OK, I admit I dropped the ball on this one. Right now, I am in the US on a business trip and will be flying back to Vancouver tonight. Usually I post-process and prepare the pictures for following week’s posts on the weekend and, depending on how busy I am, the posts are written during the weekend or Monday (Tuesday at the latest). However, due to other reasons, I did not manage to do everything before my trip. As a result, I did not have the pictures prepared for today. Ouch… However, this gives me an opportunity to ask readers for opinions on a topic that I have been scratching my head…
Now, there is a reason why this post is called dichotomy – as the name suggests it is about two halves, and yes, it is food related. So, let me ask these questions:
eat-in vs. take-out: If you were for the food, how different do you think it is eat-in compared to take-out/take-away? I mean, food is food, right? Well, not exactly. In some cases, the transit time between getting your food and eating it, can “transform” your dish. For example, fried food can get slightly mushy (specially if “steam” is created and contained), stews “improve”, warm food gets cold, cold food gets warm. However, that allows you to eat without any staff distraction. On the other side, eating in, allows you to fully experience the restaurant. But, from a blogging perspective, how much difference does it make?
Lunch vs. Dinner: If you go to a Chinese restaurant, there is the chance the menu you see during lunch is the same you see at dinner time. Usually, for dinner service, the menu tends to be larger and, in some places, the menu is completely different from the “usual” fare. For example, I once went to Guu for lunch and the food did not reflect anything you could get at late afternoon/night. But, I feel that, if they can’t deliver during lunchtime…
Coca Cola vs. Pepsi Cola: Errrr…. Nevermind….
Solo dining vs dining with others: Some people are amazed to the fact I go to restaurants by myself, specially those who grew up eating with family and so on. To a certain extent, that is true and dining in a group allows you to same several dishes. But, in the end, food is food. Well, sort of. But, sometimes, being able to find a good dinner companion might be difficult. So, in this case, since having only one dish per visit, is it enough to write about a restaurant?
There are more things coming to my mind but I think these are the “major” ones. And, oh, please, be prepared for a *really* interesting post this Sunday, OK? ^_^
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
eat in vs. take out:
Food is food but the fact that the food is changed from the original way it was intended makes a difference. The other thing is, if you’re reviewing a restaurant then you are probably also reviewing its service as well – that means that eating in is really a must. If you’re judging a restaurant on the food alone, you have to be aware that the travel time may affect the food. Ultimately, does the restaurant setting have an effect on the food you eat? Probably. One example is just the way its presented – you probably won’t be presented the food in the same way as in the restaurant.
Lunch vs. Dinner:
I think you raise an interesting question here on whether you can judge a restaurant by its lunch food. I think you’re right that if they can’t deliver on all meals then they’re probably not a great restaurant. I think that’s really weird that restaurants aren’t consistent like that so perhaps you should only go for dinner at Guu and not lunch haha
Solo vs. Groups:
I think you can totally judge a restaurant by one dish but it certainly wouldn’t be a very good judgment. Dining with others is often a good idea from a reviewer’s standpoint because you can get more dishes as you said and you have a better idea of what the restaurant’s quality is like.
Half the meals outside the house are consumed by myself. You just get a feeling for restaurant, even after just one dish.
eat-in vs. take-out: No difference whatsoever. Your points are all spot on, and we know when you aren’t eating at the restaurant. All of your take-out posts (from my memory) make mention of this and you seem to take this into consideration. I think your readers, can put one-and-one together and realize that you showcasing your experience. Be it sitting in the lounge, in your car, or along the sea front.
Lunch vs. Dinner: Almost the same comments. You are showcasing the restaurant during a certain period. Whether different foods are available or not, it makes no difference that you are relaying your experience based on the food you ordered, restaurant atmosphere, quality etc…
Coca Cola vs. Pepsi Cola: Regular Coke and Pepsi Max.
Solo dining vs dining with others: Of course it’s more than enough. The quality of dishes and overall restaurant experience should be looked at in the same way. Yes if you were dining with 12 people, I could see a difference. But it’s not like you hype up and/or put down dishes you aren’t eating.
As always, fantastic job Kim. A great resource for locals and inspiration for my future visits! Keep up the great work.