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Anthony Bourdain, I AM NOT SOUTHERN
When I lived in the Midwest I would often get pissy about people making broad generalizations about where I chose to call home. But you know, there's a reason some regional stereotypes exist and goodness, maybe you deserve a lil' gold foil star on your cheek for being the Speshul Snowflake Exception... but sometimes the truth just plain hurts.
Yelp Extorting Businesses
Yeah, okay. I'm not a huge Yelp supporter. I think their claims of being able to move reviews around are worthless as it's easy for a user to filter search results by rating and date (and probably some other factors). However, one of the two individuals who were interviewed have been airing their grievances about Yelp publicly for months now and while they may have some valid complaints, they both come off as the types of entrepreneurs who view any negative criticism as hate speech. Perhaps if these ladies paid more attention to their own customer service issues they wouldn't have as many one-star reviews.
Is it Rude to Eat on Mass Transit?
I'd be curious to know how many of the people who've already commented use transit on a daily basis. I do.
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Recent Comments | Response to Comments
Do Restaurants Get A Political Voice?
f650gsd, since you live in an alternate universe, the outcome of this election and our national politics will have no effect on you.
Anyway, there's nothing wrong with restaurant owners displaying their political affiliations. Obviously it's going to turn off some customers, but might attract others. A sign in the window, a little joke on the menu board, it's all a nice form of civic engagement.
Now, if we go beyond that to being proselytized for The Cause at table/counterside, I have a problem. Let me sip my coffee in peace, thanks.
Anthony Bourdain, I AM NOT SOUTHERN
When I lived in the Midwest I would often get pissy about people making broad generalizations about where I chose to call home. But you know, there's a reason some regional stereotypes exist and goodness, maybe you deserve a lil' gold foil star on your cheek for being the Speshul Snowflake Exception... but sometimes the truth just plain hurts.
Yelp Extorting Businesses
Yeah, okay. I'm not a huge Yelp supporter. I think their claims of being able to move reviews around are worthless as it's easy for a user to filter search results by rating and date (and probably some other factors). However, one of the two individuals who were interviewed have been airing their grievances about Yelp publicly for months now and while they may have some valid complaints, they both come off as the types of entrepreneurs who view any negative criticism as hate speech. Perhaps if these ladies paid more attention to their own customer service issues they wouldn't have as many one-star reviews.
Is it Rude to Eat on Mass Transit?
I'd be curious to know how many of the people who've already commented use transit on a daily basis. I do.
Is it Rude to Eat on Mass Transit?
I didn't mind it so much when it was the occasional sandwich or candy bar but somewhere in the last couple of years people have crossed the line. Curries, barbecue and noodles galore and the only thing more disgusting than the smell intermingling with the usual transit odors is having to hear the diner slurping down their meal (is it any surprise that mobile diners have all the grace and table manners of pigs?). It's not just rude, it's disgusting.
'Top Chef' Contestant Lisa Fernandes Hates Your Poor Blogger Ass
Wait a minute.
She's begging for a job on a reality show... and we're the losers?
Update on the McDonald's Logo on WNBA Jerseys
If the precedent spills over into men's major-league sports and causes these teams and their owners to stop begging the taxpayers for new stadiums and other concessions, then bring on the freaking logos.
CBS Buys CNET, Owner of Chowhound
I'm not certain what CBS would do with Chowhound, though I'm not certain what CNET was doing with it, either. Maybe they'll maintain it as is, or maybe it'll get sold off to a company like Scripps, owners of Food Network and Fine Living. Whatever happens, I predict that Mr. Leff is going to get a very rough schooling in matters business.
Yelp Extorting Businesses
I have problems with yelp too.
I am a business owner, and I must admit, I guess i am a little bit neurotic about reading my reviews. For over a year now i have been checking my reviews like once a week. I have not paid yelp ever.
I have inquired about the following things to my 'rep" (or whatever they are) and they have NEVER answered. (except for a 'cute' canned response)
The most reviews i have ever had at one time is 8, although there are many, many more positive reviews of my business that simply appear, disappear, and reappear again from cyberspace throughout the span of a few months. I am not sure why some other businesses have as many as 30 reviews or more, when i know there are SO MANY more POSITIVE reviews for my biz. that just float in and out. (some have perhaps been removed)
The negative ones, however, DO NOT MOVE. They do not disappear, as do the positive ones: they stay there. Therefore my number of stars is drastically brought DOWN by the fact that the negative ones stay!!
This smells funny to me. I would love more feedback on this issue.
Yelp Extorting Businesses
The whole yelp thing seemed really fun and cool to me until I joined and found they were suppressing some of my reviews. Even worse, they deceptively make you think your reviews are all still there – the deleted reviews still show up when YOU look at the particular business (when you are signed in)... so you don't know it's not showing up to others unless you check without being signed in.
Their "user support" people are no help at all. If you have a question about why your reviews aren't showing, they just refer you to their TOS, which is very vague. My deleted reviews seemed to comply with their TOS, but were still deleted.
Now I hate yelp. It's some kind of popularity club where they don't let you know REAL rules.
