The Foodie: Rating Restaurants Beyond Just the Food
The Michelin Star is wonderful. Sharing and ranking top places to eat within the areas near and around their tire shops. It is known for prestige and quality. But what about inclusivity? Does the rating of each restaurant correlate to the treatment I will receive as a POC? Unfortunately, this is not a factor considered. Fortunately, I present the Foodie.
Upon relocation to DC I noticed a difference in treatment. I would walk into some places and despite the direct eye contact and lack of waiting guests, hostesses waited for me to begin the conversation, if I was acknowledged at all. Being a food and travel blogger with the intent of reviewing these places, I learned I was no longer in Kansas.
Growing up in Kissimmee, Celebration Florida, everyone was very kind. People said excuse me in the grocery store, and there was an unspoken rule of farewells, greetings, and inclusivity. I can’t speak for any other parts of FL other than where I grew up. Going to college in Miami didn’t change these standards other than Spanish becoming more common. Traveling to other countries has led to a mix of experiences. I say all this to make the point that I grew up being not only respected but treated like everyone else. I will also make notes of any special treatment by restaurants.
A standard for any restaurant is a greeting and farewell. You welcome people in and thank them for coming. You also engage first in conversation upon entry. This will be the requirements for 1 Foodie. It will be a 1-3 scale, with 3 being nearly impossible.
1 Foodie means either the food was mediocre to below and the service was not inclusive.
2 Foodies means the food was decent and the service was warm and welcoming, you will be treated no differently than any other guest and I do think you will like the food.
3 Foodies means this is an incredible establishment, with excellent tasting food, beautiful ambience and amazing service.
There will be scores in the middle range.
The intention behind this rating system is to share with the community where they will be welcomed and valued. It is a privilege to have money to spend out to eat, it is meant to be nothing less than an enjoyable experience that you have chosen as an alternative to making food for yourself. With that being said to go into an establishment and be ignored, can be disheartening. Through my personal experience and ratings I want to aid the community in knowing where they will and will not be appreciated.