If one was to look at the dictionary definition of ‘snob’, they would wonder why I would voluntarily associate myself with such a term. For those too lazy to check, a snob is defined as ‘a person who imitates, cultivates, or slavishly admires superiors…’ (I paraphrase, forgive me). Now with regards to ‘food snob’, I am desperately trying to stretch this term to apply to one who is constantly in search of better, superior cuisine. If you cannot agree and feel it simply shows arrogance, I apologise, but too bad – it was either this or hungry hippo and I was strongly nudged away from using this…
Enough about my blog, a little bit more about myself. I live in London and have a penchant for travel. I do not claim to be an expert on food nor a serious cook, but that said, I believe I can appreciate good food. I have not visited as many restaurants nor do I eat out as frequently as some of the many fellow bloggers that have inspired me, but I have made a resolution to change that…and share the results!
Food Snob 
Snob,
I love your reviews ! And thank you for adding me to your links. I will return the favor 🙂
I will be in London next April for two weeks. If by any chance you would like to try a restuarnt you have not yet reviewd at that time, it would be delightful to share a meal with you !
My e-mail is : lovingannieatgmaildotcom
I could e-mail you the places I was planning to go, and if any strike your fancy – or you have an even better idea – we could try it.
Have a good week.
Genuinely,
Annie
Just a quick note to let you know that I’ve passed along some sort of blog award (called the Brillante Premio 2008) to you. Here’s my post about it.
Do with it what you will!
Oooh, cool !
Just found your blog. Fantastic reviews. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Paul.
Your words are much appreciated.
Brilliant stuff! I’ve stumbled across your blog whilst doing research for the trivago travel community and you have me salivating on the keyboard 😉 Will be linking to some of your reviews as I’m convinced our members will enjoy them just as much. Keep them coming & bon appetit!
Pierre, that’s so very nice of you to say. I am glad you are enjoying them.
Don’t worry there are plenty more in the pipeline!!
Apologies for not complimenting you earleir on your most excellent blog and Palate.
Bravo et bon appetit !
Haha. blush.
merci, merci beaucoup!
Dear Food Snob
Can I direct you to the excellent writing of Jeffrey Steingarten who, on his appointment as Vogue’s food critic, determined to overcome his distaste for one or two foods to better give authenticity to his reviews. He worked on it and he succeeeded. A food critic who for whatever reason, eschews a particular food (and crucially, the glorious pig) is fatally lacking in credibility. I recently read your review, or rather partial review, of the Sportsman in Sealsalter. I mean, what was the point?
And as for the irritatingly overblown writing like ‘atop’. What is wrong with ‘on’? After Steingarten you may like to read Fowler’s Modern English Usage on simple, elegant writing. First published over 80 years ago but still compelling for anyone who aspires to write, in whatever forum.
Dearest lameredepatrice,
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
I am familiar with J. Steingarten’s writing, but do remember that he and I write for different audiences. Not to mention, people pay to read what he is paid to write… This site is a collection of my thoughts on the experiences I have been lucky enough to enjoy. I pay for these meals myself, thus the only duty of care I owe is to myself. If you feel you can trust what I write or at least find a use for it or even simply take pleasure in my prose, then jolly good.
I see no reason why you ought to object to what I posted about the Sportsman. My comments and opinions are favourable indeed, but they are derivative of the excellent cooking and service I fond at the restaurant – and if the meal was good, why cannot I write a good report?
Your final point I think a little silly. I choose to use atop or on depending on the situation. Each implies something very subtly different, thus allowing me to be more precise; also sometimes a two-syllable word might fit the rhythm of the sentence better; other times, it may be alliteratively beneficial to use one over the other.
Finally, if we all wrote the same, THEN what would be the point?
Hello Food Snob,
I really enjoy reading your blog! Vinoteca’s head chef is a big fan of your blog. He isn’t one to leave comments, but did mention how impressed he is by your blog, and that you “really know your shit!” Well done, and keep up the good work! I’m impressed by how many restaurants you have visited!
Thanks,
Caitlin
Dearest Caitlin,
Thank you very much indeed for such a nice message.
If you only knew the true scale of my eating lately, you would be appalled… 🙂
very cool blog 🙂
It is impressive the number of restaurant reviews you have. I bookmarked your blog for next time I visit beautiful Europe.
Heguiberto
weirdcombinations.com
Thank you, Heguiberto.
I try hard 🙂
Hi – love the blog. Who are the guys at the top? Apologies for the flagrant self-promotion but I just wanted to introduce my own brand new food blog, http://www.thirtyoneseventyfive.com, which roots out London’s best eating and drinking options for £31.75 or less (the reason behind the figure is explained on the site). Any feedback would be great. I’m also looking for nominatons for London’s best and worst Italian restaurants, so ideas would be appreciated. Anyway, keep up the good work – we need more snobs
Tim, thanks. And flagrant, shameless, etc indeed!
