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Kevin Fischer is a veteran broadcaster, the recipient of over 150 major journalism awards from the Milwaukee Press Club, the Wisconsin Associated Press, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, the Wisconsin Bar Association, and others. He has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for over three decades. A longtime aide to state Senate Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature, Kevin can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, "InterCHANGE," on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10, and heard filling in on Newstalk 1130 WISN. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their lovely baby daughter, Kyla Audrey, in Franklin.
Culinary no-no #293
THERE ARE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF
FOOD BLOGS, BUT ONLY ONE CULINARY NO-
NO!
transparency
trans·par·en·cy (tr
noun
frankness, openness, candour, directness, forthrightness, straightforwardness
He stands alone by the flaming grill, ready to prepare his next steak, ribs, chop order. It’s a relatively small set-up, but just about everyone in the restaurant can see him and his operation.
Yes, it’s the Steakout, an excellent spot at
Flames shoot high in the air and the sizzle from the open grill is clearly audible throughout the dining room.
On a larger scale we travel to Florida and Universal Orlando Resort, the Loews Royal Pacific Resort.
At Emeril Lagasse's lush Tchoup Chop, diners can be seated at the food bar featuring a bird's eye view of everything done in the kitchen.
Just a boat ride away is CityWalk and another popular Emeril's destination, Emeril's
A few miles away is that other theme park. High atop the Comtemporary Resort sits the California Grill.
Photo: Orlando Sentinel
Photo: www.disneyfoodblog.com
Heck, at that other theme park's best restaurant, Victoria and Albert's, you can actually dine in the kitchen.
Photo: www.disneyworld.disney.co.com
Coveted open kitchen seating is not a new restaurant trend. But here in
TIME.com, the website for the magazine last week reported, “Last year, QSR Magazine named ‘Transparency’ one of the biggest quick service restaurant trends, anticipating that more restaurants will ‘follow the trend of open kitchens as a sign to customers that they have nothing to hide.’ By now, the open kitchen has spread to smaller cities such as
A perfect example, no surprise, is Bartolotta's Harbor House.
Photo: onmilwaukee.com
Allowing diners the opportunity to see talented chefs demonstrate their expertise is a terrific concept.
Umm, so Kev, where’s the no-no?
The no-no is there. It’s just not as definitive as some of the previous hundreds.
Open kitchen seating is subjective, great for those who want it. Frankly, it’s not my cup of tea, In restaurants like Emeril’s or Victoria and Albert’s, I’d prefer a traditional table better suited for privacy and romance rather than rubbing elbows with a foodie who’s dying to know how they prepare that exquisite meringue.
The seating isn't the issue. All too often, the problem lies with the folks who belong to the butts that fill those seats.
Give me a quiet table for two in a dark corner, please.
CULINARY NO-NO BONUS
First lady Michelle Obama hosts the first ever "Kids' State Dinner" in the East Room at the White House in Washington, on Aug. 20. Photo: Larry Downing / Reuters
Great chance to meet the POTUS. Photo: Jim Watson / AFP - Getty Images
Can you figure out where this is headed?
A place setting is seen on a table during the first ever "Kids' State Dinner" at the White House in Washington on Aug. 20. The Obama's hosted 54 kids whose recipes were selected for the "Healthy Lunchtime Challenge Cookbook". Photo: Kevin Lamarque / Reuters
Can't make out the menu items? Let me help. From epicurious.com:
Cabbage sloppy joes and baked zucchini fries (above), and quinoa, black bean, and corn salad (below) were just a few of the healthy dishes served to the young dignitaries.
For most American kids, that menu, sorry Mom, would probably go over like a fart in church.
Kids' State Dinner Luncheon Menu
First
Kale Chips
Quinoa, Black Bean and Corn Salad
Main
Yummy Cabbage Sloppy Joes
Baked Zucchini Fries
Dessert
Strawberryanna Smoothie
Summer Fruit Garland
Not surprisingly, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has jumped on the yucky Michelle Obama lunch bandwagon.
AND FINALLY...
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