise.

Like a smoking, non-smoking section, there can be a photography-non-photography section of a restaurant.

The thing is -- it's also not taking the patron's enjoyment into account if the patron is made to feel dirty and unwanted as soon as he or she whips out a camera. It's not filling the air with cancer or horribly, horribly loud.

At the same time, I can see how the chef or waitstaff (at very specific KINDS of eateries) would see it as an obnoxious sort of phenomenon... I GUESS... urrrrgh.

But in the end, there should be some kind of consensus.

Yeah, Chang can say, "It's FOOD. EAT IT." at the same time, patrons can also say, "It's FOOD. COOK IT." Yeah. Don't think that'd go over too well with the chef, me thinks.

In the end, it's a battle of control/egos as well. Chang and co want their patrons to enjoy food a certain way and some of the patrons of the food blogging breed feel a fundamental way of enjoying the food is to document it and waxing poetic (or NOT) about what was eaten.

From Serious Eats

Best Boba Teahouses in Southern Cali

I think it's very telling that

1) all the boba houses listed are chains
2) the correspondent is based in Washington DC

Not that Tea Station is bad or that Lollicup is horrible -- they're alright, but anybody who regularly drinks boba knows that they've had better. Even the Guppy House is better than what's listed above.

::shakes head::

Wouldn't it make more sense anyway for a DC-based correspondent to give us all the skinny on the best boba joints in DC?

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Things I Learned While Working on the Kogi BBQ Taco Truck

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From Serious Eats

Things I Learned While Working on the Kogi BBQ Taco Truck

The piece was written back in January. It was 38 degrees back then, no heat and onLy the stove to warm us!!! CaLifornia beach bunnies or not, that's fricken COLD!!!

Most people wear just a sweatshirt or just a tee because too many layers sLow down the process and sLeeves get aLL grody with taco juices.

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

Whatever.

STOP OPPRESSING THE FOOD GEEKS!!!

Seriously -- "banning photography from restaurants" is not an issue, it's more specific than that. It's "banning photography from high-end, upscale restaurants."

Etiquette and protocol for enjoying your restaurant experience is so friggin bourgeois, I find it as a turn-off.

That said -- when in Rome... So when in an egotistically-charged, rockstar headlining eats place, ok -- mebbe I can understand the upside-down smile. They want the food to be eaten, not be visually dissected like a zoo animal.

THAT said, if we're PAYING that much for a meal, why are we not allowed to snap a photo? It's MINE, I ORDERED it. Plus, food photography and pornography does play a heavy role in whetting the appetites of those who are attracted to come that such a high-end or gem-of-a-find establishment. Chances are, it's a special occasion, and camera clickers just want to document and share the joy.

Sigh, sigh, and SIGH. Unabashed joy be banned. It must be restrained enjoyment.

THAT said... I DO think there can be something to an effect of a compromise.

Like a smoking, non-smoking section, there can be a photography-non-photography section of a restaurant.

The thing is -- it's also not taking the patron's enjoyment into account if the patron is made to feel dirty and unwanted as soon as he or she whips out a camera. It's not filling the air with cancer or horribly, horribly loud.

At the same time, I can see how the chef or waitstaff (at very specific KINDS of eateries) would see it as an obnoxious sort of phenomenon... I GUESS... urrrrgh.

But in the end, there should be some kind of consensus.

Yeah, Chang can say, "It's FOOD. EAT IT." at the same time, patrons can also say, "It's FOOD. COOK IT." Yeah. Don't think that'd go over too well with the chef, me thinks.

In the end, it's a battle of control/egos as well. Chang and co want their patrons to enjoy food a certain way and some of the patrons of the food blogging breed feel a fundamental way of enjoying the food is to document it and waxing poetic (or NOT) about what was eaten.

From Serious Eats

Best Boba Teahouses in Southern Cali

I think it's very telling that

1) all the boba houses listed are chains
2) the correspondent is based in Washington DC

Not that Tea Station is bad or that Lollicup is horrible -- they're alright, but anybody who regularly drinks boba knows that they've had better. Even the Guppy House is better than what's listed above.

::shakes head::

Wouldn't it make more sense anyway for a DC-based correspondent to give us all the skinny on the best boba joints in DC?

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

I just got back from Corton. The website asks guests to refrain from using flash photography and cell phones. I accept that gladly. You quote Drew here as saying,

"No, we're not going to stop people from taking photos," Nieporent said. "We'd just like people to be considerate of the other people in the restaurant.""