For what it is worth, my favourite Italian is easily the River Cafe.
The chaps up top? three snobs of course.
Tim & Foodsnob
Here are my best in no particular order
Locanda Locatelli
L’Anima
Locanda Ottoemezzo
Enoteca Turi
Dear foodsnob,
I hail from Malta, im an avid (even if recent)reader of your blog and wanted to congratulate you on your interesting posts and mouth-watering photography.One of the best on the web! Keep it up!
C
@Islandgurl Thank you. You are very kind.
@Charlie Cheers! Glad you like it. But you know, a lot of my eating is actually based upon spontaneous decision-making. I also try to eat at as many ‘unknown’, but potentially special places as I can (even if the majority of posts on the site are indeed dedicated to the more ‘snobbish end’).
…hidden value and charm are two of the key factors that determine whether I return to a restaurant or not.
Dear Food Snob,
I am from Singapore. I love ur blog alot. Very gd reviews with tons of nice pictures. Keep up the great works haha..Looking forward to more of your post.
P.S Have you try Guy Savoy and Le Petit Nice?
Dear Joe, that’s very nice of you-la 🙂
Actually, I have not tried either yet.
Dear Food Snob,
Thanks very much for taking the time to write such in depth reviews. I have been making my way through London’s restaurants for the past couple of years and find it interesting to compare my views to yours. The other great source for comparison is Andy Hayler’s website.
There are a few restaurants that have become favourites for me that you haven’t covered yet; you may wish to consider them for future visits: the Bingham in Richmond, Theo Randall and Clos Maggiore. As you have been to Pied à Terre, you might also like to cross the street to Roka.
As for me, I’ve just booked Marcus Wareing for the week after next, and Le Gavroche is high on the list.
I was going to start writing restaurant reviews for my own blog, but you’ve set rather a high bar!
Kind regards,
Daneel
Dear Food Snob,
I really enjoy reading your blog all the way from Copenhagen!
Have you been til Japan yet? The food is excellent. You should really try restaurant Quintessence in Tokyo.
Hope to read your review soon 😉
Kind regards,
Mads
Blogger you are really good at this. Very well done, I came to have a look and stayed for two hours, lots to read and learn. Thanks
I link you up to mine when I’m ready to share it.
L
Recognise!
No, but seriously, cameragirl, that is really….uncharacteristically sweet/nice/human of you…
I wait eagerly.
@Daneel Thank you for taking the time to write and suggest some new places.
What did you think of those meals you had coming up?
@Mads Tak! I have spent time in Japan – but unfortunately I was not able to visit Quintessance. Next time perhaps!
Dearest lameredepatrice,Thank you for taking the time to comment.I am familiar with J. Steingarten’s writing, but do remember that he and I write for different audiences. Not to mention, people pay to read what he is paid to write… This site is a collection of my thoughts on the experiences I have been lucky enough to enjoy. I pay for these meals myself, thus the only duty of care I owe is to myself. If you feel you can trust what I write or at least find a use for it or even simply take pleasure in my prose, then jolly good.I see no reason why you ought to object to what I posted about the Sportsman. My comments and opinions are favourable indeed, but they are derivative of the excellent cooking and service I fond at the restaurant – and if the meal was good, why cannot I write a good report?Your final point I think a little silly. I choose to use atop or on depending on the situation. Each implies something very subtly different, thus allowing me to be more precise; also sometimes a two-syllable word might fit the rhythm of the sentence better; other times, it may be alliteratively beneficial to use one over the other.Finally, if we all wrote the same, THEN what would be the point?
+1
Hi firstly may i congratulate you on your reviews,from my point of view i find them more realist than most..reviews that iv read in the past ,from so called ”Experts”For my sins i live in Paris .,and have been to most of the restaurants that you have revieved ,!,and have to agree with your thoughts totaly.Iam from the uk from central london..
my family have been involved in the catering business for over 50 years ,so i have been bought up with food ,from all over the world ,yes i did go to a hotel and catering school in lausanne . !!,we have even managed to cook discretly for the royal family including HRH.!but thats another story ,considering im also involved in classic cars !!its all very interesting.
Again congratulations on your reviews ,you photos and descriptions are excellent.
My regards to you
Robin.
Hi Foodsnob,
You’re barely updating your fantastic blog anymore. Why? It’s always such a pleasure reading your articles but since a year or so there’s not much going on. Hopefully you will start writing again as I’m missing your articles.
Bonjour & hello!
How to best contact you? In London in 2 weeks & would love to meet.
My email- fooddesigner@live.com Regards from Melbourne, Linda