 problems with restaurant reviews
Putting aside questions of the reviewer's talents, a contributing factor to why there are so many bad reviews is budget.
The ideal review of a restaurant includes three visits. The first two are blind, and at least one of them should be done on a weekend. The reviewer is accompanied by his/her partner and another couple. And all four of them order different things each time. After the third visit the reviewer identifies him/herself, and asks to meet the chef and see the kitchen.
Because very few media are willing to pay for that process, and because the reviewer certainly can't afford it out of pocket, we most often get less than the ideal. |