About
My Background:
I’m not a chef, I’m a foodie, I love food and I love to eat. I know good food, I know bad food and I also know when a restaurant is not doing its job of catering to people who love to eat. Often times I find myself leaving a restaurant with a lot of opinions on the service, the food, and overall dining experience. Nothing is more disappointing than walking away from a meal feeling unsatisfied, unhappy and a lighter wallet to boot. Thus, I have created this blog as a place to share my opinions and maybe help a few foodies like myself along their search for great food at great restaurants.
Where does The Mysterious Foodie eat? Glad you asked! In addition to my home base of Santa Cruz I travel often for work and for fun so while I’m out meeting clients, dining alone or with friends I like to search for great food.
I have a long-standing belief that everyone should be a server at some point in his or her lives. I was. I put myself through college working at a steak restaurant, then at a coffee shop/deli. Waiting on people is a learning experience that teaches patience and kindness and grace. Oh, how many times I wanted to throw someone’s dish into their condescending face. But I didn’t, and I think today I’m a better person for it. As an advisory notice, I know that servers have bad moods, cooks have off days and wait times go up when every table is full on a Friday night, I get it. With those considerations in mind, I intend no harm or ill will by the things I say in my blog and a second visit may be necessary in some cases*.
*Beware, second visits to restaurants you hated the first time may cause extreme anger at oneself for knowing better.
I’m only picky where it counts. I don’t need perfect presentation or a sentinel standing nearby to refill my water glass every time I take a sip. I award Napkins based on the only two things I care about: great tasting food and damn fine service. The other tidbits I share in sections like Ambiance, What to Wear, and Wait for a Table are strictly informational.
Now onto the important stuff, FOOD!