This probably won't shock anyone: I didn't see Central 214 chef Blythe Beck's television debut in The Naughty Kitchen.
I did hand the preview copy over to one of our writers, who made it part way through the opening episode before, as this writer put it, "her [Beck's] annoying voice forced me to turn it off. I couldn't take it anymore."
So much for a review. I realize such programs are meant as entertainment. But it seems like the networks roll them out on a conveyor. So why do we put up with this? Is The Naughty Kitchen worth watching? More importantly, are any of the 'reality food shows worth watching?
Results from last week, in which we asked if live music was a good idea in restaurants:
Until good ol' TG's post--"ask the Libertine. ha hahaha"--we had no idea that music editor Pete Freedman had DJ duties at The Libertine on certain nights. Pete doesn't talk to City of Ate staffers after that incident where we submitted a column titled "Why I Miss Line Dancing" under his name.
That was one revelation. Another came from Reified Beans, who pointed out that "Conjuntos and mariachis kick ass. If the Adolphus would bring some in,
I'd eat at the French Room a lot more often. (Great mariachi acoustics
in there.)"
Who knew?
In general, readers said restaurant managers need to show some sensitivity toward issues such as volume--diners want to converse at normal levels, even when the band or DJ is working--and the quality of performer they hire. To the former, tijbbari writes "I expect the band or DJ to be too loud at a bar or club, but at a
primarily eating place (Sambuca & Terelli's I'm looking in your
general direction), it is a turnoff when the music volume makes eating
unpleasant and talking impossible." As far as quality is concerned, luniz points out "Most compilations that are played in restaurants just aren't very good,
period...I'd rather have a DJ who knew what he was about. Or nothing
(even better)."
But none want recorded music across the board. As RestaurantZoom says, "There is really a time and place for each yes? That's what makes life so great...choices:-)"
