This is an exceptional piece of writing, and I can tell I'll be returning to it often. Having lived most of my life in small towns in the Rocky Mountain West (now western Montana), I haven't typically had a lot of choices of restaurants and, overall, restaurants have not played a big part in my life or in my relationship with food. When friends came from more urban areas -- Atlanta, LA, Chicago -- for our wedding last year, I remember how delighted many of them were to find that even our small town has a coffee shop that they recognize as being their kind of place. But of course it does; our little town is on one of the major roads that goes to Glacier National Park, a place of spectacular natural beauty slowly being worn down, in part by having too many visitors. We are widening the highway to accommodate more of them, too. We will generously accommodate tourists, even unto the death of the thing that has brought them here.
My situation is different, but I can't get away from writing about food because I love it. I think in many ways it's because I eat by myself so much. I want to talk about the food I like and eat with people. Because I'm excited. So I share through writing. I don't like to think of it as criticism because I have no credibility. More like delayed speech.
Great read. I hardly ever read restaurant reviews - except Jay Raynor, a legend of the dry wit. But otherwise it feels absurd to read reviews of places in my own city that hardly ever serve vegan food and even if they did are too expensive. We have now narrowed our eating our treats down to 3 local favourites. One is cheap and famous, the others mid range and popular but you can usually get a seat at any without booking too far ahead. We never tire of them, though of course are open to adding another if it comes along.
Love this reflection and admire you for this decision to not cover that facet of food. I’m curious your thoughts on gatekeeping particular places as a local even if you know that sharing them will be good for the business
Well I appreciate your recommendations. Still thinking of all the places I tried last time based on your advice and hoping they will still be there when I can go back again.
This: a really great, reflective and thoughtful, column today. Now that I am finally objectively old, and have finally recognized how shallow I am, I do my living where I reside. Great observations about hiw many are harms inflicted humans chasing experiences. Also, the best words about taste and subjectivity I have read in a long while.
This is an exceptional piece of writing, and I can tell I'll be returning to it often. Having lived most of my life in small towns in the Rocky Mountain West (now western Montana), I haven't typically had a lot of choices of restaurants and, overall, restaurants have not played a big part in my life or in my relationship with food. When friends came from more urban areas -- Atlanta, LA, Chicago -- for our wedding last year, I remember how delighted many of them were to find that even our small town has a coffee shop that they recognize as being their kind of place. But of course it does; our little town is on one of the major roads that goes to Glacier National Park, a place of spectacular natural beauty slowly being worn down, in part by having too many visitors. We are widening the highway to accommodate more of them, too. We will generously accommodate tourists, even unto the death of the thing that has brought them here.
My situation is different, but I can't get away from writing about food because I love it. I think in many ways it's because I eat by myself so much. I want to talk about the food I like and eat with people. Because I'm excited. So I share through writing. I don't like to think of it as criticism because I have no credibility. More like delayed speech.
Great read. I hardly ever read restaurant reviews - except Jay Raynor, a legend of the dry wit. But otherwise it feels absurd to read reviews of places in my own city that hardly ever serve vegan food and even if they did are too expensive. We have now narrowed our eating our treats down to 3 local favourites. One is cheap and famous, the others mid range and popular but you can usually get a seat at any without booking too far ahead. We never tire of them, though of course are open to adding another if it comes along.
Love this reflection and admire you for this decision to not cover that facet of food. I’m curious your thoughts on gatekeeping particular places as a local even if you know that sharing them will be good for the business
Thoughtfully argued and expressed, and right on the money. Love your work, Alicia.
Well I appreciate your recommendations. Still thinking of all the places I tried last time based on your advice and hoping they will still be there when I can go back again.
This: a really great, reflective and thoughtful, column today. Now that I am finally objectively old, and have finally recognized how shallow I am, I do my living where I reside. Great observations about hiw many are harms inflicted humans chasing experiences. Also, the best words about taste and subjectivity I have read in a long while.