So why, when I entered, was I told that no photography was permitted. I asked nicely and was told, "no". The host asked the chef and reiterated that it was not permissible. I explained that I would not use a flash. I explained that I would not use the photos online nor for any commercial purposes. Still, my request was refused. I feel lied to based on the website only saying that "flash photography" was not permitted and also the quote here from Drew. So Drew, why is this?

The food at Corton was good but, just like Momofuku Ko, I won't be back. I see no reason to reward restaurants who don't consider my desire for a permanent memory, valid. They can make any policies they like but I still get to chose where I dine. I also chose to deal with people who advertise honestly. Drew said that, "we're not going to stop people" but that is just what they did. That to me is deceptive.

In the interest of full disclosure, the host did comp a round of drinks for us because of this. Still, it, (please, please, pardon the pun, leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

I feel shy about taking pictures of food (I don't know why, but I feel like some sort of freak, the only person on the planet to do this, which is obviously nonsense), and only do so occasionally, but as long as other patrons are being strictly omitted from the images, and a flash isn't used, I don't think this is a problem. True, food is meant to be eaten, but sometimes it is also so impressive visually, I want to show a few friends, and I'll take a shot. I usually only move myself or the dish I'm shooting in order to ensure that other diners aren't in the shot. As long taking a picture or two is a brief, low-key incident, it seems fine.

It seems strange that any restaurant would ban even the taking of photos of the diners at one's own table, as this has been a longstanding tradition, and I can remember seeing this done even when I was a small child (in excellent restaurants), by people celebrating some special event; the waiter was often included in the shot. And let's not forget all those photos of dinners at all classes of restaurants that go back as far as the existence of the SLR camera, at least

On the other hand, use of the terms 'food porn' and 'foodie' should be punishable by law ;)

From Serious Eats

Things I Learned While Working on the Kogi BBQ Taco Truck

Don't let those strange not-real-people get you down. You're doing a great thing...have you thought of re-locating to East Tennessee...we'd love to see you...and we have some awesome pork.

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

Despite what Drew said, I was at Nobu 57 this weekend and when I tried to take pictures I was told emphatically that no photography was allowed inside the dining room.

I offered to shoot without a flash. I told them I only wanted to shoot the food and possibly my friends. In both cases I was told absolutely no.

After begging the manager, I was allowed to take some pictures of a couple of dishes as they left the kitchen.

It was explained to me that this was the company's policy.

I understand other people not wanting to be photographed. I also understand that flashes can be annoying. But since I was perfectly willing to use available light, I don't see why this was a factor.

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

Does seem harsh to me, and for chrissakes, it promotes his restaurant. Guess Chang is just above it all. Goodie for him.

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

As a New York food photographer I actually get hired by PR firms to help promote restaurants. Having a photo of a plate on somebody's blog with a reference to the restaurant is like free publicity that restaurants should value it. In my opinion they should provide free meals to food bloggers. Often when I travel, I come into the Churches and some of them prohibit photography. But a restaurant come on give me a break.

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

Of course it's DC's perogative about banning photos, but did we really need another reason to think he's kind of an overrated jerk? I heart food photography.

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

Am I the only person who doesn't understand why this is "antisocial"? I mean, I take the photo, then I get on with my meal. And yes, that means eating the food and conversing with whoever I'm eating with. It's not like the photographing lasts the duration of the meal. Am I missing something?

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

Don't quote me on this, but I think that photography is banned at starbucks...I vaguely remember someone telling me that she was kicked out of a starbucks for taking pictures. (she was working on a project for a photoagrphy class, and apparently saw some great lighting that would work well for her assignment)

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

I was one asked to leave a Burger King for taking photos.

And I'm pretty sure they sent around a flyer to all their stores with my picture on it, because I was trying to snap a few shots of their food storage room one day when the girl working the front counter invited me to ... "have a look around".

Turns out the Store Manager and Corporate don't really want people back there, despite what the friendly counter girls says. :)

Yes, this hardly compares to Momofuku but...

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

I understand how this must affect so many in the blog world, but in all fairness this isn't about the right to photo the food you've bought. Ko's is an independently owned restaurant, the owners can set policies or choose not to serve someone.

Some restaurants ban cell phones or demand gentlemen wear jackets while dining. I was once in a private dining club that prohibited the presence of papers, newpapers, contracts, legal pads, etc. on the tables. Banning photos is Chang's perogative.

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

I don't understand how people who are fans of this very website could be against taking photos of food in restaurants. Aren't the pictures, the visuals, a big part of why we read it?
If you enjoy food porn, how can you be waggling your finger at the people who make it?

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

I agree with what Alaina says about photos being anti-social. It's like whenever I go on a trip with my parents and they make me pose in front of everything- it takes me out of the experience and just makes me hungry and grumpy.