Yelp Extorting Businesses
i write negative reviews sometimes if the buesiness deserves it. what's the point if they are taken down?
might as well go somewhere that I'm appreciated. Heard that Yelp's not the only site around...and they are paying too...
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090225162712AAoCqYF
Do Restaurants Get A Political Voice?
I'll concur with most of the commenters above (the proprietors have the right to express their opinions, and I have the right to shop elsewhere). I would add, however, that there might be a marketing plus for staying politically neutral. Not only do you not risk driving away customers - in a low margin business, why risk driving anyone away, no matter how small a segment of the market? - but you also can offer customers a politics-free zone. There is something pleasant about not having to make a political statement with every act we perform. Casting a vote on election day, sure, but buying your morning cup of coffee? I am reminded of my father's experiences as a young foreign service officer in Rotterdam in the early 60's. He would ask a local where he should buy a new suit or some tobacco for his pipe (yes, I know...), and the first response was always: Are you a Catholic or a Protestant? Different denominations patronized different merchants. I expect that this is no longer an issue in Rotterdam today, and I expect that this is a relief for everyone involved.
That said, as a Republican living in NYC, it gets really old really fast to learn that every establishment you would like to patronize either disagrees with your politics or, worse, goes out of its way to insult yours (Mud Truck, I'm looking at you). This election cycle has given me a whole new list of places where I will no longer do business. I hope the proprietors think it was worth it.
Do Restaurants Get A Political Voice?
i find it interesting that the author of the thread thinks that coffee shops are {or should be} politically neutral places. as someone who lived in berkeley during the seventies, a proclamation that the caffe mediterraneum on telegraph avenue was a politics free zone would have had its clientele either laughing or scratching its collective head.
Do Restaurants Get A Political Voice?
In one of my favorite blogs (http://kidoinfo.com/ri/coffee-with-a-purpose/), I read about a coffee shop that just puts it all out there, starting with the name: Blue State Coffee. The comments in the blog expose just how putting politics in your business can be a challenge.
Personally I do shop based on politics when I can, but then again, often the companies I buy from reflect my politics anyway...Apple (yes on 8 - http://www.apple.com/hotnews/)...Target (giving back to schools)...Walmart - yeah, I try to avoid shopping there (anti-union, anti-women, etc.), Blue State Coffe (yes, for all they stand for)
Do Restaurants Get A Political Voice?
@LoCo...I would think so...
Of course every owner has the 'right' to do so but it is a bad business decision. We acutally are closed on Election day simply to avoid any possible heated discussions with our regulars/customers.
Do Restaurants Get A Political Voice?
I'm wondering...
The merchant may have employees whose views differ from their employer's. Would this be construed as creating a hostile workplace?
Do Restaurants Get A Political Voice?
Sure, restaurant owners can advertise whatever political/social/religious belief they want - but I don't have to patronize their business. As long as they understand and accept the consequences of emblazoning their politics on their storefront, they can do whatever they want.
Of course, as a conservative living in Seattle, I'd starve if I avoided the coffee shops/stores/markets that advertise for Obama so I just ignore the political proselytizing.
Do Restaurants Get A Political Voice?
The people working in the muffin place must make less than 250,000 or make way more and feel guilty about it, so they advocate for someone who will give other peoples money away. There is a spot on your income tax to pay more if you wish. If you feel the need to pay more for worthless programs, be my guest...just don't take my money and do it. Socialism doesn't work...history has proven that...and even if it did , it isn't fair.
Do Restaurants Get A Political Voice?
@f650gsd:
I might amend your opening statement, "Political commentary from a coffee jockey is about as welcome as that from an actor or musician," to read "[...] actor, musician, or your average anonymous food blog reader/commenter."
Keeping it civil,
mem
Do Restaurants Get A Political Voice?
The owners of a restaurant or coffee shop or other public accommodation certainly have a right to publish their political views. As long as they don't practice any kind of illegal discrimination and I can afford the restaurant, I can choose to patronize their establishments. On the other hand, I can also choose to not patronize their establishments as well. And if I really disagree with the political views or business practices of the location, I can even walk back and forth in front of the restaurant asking other people not to patronize them.
It's a beautiful feature of the U.S. Constitution: we have "freedom to" not "freedom from."
Yelp Extorting Businesses
I'm going to follow up on my previous comment... All the negative Yelp reviews have now disappeared for our local bagel joint. They aren't completely gone (if I go to my profile, it still shows up), but they aren't showing it (the bagel basement yelp page says "0 reviews available").
Why do I have the sneaking suspicion that if my review was positive, it might become available?
Anthony Bourdain, I AM NOT SOUTHERN
I think I've learned more about different cultures from watching Tony than any other shows on TV. Because I care about and am interested iin food, I will sit and watch and really learn something. Not only does he discuss the food of the region, he also shows us their customs, religious rites and real people from the area. Tony Bourdain doesn't have to be in your living room....if you like his show, watch it. If you don't like it turn to the Food Network and nobody will offend you there.
