foodha for thought – menuism blog

Menuism reviewers are truly awesome! Whether they found an unexpected tasty gem of a restaurant or took it for the team after having a terrible meal, we truly applaud all their efforts in giving us the scoop on where we should be spending our hard-earned money on. On that note, I’d love to introduce you to those reviewers who we feel really contribute quality content to the site as well as quality information to fellow Menuism’ers. Our Featured Reviewer today is James, better known as Riffyraff. So let’s learn more about James from Billerica, MA.

1. How did you find out about Menuism?

A few colleagues of mine and I had been talking about a similar idea for a website for some time. There are many food review sites out there, however, we didn’t feel any of them really embodied a true passion for dining out. In our research to see if there were any sites that might already be inline with what we were considering, we tripped up on a few that stood out from the rest…and Menuism was one of them. Well, needless to say, we had found that the need for such a site had already been an idea that others have pursued. I originally registered on the site to “check you out”, however, even when our focus moved on to other projects, I lingered.

2. What about Menuism first appealed to you?

The aesthetics of a site are really important. It must be easy on the eyes and easy to on the brain. It must have important information to me in organized windows with a dashboard feel to it. I also loved the fact that not only were there reviews on the restaurant itself, but meals are highlighted as separate reviews of their own. Which I feel is very important for a true food review site. Less focus on the restaurant and more focus on the food. Any restaurant has meals that are better than others.  Menuism also makes it very easy to share the information, with outlets like email contact lists, to social sites like MySpace and Facebook.

3. What restaurant did you write your first review about?

It was a Vietnamese Restaurant called “Pho 88″ in the town of Lowell, MA. Only because I had just eaten there that day for lunch, so it was fresh on my mind.

4. What is your food philosophy?

I am not so much caught up in the presentation of a dish than I am the flavor of that dish. Don’t get me wrong, I’d like it to look presentable, I just don’t need lots of primping. I’d rather the restaurant put out a simple dish that is full of flavor…than a complex dish, lacking flavor…or adversely with overwhelming flavor.

I don’t think I favor any particular genre of food over another. I am willing to try it all…at least once.

One of my favorite aspects of “People Watching” is watching people eat. I know that might sound strange, however, allow me to explain. The point being is that I love watching people take their first bite of a meal that they really enjoy. Or even a meal that they’ve never tried, but are about to enjoy immensely. Their facial and bodily expressions will tell you more than any food review ever could. The look of bliss…the sheer enjoyment…the sly smirk as they chew…the extra long blink of their eyes…forgetting all their worries and problems in life…even if only for a short, brief moment.

Priceless.

My satisfaction of that experience is even more intense if I actually prepared the dish they’re eating!

5. What are your favorite restaurants?

So, I am not sure if I have favorite restaurants, per se…I have favorite dishes. It’s the food that defines my favorite restaurant. I see the next two questions, however, so will entertain the current one.

I am a big fan of a place called Comet’s in Tyngsboro, MA because of the friendly staff. The place itself is very reminiscent of a 50’s diner too.

Kowloon’s in Saugus, MA is a pretty cool place…it’s own little world inside.

Feng Shui in Chelmsford, MA is a very beautiful restaurant.

Being a male, I am a big fan of Hooter’s too. (Did I say that out loud?)

6. What are your favorite cuisines?

I would say Italian and Korean are two of my faves; however, I am rather particular about both. Then again, I guess that goes for many cuisines, so I suppose if I had to settle for just a handful to ever eat again, I’d say: Korean, Italian and Steak. Steak is a cuisine unto itself.

7. What are your favorite comfort foods?

I love pizza. Even bad pizza is still pretty good. I love breakfast too. Ever eat at a Vegas Casino breakfast buffet? Try the Paris’ breakfast buffet. I always have to pinch myself to make sure I am still breathing as my heaven will be one giant buffet. Being Irish, I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention anything-potato. In fact, any meat and potato dish is a great staple for me. Steak…nuff said.

8. What is the best meal you ever ate and why?

My mother made meals while growing up that my brother, sister and I have adopted into our own households growing up. Have I mentioned I enjoyed her Korean cooking? Other than that, I am a huge fan of German-Style potato pancakes and a tomato-based meatloaf that my mother also makes. Ouch, it’s so good.

9. Do you have any favorite cookbooks (if any)?

I actually have my own collection of printed recipes from various sources. I haven’t gone to specific books just yet, but definitely something I will look at in the future..

10. What words of encouragement would you give to first time Menuism reviewers?

Tell it like it is. Whether you’ve been to a restaurant one time or a millions times, the best advice you can give others is exactly how you felt when you ate there. Leave it up to the reader to decide if you just had a good or bad experience…or if you’ve nailed a restaurant accurately or not…but give them enough info so that they CAN make that decision.

Try everything once…as you won’t know if you like it unless you try. Use THAT advice for everything in life, not just foodie write-ups!

Most of all, life is WAY too short…so have fun with it! You’re not a professional food critic and neither are we! We all just LOVE good food!!!

If you’d like to be able to keep up with James’ reviews, click here to check out his profile!

If there is a Menuism reviewer who has really helped you make great dining choices and you’d like to see him or her be a Featured Reviewer, than be sure to message me or send me an email at abby@menuism.com.

By Abby C. Abanes
Menuism Community Manager