Seriously, when did everyone become a culinary expert? It used to be that food criticism was left to, you know, actual critics – people who’d dedicated time to understanding flavor profiles, cooking techniques, and the nuances of restaurant service. Now? Every Tom, Dick, and Harriet with an Instagram account and a half-eaten plate of avocado toast considers themselves qualified to dissect a chef’s life work.
I’m not saying you can’t have an opinion. Of course you can. But there’s a difference between saying “I didn’t like this dish” and tearing apart a restaurant with dramatic pronouncements about “lack of imagination” and “poor execution.” Did you even consider that maybe the chef was having an off night? Or that your palate is just… different?
The internet has amplified this phenomenon to an absurd degree. A blurry photo and a few hastily typed sentences can make or break a small business. And let’s be honest, most of these amateur reviews are about as insightful as a soggy crouton.
So, next time you’re tempted to unleash your inner Gordon Ramsay on Yelp, maybe just… don’t. Unless you’re prepared to back up your scathing critique with actual knowledge, perhaps stick to saying whether or not you enjoyed your meal. Let the real critics do their job, and let the rest of us eat in peace.
farizal.com
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