15 Comments
Aug 9Liked by Michael Nagrant

Came for the review of Feld, stayed for everything you’ve written and will be writing. Fair and square and objective!

Also, I think I speak for a small group of us who came to be validated about our feelings towards Feld instead of wanting and even expecting a good takedown; the opinion on this one is so aggressively split that towards the later days before coming in, I started having doubts and wasn’t so sure if my negative feelings and criticisms about it were grounded enough. So thank you for that as well.

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Aug 9·edited Aug 9Author

Thank you for being here. I get this completely, because I had the same experience. After about five courses, I started asking myself if I was crazy (and I've been doing this like 20 years) because I'd never seen anything like it. Then I would see people who are like "this place is amazing" and I'm like how is that possible? True story, I reached out to people who publicly said it was amazing, but privately were like "it's awful. I am always positive publicly." To which I'm like you know you don't have to say anything at all? So there's this false hope being promulgated that's complimenting and confusing those of us who are in touch with a proper dining experience. I will leave the door open that the menu does change so my experience might not be someone else's but also there's enough variable data points that support there is a wide ranging consistency issue that didn't just happen on one night.

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Wow that explains a lot, thanks for the insight. I definitely agree and I think people shouldn’t lie about their experiences, period. Whatever it is they think they’re doing, it’s not democratic and it’s absolutely against the very core principle of reviewing, which I think is to tell it like you experienced it and welcome discussions that may follow.

On a side note, “are we being punked” remains the best written line I’ve read in 2024 to date.

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Aug 3Liked by Michael Nagrant

"leopard" as a verb 🤌

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I’m gonna need you to leopard some Stock uniforms for my jungle restaurant Tim.

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Aug 5Liked by Michael Nagrant

We can explore Tarzan-Core for your Rainforest Café reboot.

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What a fantastic post. I appreciate the sentiment and all the fantastic work you do. Can't wait to see what's next.

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Aug 2Liked by Michael Nagrant

Soooo…we’ve gone from making me spit out my morning coffee with laughter to tearing up! Schadenfreude isn’t your game ..honesty is,and we all appreciate it..can’t wait to read the Judith Jones bio!

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Aug 2Liked by Michael Nagrant

Love your work, grateful for “The Hunger”

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Aug 2Liked by Michael Nagrant

Thank you for writing from your heart and your experience, every week. I can't wait to read the Judith Jones bio - thank you for bringing it to our attention. I was lucky enough to meet her once at an IACP 100th birthday celebration of Julia Child's life and all she gave to us, and will never forget the warmth and enthusiasm she offered to all of us working in the food and hospitality industry today.

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To the contrary, writers who choose food as their subject are always held in the highest regard, in my estimation. Keep on pimping Michael! ❤️❤️

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Aug 2Liked by Michael Nagrant

I'm just dropping into remind everyone that Three 6 Mafia has an Academy Award.

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Aug 2Liked by Michael Nagrant

Thank you for the well deserved mention of Pistores I absolutely love Andrea and Joel and the work that they are doing at Pistores. I greatly admire their dedication to their craft - they are true artists and it makes me so happy to see this recognition from you. I truly appreciate you spreading the word on all the delicious food they are responsible for. Everyone should do themselves a favor and head over to Pistores for a top notch experience. And make sure to sample the gelatos!

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Aug 2Liked by Michael Nagrant

What a fantastic read. You hit so many high and thoughtful notes. Also, I am so happy that you shout out Chef Joel Reno at Pistores once again. It is such a fantastic place and should be regularly packed. Noreen and I try to get there as much as we can. Enjoy your time off.

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Aug 2Liked by Michael Nagrant

If you’re still in Asheville, don’t miss Sovereign Remedies—excellent food, cocktails & hospitality.

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