Post #136984 by Rattiki on Sun, Jan 23, 2005 3:41 PM

On 2005-01-22 12:39, Conga Mike wrote:
Word around town, is that Michael Bauer was a great fan of the former Stars restaurant - that TV's took over- and was really sad to see it's demise.
It's also way obvious that he cares not for Polynesian themed restaurants.
Then why the hell did he not recused himself from this review ?! Surely, he's been in the biz long enough to know that objectivity is the name of the game.
Regarding the "snootiness" he experienced when he walked in...that's almost de riguer for San Francisco restaurants. Not that it's a good thing, but it's a fact ! I'm sure he experiences that everyday. Why single it out at Vic's ?

Firstly I was also a big fan of Stars and Jeremiah Tower's cooking. I also agree on some of the points you all make and I am sure there is still PLENTY of snobbery in in the finer restaurants in the Bay Area (not that that's a good thing!). But as I have said before this is a restaurant (a business) in one of the most competitive and inovative restaurant scenes in America, so they are bound to be tough in thier reviews. They don't have the desire and interest in the retro-kitch of a classic Tiki Bar as we do. It is sort of like opening an airline that flies in a competive area with classic old planes and complaining about the noise, lack of speed and comfort. Airline buffs couldn't care less, but Joe Tourist or businessman would. In the end do you remain true to the classic or do you 'modernize' the business so it can compete in the modern market? I guess it depends on if it can survive on retro-kitch alone. All things considered they may need to be more careful with at LEAST the service. IMHO