I think food bloggers are slowly being recognised for their increasing influence - I’m aware that bloggers will definitely form part of upcoming discussion panels this year.

I remember that story on GYF and I think I commented on it too way back before I started NQN. I too don’t understand why people don’t give the internet and food bloggers more credibility. The experiences food bloggers have are pretty much going to be what regular diners will get. Whilst I love and use the SMH good food guide, the restaurants are fully aware when Matthew Evans is “in da house” and he will get the best of everything. He won’t experience delays, he will get the best service and the utmost care so its not necessarily indicative of the establishment.

I adore food blogs as I like seeing the food too, pics are just so important and I like the realism.

When I bring the big camera it attracts a lot of attention. When I bring my small one they don’t seem to notice much as its comparatively inconspicuous-I think they think I’m just a over enthusiastic tourist. However the fact that the big camera is so large can be difficult, I think the worst time I had was at Claude’s where everyone (and I mean everyone!) was staring at me as the restaurant was very dark and the flash fired multiple times like a paparazzi camera. I was hoping they’d get used to the crazy girl with the camera after the first few courses but the table next to me looked at me like I was an alien or something every single time I took a picture

But yes I agree, when a restaurant asks me what I am doing and seems genuinely interested then I take that as a really good sign. That they care about their customers and their reputation, even if I’m not from a big publication. Its good that they appreciate all food lovers.

I find it interesting that the assistant manager is so helpful. I remember reading Grab Your Fork’s post some time ago on some kind of food forum where they completely dismissed the internet as a force in food reviewing. I thought that was incredibly naive as I have visited a number of restaurants solely on the basis of a review by you and other Sydney food blogs. Even more so than a review in Good Living, your reviews allow us to see the food and experience the restaurant at a more ‘retail’ level, rather than the really professional, gourmand level that the Good Food Guide, for example, sometimes seems to expect.

Especially when it comes to less formal places, reviews I find in blogs (and feedback on sites like eatability) are very influential. Not to mention, more immediately accessible in that moment when you’re looking for somewhere to eat! I mean, who seriously keeps back copies of Good Living?

So with this in mind, I find the food establishment’s apparent disdain (as reported on GYF) of the internet to be baffling, akin to ignoring newspaper reviewers. And, subsequently, your comments regarding your camera’s reception in some establishments are refreshing.

Long post … I’m also craving those brandy snaps. Oh, and the pork.

I was talking about this place with someone at work last week. How timely of you to put this up now. Splendid.

Hi Tian-imagine eating all of it like we did!

Hi chocolatesuze-Happy New Year! Yep I tell them that its a food blog and if they look blank, I just say its a website about food. A lot of people ask if I am doing research! Research for what I’m not sure, a competitor wouldn’t be that unsubtle surely? Nah I never say that I’m reviewing their restaurant although I’m sure the freebies would come thick and fast then!