If anyone would like to read them, Chef Achatz' controversial post on this topic is HERE.

The LA Times article that Henry referred to is HERE.

To my mind, this speaks to the same conundrum that irked the hell out of me when I was in Paris last year. The experience of visiting some of the world's great art in that city's museum was severely compromised by the hordes of incredibly thoughtless people who now visit museums as souvenir hunters rather than to have an actual in-the-moment experience of the art. They thought nothing of stepping right in front of visitors to get their little snapshot before moving on to the next thing-to-record. Big difference between actually experiencing something and taking photos to show off that you were there, or to document it for the ten billionth blog on the subject.

In a restaurant, especially one where diners conventionally sit down to enjoy a meal and conversation rather than simply dropping in to get a bite to eat, the kitchen's and service's timing is often thrown off when people interfere for the sake of getting their photos. The ambience is compromised or ruined for others when too much fuss is made over getting those precious pictures.

The art of fine dining isn't just about what the house brings to you, it's also about what you bring to table.


But again, I see a big difference between the photos and video posted to this thread, and what this debate is really about. It wouldn't bother me at all to see someone taking photos at a sandwich joint or inexpensive restaurant. However if I saw the same at, say, Fleur de Lys, I'd think "what a jerk."

Then I'd scream "FOOD FIGHT!" and let the chips fall as they may.

I saw that article. I remember when Ludo first started doing Ludobites, he was not thrilled with photo taking. This from a guy whose 'cookbook' is mostly photos of him posing half nude, and from his not long ago preening phase when he presided over Bastide.

And the flash is the worst. Most people need to use it since most restaurants are dark.
But when you take pics of food w/ flash that close, the pic just looks like ass.

Foie Gras Torchon, for me, ends up tasting like a really rich butter. I usually like it plain on a brioche with maybe something sweet or tangy to break up the richness. Alex, how did it taste in that sandwich? Can't picture how it would do alongside the lettuce and tomato.

I was overload for sure but I enjoyed it. My friends complaint was that it overpowered everything including the prosciutto. I think it did well with the prosciutto. It's definitely not for everyone though.

awaiting kirk's review of a napa valley restaurant.

I hate kirkland now.

x2

x3^2