Anthony Bourdain, I AM NOT SOUTHERN
in the words of rodney king -- "can't we all just get along?"
anthony bourdain is snarky, and talks about his preconceived notions of each place in the beginning of each episode, and then generally through the arc of the show he realizes the beauty and uniqueness of each place. he does this in nearly every show. including the one about new jersey. and iraq. and california. that's pretty much the point of the show. it would be a lot more boring otherwise.
how this turned into a northern vs. southern thing is ridiculous.
and PS -- there is more in the north than just new york. it's funny when people are saying how ignorant people are about the south, and then act equally ignorant about the north.
Anthony Bourdain, I AM NOT SOUTHERN
first thing out of his mouth was to let the world know he normally would have nothing to do with the South and was trepidatious about being there. Pathetic PC crap. SC doesn't want you there either champ.
I disagree wholeheartedly; had you watch the entire episode, you would have seen that his POV had been changed a bit by the people he met there. He had negative things to say about the Greeks, but when he went, once again, his attitude was changed. Bourdain can be a hot mess at times, but when he's wrong, he does admit it.
Anthony Bourdain, I AM NOT SOUTHERN
I watched the whole episode, while it's definitely not one of the better episodes of the show, its not really what you thought it was. It was actually a rather perplexing episode, and I'm not sure what the premise of it was.
I guess having Alice Cooper in the show as an amusing touch, but why would you go to his theme restaurant when there's so much more that the region must have to offer.
Nonetheless, the episode wasn't pandering OR offensive, just...meandering.
And I admit, I'm a Bourdain fan, but I think I can admit when his shtick gets old and cheesy. Refreshingly, however, he seems to be getting better with age, time, and experience (and parenthood?) and speaks and acts with a lot more humility and isn't as quick to drop a scalding quip as he used to be.
If anything, more recent episode of No Reservations seem to be even more intelligent than earlier ones, and definitely a step up from A Cook's Tour (which I liked by the way).
Anthony Bourdain, I AM NOT SOUTHERN
RELAX !! maxicav.... I was born in Detroit and raised in the south so I,ve always appreciated both. And Anthony being the well traveled person that is , was just pointing out the fact that he is not a SOUTHERNER but he's man enough to appreciated it being a YANKEE and all.
Anthony Bourdain, I AM NOT SOUTHERN
Regardless of sociopolitical issues, the culinary history of the American South is the culinary history of America. Take away the South and you take away the nation's gastronomic Genesis. I think Tony is aware of this - his comments were born quite possibly from ignorance. The media and Hollywood have gone out of their way to portray the South as backwoods - without sufficient time spent in the South one would not know the beauty that accompanies our flaws. For instance, Southern schools were integrated during the 50's and 60's. Boston's school system remained segregated until 1971.
You know everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects.
Will Rogers
Anthony Bourdain, I AM NOT SOUTHERN
Risa, Tony's a Jersey boy. It's a fine point but an important point.
Anthony Bourdain, I AM NOT SOUTHERN
I adore Tony and have seen almost all of his shows for the last few years - from TV Food Network to Travel Channel. Yes, his attitude stinks sometimes but he is a joy to watch.
I agree with Hollene, he is just a rude New Yorker - plain & simple. He wasn't trying to be obnoxious - he IS obnoxious. I am a NYer - born and raised in Brooklyn - spent years in Manhattan - that is the attitude of most folks. He wasn't trying to diss the South, not really. He is opinionated, but in a good way. He has great taste in interesting food. He is passionate about food - in any culture. I am passionate about food too. I feel as if I'm related to him a lot of the time.
I may be a Yankee but I've spent a lot of time in the South - love it to death. I just spent 2 weeks in North Carolina. I thought the food rocked!
I would watch the whole episode next time and then state your opinion. Watching only a few minutes is not sufficient to have an opinion. Just my 2 cents.
Anthony Bourdain, I AM NOT SOUTHERN
@onepercent99 - God Bless your little pea-pickin' heart! Exactly what I was thinking.
Anthony Bourdain, I AM NOT SOUTHERN
MaxCaviar,
You watched Anthony Bourdain and shocked that he had an unkind word or two to say! What the F*** did you expect
Anthony Bourdain, I AM NOT SOUTHERN
@ aungeinphx:
i think the "the big unit" is more homage to randy johnson and his stint with d-backs than to an actual big unit.
Anthony Bourdain, I AM NOT SOUTHERN
Fresh figs, no stuffing. Apples, peaches, strawberries and figs with goat cheese and water crackers. Perhaps some Soppressata. Wine= Cetamura from Badia al Coltibuono.
Cocktail party tomorrow for six. Bourdain has introduced me to several new cuisines. The club room above the "Bo" room in Kitchen Confidential is hilarious, and a reason I don't work in restaurants any more.
It's interesting that I grew up in the North and the Civil War was something we'd spent 1/2 hour on in History each year. Down here it's the War of Northern Aggression and is catalogued every day.
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f650gsd, since you live in an alternate universe, the outcome of this election and our national politics will have no effect on you.
Anyway, there's nothing wrong with restaurant owners displaying their political affiliations. Obviously it's going to turn off some customers, but might attract others. A sign in the window, a little joke on the menu board, it's all a nice form of civic engagement.
Now, if we go beyond that to being proselytized for The Cause at table/counterside, I have a problem. Let me sip my coffee in peace, thanks.