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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.

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 ;)

cant keep straight what the h... she'd doing.

I agree with rosezilla that cilantro and lime is a must in a recipe like this and is what makes these fish tacos so delicious.

So I was reading back through the comments and noticing several posters who said to give this train wreck a chance, maybe she would come into her own. Ummm....nope. This is the weirdest, most annoying show I've EVER seen. The growling, grunting, freaky voice and the calling of oil "earl"? Gross. Her hair looks like she was electrocuted and oddly enough, I keep thinking it's Guy Fieri in drag?!? I find it odd that TFN hasn't looked at the comments here and on their own site and made some changes! I'm not advocating the woman(?) lose her job, but someone needs to help her out. And fast. I see potential if she just TONED IT DOWN about a million degrees. She is so over the top, that it's literally hard to watch. Some of her recipes actually look appetizing, but with all the "noise" and disturbing grandiose, I just can't watch. It's like running nails down a chalkboard. Harsh? Maybe. But....this is THE WORST show on TFN.

I loved her program....I thought she was entertaining and a really great chef.. I would bet Mario Battalli thinks so too......so shes not very polished after what the Food Network has put on the past few months she is a breath of fresh/real chef air.....FOOD NETWORK!!! ATTN!!! if I wanted to watch a bunch of home cooks I could watch myself and my friends... I learned more from Anne than from any of these new supposed stars and have cooked a few of her dishes and they were wonderful

WOW... I found this blog looking for an Ann Burrell recipe. DAMN, I haven't seen a group of vocal HATERS this big since our Presidential election, and to think that I thought the Sandra Lee haters were pretty united.

Had to sigh-up to post, I can cancel my enrollment now.

Now to return to my favorite seal clubbing blog for a rest. 8~(

OMG!!! She is so annoying. You can cook and teach ones to cook without all the antics and voice changes in that scary monster voise she switches to. What is that???? Come on. Please, she can cook for us and teach us her skills without all the stupid filler and crazy movements.

Fair enough, Perky. Just don't be misled. If you knew this woman, you'd eat your words. You're probably right about my bitterness, though. I'll just let it lie there. Good luck to her. We'll all see how she gets on in the future.

Everyone's banging on here about Ann being a "Pro Chef", and how she's a great restaurant professional. What separates a Chef from a cook is the ability to lead a group of kitchen staff to believe in your food and produce it faithfully and consistently.
Ann was fired from Centro Vinoteca for making a real mess of the team there, both front and back of house. Her cooks didn't respect her and turned over at a rate you wouldn't believe. She was arrogant and offensive to the service staff, allowed no dietary adjustments, and peered out of her open kitchen, judging and belittling guests, and sniggering at peoples' dress sense or haircuts with her singular floor staff ally. She would not accept constructive criticism, preferring to send out sub-standard dishes than admit she's human and needs help from the experienced crew around her.
Secrets of a Restaurant Chef. The only secrets that this cook, who was fired from her last restaurant, could share, would be along the lines of how to lose friends, a clientele, a reputation for good food, the faith of an entire restaurant crew, and healthy arteries.
There is one, singular useful message that I take from Anne Burrell. Brown food does indeed, taste good, and I remember it every time I cook. As for anything else, let the sycophancy rest. Unless you haven't noticed, no-one's rushing to hire this "Restaurant Chef". Her reputation in this industry is completely shot.

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

I'm lamora and I live in the Central Valley of California. Half British, half Latina (air force brat). I spent most of my early years in England, until transferring back to the states when I was 17. I married a latino, who had never had anything but straight mexican foods, birria, tacos de cesos ( don't make me tell you what that is) and believe me, our first date dinner of roast beef, mash, brussels & gravy (which I cooked) was washed over with a slurp of his smuggled in hot sauce!!! I was mortified...but you know what...22 years later, he has grown to appreciate different foods. I am from a family of 8 and while in English school, took cookery lessons since age 9. We grew up cooking homey, hearty meals for the family and there are quite a few "twists" on the food my Brit mum tried to make for my dad back in the States...Chile on top of mashed potatoes!! (try it, it's delish!!) Anyway...I love this blog and hope to get to know you all!!!!

Oh thank God there are people who see the light about lil squeak squeak Kelsey. FN already has a over stimulated show (R.R.). They want to put 2 shows on like that? Are they in with a pharmacutical company hoping viewers to buy valuim after watching these super hyper people? I don't know why but Kelsey has got to be the most annoying person. I was so glad when she got "da boot"!! Lisa I liked, she seemed to know her stuff, but she had this arrogance, all this talk of her designer cloths and shoes turned me off, who cares, your there to cook not talk about fashion. Jennifer was a joke, I was annoyed how she always brought up her kid, yeah she missed her, but to mention the kid all the time....Why even join a contest? Nipa didn't seem into it. I am looking forward to when FN puts a show on Indian cooking, just not Nipa hosting it. Yes her specialty is Indian, but she needs to know a little of all styles. Adam was okay he had a good personality, he entertained me with his humor, his food eh mediocore. Aaron I really liked, at the end he shined. Looking forward to watching his show.