Quote of the Day

Is Restaurant Service Getting Too Casual? Alan Richman Says Yes.

Richman is shocked by how badly he was treated at this Long Island City Diner.
Richman is shocked by how badly he was treated at this Long Island City Diner. Photo: Patrick McMullen

“Casualness in restaurants does not automatically make customers feel more relaxed. It often has the opposite effect… These days, too many new restaurants [neglect their customers]. Their motto might as well be Too Cool to Care.” — GQ critic and cheerleader for the S.F. food scene Alan Richman, in a scandalous review of M. Wells in NYC that was posted today, and which includes an accusation by the restaurant — which he deems utterly false — that he sexually harassed a waitress. Watch this story blow up, folks. [GQ via Grub Street NY] Update: Now Sam Sifton weighs in. [NYT]

Is Restaurant Service Getting Too Casual? Alan Richman Says Yes.