Point well taken, EL. And I particularly like hearing from the veteran servers out there. This would be a better (and more civil) world if everyone had to take a turn waiting tables.

I have a lot of respect for the industry folks who've done it right, like Joe from Joe's Pizza, Volker from Brewer's Art and Jason from Don't Know, et al. There are others, too. These are folks who've *participated* here while neither trumpeting nor hiding their ties.

I've always enjoyed hearing Kimmer give the servers' side, too.

I know there are others who've not mentioned their industry ties, and I respect their choice.

But, yes, the conversation would have been much less interesting around here had it not been for all three categories of restaurant folks.

Thanks for inspiring yet another oyster craving EL! The picture made me want to slurp up my monitor. Bon voyage.

nothing beats when the hipsters from golden west start typing

I am not a blogger, but could not resist getting involved w/your site. I appreciate what you've done for the culinary scene in Baltimore by getting the word out to our guest. Your site never got stale, always fresh and current, like a good walk-in. Personally you've keep me on my toes.

Yeah - since you are retiring can we all partake in one last Golden West Cafe bashing? For old times sake?

Hm, we could all get seated and start making cellphone calls, maybe to the restaurant to ask if that's ok...or maybe we could call for pizza delivery, since it's still the Golden Wait.

The involvement of the local food industry was one of the first things that really attracted me to this.

It's hard to be young in this city without knowing at least a few people in the hospitality industry. But this dialogue has been one of the more inclusive I've found out there.

I like considering disparate viewpoints, and particularly people who thoughtfully play devils' advocate; there's no shortage of people on the Intarwebz who confuse that with trolling.

And if we're running another train on GW, I suppose I'll raise my hand as one of those people who've never had a problem with their food or service.

I really appreciate that this blog has given me venue to occasionally discuss a server's perspective. I love what I do and enjoy reading other's opinions. Keeping my finger on the pulse of the dining public helps me to better do my job.
So, thanks again, EL. I'll miss you!

Well, thanks for having us, EL! I like participating in blogs because it gives me a chance to respond to the "constant complaining" in a constructive fashion. I will certainly miss this forum.
Captcha "wanting bissell" which fills me with the urge to vacuum.

EL, you've created the only forum where Baltimore restaurant operators can openly communicate with their guests and potential customers. For that we all owe you a debt of gratitude.

In fact, the reason I joined and started posting was because a commenter had a less than ideal experience at one of our restaurants and posted about it. Nowhere else on the web would I have been able to respond to the criticism and get involved in a conversation with that person, as well as other regular Baltimore area diners.

We in the restaurant industry are all sad to see you retire (but happy for you, of course) and hope your successor does one tenth the job you have with this blog and restaurant reviews.

Lee, I think you've pointed out one of the reasons this blog has been successful. Elizabeth has been willing to let people communicate. She has rarely shut anyone down, and I know some of us have definitely pushed some limits.

It takes a certain security and calmness to look at a comment, realize it could get really nasty, then sit back and not do anything, because it might not get nasty. In fact, something interesting or useful might happen.

(Another result of this is the self-policing that goes on around here.)

I recently began working in a new restaurant. As a newbie in the industry, I've tried to use what I learned from D@L to make my guests' meals and experience more enjoyable. And yes, Cleatus, I try not to laugh when someone gently touches me.

Reach out and touch somebody's hand...

Reach out and touch someone.

Touch me in the mourning.

I never realized how "touchy feely" Ms Ross is...

It's good to see someone reaching out to the hard working small businessmen and women who are the foundation of our economic growth.

See Me
Feel Me
Touch Me
Heal Me