The Hendersonville Epicurean - Defined

A number of articles I've read lately on reviewing restaurants have included complaints from chefs and restaurant owners about food bloggers - "floggers" - not acting responsibly when posting reviews or not having the training to qualify them as a restaurant reviewer - "who do these people, calling themselves reviewers, think they are?"

Another topic that has been getting some press is whether or not a restaurant reviewer should remain anonymous.

Who is the Hendersonville Epicurean?

Remaining as anonymous as possible is my goal because there should be no question of good reviews in exchange for comped meals or favors. I also try to be careful about what personal information I put out on the Internet due to privacy concerns.

So here are the basics: I am happily married, have 3 children; two in high school, one in college. My home is in the Hendersonville area. Over the years, I've traveled (and eaten) in various parts of Mexico, in eastern and western Canada, most of the 50 states and a half dozen or so European countries.

During those travels, I've stayed everywhere from tents in campgrounds to youth hostels to pensions to private homes to 5 star hotels.

What qualifies the Hendersonville Epicurean to review restaurants?

My "training", when it comes to the culinary world, is strictly informal. I'm mostly a self-taught cook who's spent a lifetime watching, learning, cooking, tasting and enjoying food and drink. The look, the smell, the taste, the texture of well prepared food is a beautiful thing.

Why should restaurants welcome a review from the Hendersonville Epicurean?

I'm a member of the largest target demographic for the restaurants I review. When I go to a restaurant, I go with an expectation of a good overall experience; good food, good ambiance, good service - no matter what the price range. I feel that my reactions to a dining experience will be similar to a majority of a restaurant's customers - not reactions of a "professional food critic." If I mention something I feel restaurant management can improve on, other people are probably feeling the same way.

I actually want restaurants (and the people behind them) to succeed and am saddened when I come away from a dining experience feeling like there are changes that need to be made if that particular restaurant is going to be in business much longer.

What's the Hendersonville Epicurean's philosophy?

If I eat at a restaurant and it is not a good experience, I won't review it. I do try to go back to give them another chance, when possible. My feeling is that bad restaurants will be out of business soon enough without my help. I'd rather focus on the positive. There are plenty of other places on the Internet where people can, and do, go to post negative comments.

Why is the Hendersonville Epicurean doing this blog?

Imagine asking a friend if they've been to a particular restaurant and what they thought of it. Or, where would your friend recommend going for a really great lunch. That's what I hope this blog will be - a resource based on honesty and enthusiastic recommendations of restaurants I'd want my friends to experience.

Besides, this just gives me another reason to do what I love - eat out and then write about it!