Second Helpings: How I choose restaurants to review
People still ask me how I choose which restaurants to review in which order, so this seems like a good entry to repeat. It's also worthy of note because the one comment posted beneath it (here's the link) must be the longest non sequitor ever posted on this blog, and we've had some doozies. ...
Why do I go where I go?
In his comment yesterday, Robert [this was before the Roberts had differentiated themselves] raised a very good question, about why I would review two Italian places with the Big Kahuna in between.
Here's how my thinking went.
My first priority is always new restaurants, even if they are all of the same type (that says something about trends in itself) and even if they are in the same area.
If I don't have a new restaurant to do immediately, I try to be diverse: geographically (which for some reason is always difficult when it comes to north of the city), type of cuisine, casual vs. formal.
I wanted to see what was happening to Paolo's after the one in Harborplace closed, and I wanted to get to the Big Kahuna because this time of year people are always interested in Inner Harbor places to eat, and it's the restaurant that replaced Paolo's. I had actually let Pazza Luna wait longer than I wanted to (it opened a few months ago), but I had had a lot of new places to visit or places that had major changes or new ownership like Brightons.
It's not exactly scientific, but I hope I get around to the restaurant you're interested in -- and sooner rather than later.
Suggestions welcome.
(Photo of Big Kahuna by Kenneth K. Lam/Sun photographer)
Comments
Don't be fooled, guys.
Epicurious L.I.Z. spins a big wheel in the back of the newsroom with the name of every restaurant in Baltimore.
That's why she's headed to Eat Must Be First when she gets back.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | April 3, 2008 4:03 PM
Come on now, Sam. None of us can top that comment.
Posted by: Rosebud | April 4, 2008 7:13 AM
Ahhh... I can see it now, big wheel spinning as EL throws a cleaver at the spinning wheel to choose her next target...
Posted by: Maggi | April 4, 2008 11:32 AM
How many times do you actually dine at the restaurant prior to writing your review? Do you base the review on only one visit? Do you identify yourself as a reviewer when you arrive at the establishment?
Posted by: Maddog | April 4, 2008 12:06 PM
Oddly enough I tried the Big Kahuna last night. It was a rainy outside, but the harbor view was fantastic and the decor was very festive. Many a happy hour and post-work meal will be had there this coming season. I hear that their restaurant is seasonal as well though, closing in the winter months. There was one spot inside the fish I ordered that was raw, unfortunately. Looks like there was an incomplete thaw. In spite of that, I'll be back - it was that much fun and the food did not detract from the experience.
Posted by: Bob DoubleU | April 4, 2008 3:50 PM
Yes, but when is the sack full of unmarked bills dropped off at an undisclosed location?
Posted by: Robert of Cross Keys | April 6, 2008 10:16 AM