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Blogs / On the Table / January 2010 / In reviewing restaurants, I believe honesty is the only policy

In reviewing restaurants, I believe honesty is the only policy

My review of Zucca Trattoria in this month’s print magazine was hardly negative (it's still one of the top spots for Italian food in Utah) but it wasn’t as completely glowingly positive as chef Elio Scanu would have liked.

Or, as I would have liked.

If I had my druthers, every review would be a rave—think how well I would be eating if that were the case.

But you only have honesty in this game—give that up or fudge on it and your words are worth nothing.

So I was gratified that Chef Scanu responded to my criticism with politeness, and even respect, instead of with the usual ad hominem tirade. Everyone has an off-night, and everyone deserves asecond chance, and I love direct communications with chefs.

Thank you, chef. I’ll get up to Ogden again as soon as I can. Though I won’t tell you when I’m coming.

Meanwhile, Chef Elio has a bunch of exciting things going on. He writes:

"We have implemented a program called “Tastes of Italy” which showcases the different regions of the country on a monthly basis (We have done 10 regions so far), taking the classic cuisine of the region and revisiting it with a more adventurous and modern approach including wine suggestions for each menu.

For instance, we are featuring “Trentino” until the 15th of January 2010.

We have been offering a food & wine pairings on the third Thursday of each month, each one with a unique menu and wine selection from Italy and /or other wine regions of the world.

And, on the third Saturday of each month, we are offering cooking classes,