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DEL.ICIO.USShould There Be a Truth In Menu Writing Law?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Restaurants have to meet new standards with the new health code in place. As of December 1, health inspectors will give a letter grade in addition to the number grade on a restaurant’s score. The score sheet has to be placed within 15 feet of the front door. All this is designed to give the customer an out before he or she ever sits down.
Menus are placed in restaurant windows and at their front desks all the time, but who’s to say what’s on the menu is actually what you’re eating? A restaurant’s menu is its contract between management, chef and customer, and yet there’s no guidance whatsoever for truth in menu writing. I’ve eaten at plenty of places where what was advertised on the menu wasn’t what was on my plate — and the restaurant just assumed I wouldn’t notice, know the difference and complain.
How can we be sure that the organic heirloom tomato we’re paying more for is actually heirloom and not just an enticement on the menu? Shouldn’t chefs have to comply to truth in menu writing, just as they must comply with health codes? Or is the proof in the pudding?
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Comments
By One
December 4, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
This is why I’m happy to eat most meals at home!!!!!!!!
By Rodney
December 4, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
(I think Mandy is merely Cyndi under an alias!!!!)
Unless there is some reason why an item must be substituted (Kroger tomato vs. organic heirloom specialty tomato) like the resto ran out or the supplier sent the wrong kinds, I think the restaurant, really the chef or owners, should be obligated to provide me with what’s stated on the menu. Especially considering the price for a specialty “whatever” is probably higher than a (ahem!) garden-variety.
By jr
December 5, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
I would agree with the logic of one should get what they are paying for. But some times just availiblity becomes an unpercieved problem at that point i would expect my tomataoes to be at least organic if not heirloom, in other words substitution is ok but as far as the organic issue I THERE IS NO COMPROMISE ONE MUST GET WHAT THEY ARE PAYING FOR.
By Kat
December 6, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
I think Chili’s should be forced, by law, to state on their menu that their Chicken Fingers are horrible. On the other hand, their Margarita Chicken is awesome!