BRO YUM Policy
I guess now is as good a time as any to whip off our YUM editorial policy. I sometimes talk to readers who will say something like, "Well, BR Yum writers like everything." That's not exactly true. We like a lot of restaurants in Buffalo, but there are always a few that we might not be big fans of. Our policy is: If you like a restaurant, or a particular dish at a restaurant, then we tell our viewers. If you don't like a place... don't write about it. We are here to steer you in the right direction regarding where we like to eat, and what agrees with us on the menu. We all have certain likes and dislikes.
Also, BRO writers all pay for their own meals. We ask that our writers cover restaurants if they are going there anyways. We rarely send our writers to an eatery - we like to hear what they have to say as much as you do. They do take suggestions, and when they find themselves with a few bucks in their pockets, and a pen in hand, chances are that you will hear about the food that they tried. Occasionally a restaurant owner might give one of our writers something to sample that they might not have ordered, but unless there is an event where the food is free anyways... nothing is free... even the bad meals (that you won't hear about). All chefs have bad nights, as do the writers - that's why we stick to writing what we enjoy most about dining out in Buffalo.
More or less "If you don't have anything good to say".. I guess I can live with that. There are enough great places to eat, so you will be busy enough. And I am sure that if someone disagrees with your opinion, they will be quick to comment.
Happy dining!
Queenseyes, that is a good and fair policy. I admire BR for brining the best about Buffalo to light. I always trust that BR has pure intentions. That is why I view each day. Thank you for the honest approach.
> If you don't have anything good to say ..
Isn't that Janice Okun's policy? Then again, I don't see BR reviewing exurban historic stage hotel/inn/tavern-style restaurants, with menus dating back to 1958.
If there's a BR review of the Glen Iris Inn, Eagle House or Roycroft Inn, would it be considered jumping the shark, or would it just be JO sneaking into a new venue? :D
Again we are kinda getting back to a post from months ago about needing a true honest food critic in Buffalo. Do you think that when Frank Bruni from the times has a bad time at a restaurant that he simply deletes it? No he writes about it. I believe that this town needs to have a critic and a policy for that critic that will supply Buffalo with a barometer of the restaurant scene n this town. You are right in saying that we have some great restaurants in this town, but that does not mean that great chinese take out and a fine dining meal are both 3 and 1/2 stars respectivly.
Critic - When I want to try someplace new, I want to know where the good stuff is. That's what I get from here.
The News can have a critic.
I know I don't have to tell YOU, BR, not to listen to Critic Needed. BR has its policy for reviewing restaurants and I'm thrilled they stick to it! Buffalo has more than its fair share of critics and BR's review policy is extraordinarily refreshing. As always, BR, thank you for being one of Buffalo's many bright spots!!!
I like your policy. Tried out quite a few new places based off of your reviews...from ribs to sushi. I like the stories behind the food too... new people, new neighborhoods, and new businesses that make walking in to a new place for the first time feel familiar. All I need is to be pointed in a new direction with alittle advice, and your policy does that quite well. Thanks!
While I haven't always been blown away by some of the places I have read about in BR , for the most part visiting the places listed has been enjoyable. Anyone can have a bad day and slamming someone trying to create a space for them self isn't my idea of promoting dining in Bflo., which I assumed was the goal. I like the cheerleader better than barracuda style of providing information about restaurants. Careful reading between the lines usually provides an indication if an establishment will match your particular taste.
My friends and i have been dining out longer than the average age of most of the readers of this post and most of my friends have in one way or another been involved in the hospitality industry. We all agree with and applaud the effort to show case new and diverse places as currently experienced here. While age isn't a guarantee of good judgment or taste, experience usually is a good endorsement.
BR probably should not be the venue for critical restaurant writing. Post your happy little story and then let the people speak.
I have to agree with some of you about Okun and the Buffalo News. Her pandering and pathetic attempt to review restaurants is embarrasing. Her standards have held our restauarnt sceen still for years. First off there are not enough good restaurants for her to review each week. So go every other week I say, and stop reviewing family greek diners and country taverns that have not changed their menu in decades. Pay attention to wine lists, service and decor. These are all important aspects of the dining experience.
BR does a good job of talking about restaurants that do not always get the press. It seems Okun and the followers that read her talk about the same "best" restaurants year after year, even if they have not changed a thing in years.
I always admire the positive outlook that BR holds about the city of Buffalo, and rightfully so. But this food review policy I cannot agree with. As a writer, that is. I don't think that if a critic had a not-so-hot dining experience the restaurant should be ripped apart, but be fair, be honest with your readers, and avoid bias. No writer should fear they will insult a chef or restaurant owner, if this is maybe some of the logic behind the policy. Readers want to know both sides of the story- that's journalism, whether it be a restaurant review or hard-hitting, breaking national news story. Citizens and residents want to know if somebody had a bad experience @ a restaurant- they can still go and judge for themselves. Otherwise you give a one-sided, bias view of restaurants in Buffalo (even if it is positive!) All Buffalo experiences, good & bad, should be shared.
and to add..
vga4buffalo- I see what you're saying about BR not being "the venue for critical restaurant writing. Post your happy little story and then let the people speak."
but, and correct me if I'm reading this the wrong way, but "your happy little story" sounds belittling, like this publication isn't being taken seriously. Perhaps because issues are too one-sided. Isn't that the problem with most major media outlets today??? It's unfortunate.
Hey Jess
I guess I am being a little jaded or belittling and I agree in general that if you are going to right then you should have a policy of acurate and fair writing but being critical is important. I am not sure Queenseyes is qualified to be a professional critic and everyone knows who he is so that doesn't really work. So as much as it kills me I say just write it the way he does and let the people post.
Is QE acting as an official critic, or sharing positive dining experiences?
IMHO, the latter. Just spreading the good word.