And yeah, you could try and use a small camera and no flash, but it usually ends up looking crappy anyway unless you photoshop the hell out of it, so what's the point? unless you have a sweet rig (SLR, manual, etc.), it doesn't look food porny enough, and those are the most obnoxious ones of all. I think food bloggers are going to have to start becoming more stealthy, or more conscious of the correct time and place, *coughRobyncough*.

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

Once in a while I take photos in restaurants. I am always self-conscious when I do it and try to be as discreet as possible. I bring a small digital with good resolution and I try to sit near a window if it's light out so I can take an okay picture without a flash.

I feel that if I pay for the food and act responsibly, then I should be allowed to do that.

If people want to talk on their phones, I expect that they won't be any louder than they would if someone were sitting with them. After all, if they were talking to a friend at the table, what's the difference?

But on the subject of atmosphere, I am much more bothered in a restaurant when small children start screaming or crying and the parent doesn't remove them from the scene and thereby force everyone to deal with it.

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

I like looking at the pictures on food blogs. The ones without photos are never as interesting.

Also, in response to Chang's complaint that everyone wants the same dishes he's been serving for the last 4 months, my first response is: Really? I'd think it would be awesome to have something different! I'd also think that since his dishes have been so photographed, he's be inspired to come up with new one all the time to keep diners on their toes.

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

Didn't Momofuku post an ad for a PR intern this summer? This is what they come up with? Hmm... good PR indeed. look at the number of comments in this post.

To the readers who get annoyed easily... sucks to be you. Really. Life a life that is more carefree, and happiness will come more easily. This whole thing of, "OMG, you're ruining my experience! UGH!" Srsly. Eat yo own food.

You know what ruins my experience? walking around new york and seeing blackberry devices and iphones. Gosh! That just ruins my perception of the gritty new york!

On the other hand, it's a private business, they can do whatever they want and that is that. Outcry or not, it was a move made to enhance his restaurant. Would people who really want pictures sneak unflashed shots? Oh hell yes.

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

This guy Chang is full of himself. I know other's covet a reservation at Momofuku Ko, but I skip over the hundreds of food blogs entries about his joint. In a year, it'll just be one more restaurant to talk about.

I fully agree that flash photography is a sucky and inconsiderate practice in a restaurant.

Take a few shots of a memorable meal is fully acceptable. No well-regarded restaurant owner or chef would prohibit, if done in a socially acceptable manner. If a chef prohibits it, it's probably because he's insecure about others attempting to reproduce original dishes.

I, too, photograph memorable meals like I would photograph memorable vacation locales. I've never been discouraged by restaurant personnel.
In fact, during a particularly memorable tapas-style meal consisting of 21 courses at l'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel (http://www.rabanel.com/) in Arles, France, the waitstaff would pose with each course, allowing me to photograph the dishes in good light and before eager diners dug in.

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

Robyn's comment (as quoted by Zach) amuses me and I identify with it in part. The photo that Adam linked to is great.

I think that as long as you're not disturbing staff or other patrons it should be okay. However, as Alaina said, there's something to be said about just enjoying the experience.

It also depends on the type of establishment and the camera. Bringing out a big SLR isn't always appropriate. SLRs can be obtrusive. In any situation a camera phone should be acceptable.
(Reading the comments more thoroughly, I realize that I'm repeating what chiff0nade said.)

From Serious Eats

Best Boba Teahouses in Southern Cali

Where the heck are the great Seattle joints, then? I can't stand the milky ones, which seem to be the majority here. Crunchy tapioca balls also suck.

From Serious Eats

Best Boba Teahouses in Southern Cali

hey babpul,

Sorry you weren't fond of the choices. I actually grew up twenty minutes away, and used to hang out at these spots on weekend nights throughout high school. Us 18-year olds loved our bubble tea adventures up the 5-fwy. I'd love to hear your favorites and check them out next time I'm out West. Unfortunately DC is dry on the boba front. We've got one measley source called Snap in Georgetown (also a crepe joint). Otherwise those tapioca balls demand a trek out to the Eden Center in Virginia!

http://www.edencenter.com/

Erin

From Serious Eats

Seriously Delicious Holiday Giveaway: Bacon of the Month Club

Crispy enough so that the fat is crunchy but not so much that the meat is dried out

From Serious Eats

Seriously Delicious Holiday Giveaway: Bacon of the Month Club

We have a winner!

And it's ... KAREN R. Someone from Serious Eats will be contacting you shortly for shipping info.

Thanks to everyone who commented, and tune in again later today and throughout New Year's Day for a contest each day.

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