To Click or Not to Click
The San Francisco Chronicle today tackles an issue familiar to D.C. bloggers: taking pictures of your food in restaurants (thanks to donrockwell.com for the link). The story, which was written by a blogger, provides feedback from chefs and bloggers alike and even offers a list of "Rules for tableside shutterbugs," including this: "Read the room. A romantic boite will be more intimate than dim sum, so adjust your picture-taking to fit the mood. If your server asks you to stop, don't start an argument."
You may recall the conflict that arose when Jason of D.C. Foodies snapped camera phone pictures at Buck's Fishing and Camping and was asked to not use the photos by chef/owner Carole Greenwood. It's not mentioned in the story, but it sparked a whole debate about what a restaurant can and cannot restrict.
I try to make sure my cellphone never shows its glowing little face when in a restaurant — not for yapping with a friend, checking a text message or taking pictures. (Except for that one time when a friend's name was spelled out in onion straws atop a steak at Evening Star Cafe. Too freaky not to capture, and no, I hadn't had too much wine.) But I understand the desire to document a great dish.
So what's your take? Is snapping a pic of your food with a camera or camera phone bad table manners? Or is it all in the execution?
You may recall the conflict that arose when Jason of D.C. Foodies snapped camera phone pictures at Buck's Fishing and Camping and was asked to not use the photos by chef/owner Carole Greenwood. It's not mentioned in the story, but it sparked a whole debate about what a restaurant can and cannot restrict.
I try to make sure my cellphone never shows its glowing little face when in a restaurant — not for yapping with a friend, checking a text message or taking pictures. (Except for that one time when a friend's name was spelled out in onion straws atop a steak at Evening Star Cafe. Too freaky not to capture, and no, I hadn't had too much wine.) But I understand the desire to document a great dish.
So what's your take? Is snapping a pic of your food with a camera or camera phone bad table manners? Or is it all in the execution?
Comments
There is a very good reason why professionals are hired to take pictures of food. It's extremely easy for the picture to ruin the appeal of a dish.
So for my two cents, just don't do it and save yourself, your readers, and the restaurant the bellyache.
I wish I had thought to snap pics of the wonderful setting at Bennigan's on my latest trip (Denver)... I sent back a martini three (3) times because of food crusted on the outside of the glass, and then asked to speak to the manager -- thinking that they really should know what's going on for the diners. As she and I were talking at the table, I noticed food crusted on the knife, and promptly brought it to her attention, thinking it would underscore the importance of clean settings. It didn't seem to phase her, although she DID promise to fix it right away and sped off with the offending knife. I never DID see her, or my replacement knife, and I was gratified later when the bill came, in full, without any customary adjustment or at least an offer of a free dessert for the trouble.
Oo! Double deal... I got to comment, AND complain about an incident that's been bugging me for weeks.
Dave Mc here. Nine years ago, dining at Alain Ducasse in Paris, my wife and I saw a woman sitting very stiffly as if afraid to move. Each time the waiters presented a dish, she reached into her lap under the table cloth, pulled out a camera, and took a quick photo. (This was before camera phones or even small digital cams!) We couldn't tell if she was a restaurateur seeking inspiration or just a foodie chef's groupie. One thing we were sure of: She was American.
I almpst always take photos of my plate. Several reasons, first, I'm a foodie... Love food and preparing food. Have been cooking for 74 years and have cookbooks to show for my efforts. Hvae won local, State, National, and international awards for my cooking.
Second. I pair the photo with the menu and the restaurant for future reference. What I ate when and where. Third, like to have proof when I end up in the hospital with food poisoning.
When I pay for the food, it is MINE to do with what I choose.