Food Quote by Robert Sietsema
“You can't write about a horrible restaurant - if it's a Ma & Pa restaurant no one wants to see you kick Ma & Pa in the chops.”
About This Quote
Source Column: Restaurant Review, The New York Times, 2008
Criticizing a small, family-run eatery feels disrespectful; authenticity matters more than harsh critique.
In simple terms: Respect local eateries; avoid harsh judgments.
Key Takeaway
Offer constructive feedback, cherish authenticity.
Themes
food
culture
criticism
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
journalistic
ethical
When to use this quote
- review writing
- small diners
- community support
Key Concepts
ethics
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it appropriate to be blunt?
- How can you praise while suggesting improvement?
A Different Perspective
Harsh criticism can damage livelihoods.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
