It's X'mas Time, .....

First off, sorry if my last post sounded very one sided. Actually I am very pro food blogger. I just wanted to post a point of view. A restaurant-er asked me today if it it's true that today food blogger are more significant than print media review/ad. More specifically if a good food blogger experience would bring more customers in their doors than traditional methods. There is no doubt that technology has changed the way many people choose their dining destinations. Besides food bloggers, companies/websites like Yelp, Urbanspoon, Chowhound and Open Table has given diners alternative when it comes to choosing restaurants and making reservations. Food bloggers and online foodies that report their experiences offer a more current outlook of a restaurant than the traditional print media.

Every individual's palate is different, so no matter how wonderful even a gourmand think a dish is, there will be differences of opinions. As a chef or industry professional you need to learn to detect your customer's preferences. As much as I hate to suggest it, but many successful restaurant listen and make changes to accommodate their core paying customers(target market). About a decade ago I created a menu that included Pad Thai on the menu. I tried to be 'authentic' but inevitably the tomato ketchup laden pad thai sauce was unceremoniously the one that went on the menu. I even had to reduce the fish sauce and added oyster sauce to make it 'better'. FWIW, the restaurant won a new restaurant award. Sigh...! Today most people have a better idea what Pad Thai is. And would prefer a more authentic version.

What I like about food blogging is that individuals can decide which blog to follow. You are not restricted to one or two opinions like traditional print media. I apologize if I rattled some feathers.

There are 12 days left to X'mas. So i figured I will try to end the year with 12 notable dishes of the years. This are 12 memorable food items I had this year in no particular order.