The world’s best restaurants accept phones
by Leon Gettler
Mobile phones in restaurants are no longer taboo. Just don’t use them for conversations.
This is because of social media: people love to post photos of their food which is free advertising.
Bloomberg surveyed 20 of the world's leading chefs and restaurateurs, from New York to Sydney, London to Lima. The restaurants hold 50 Michelin stars collectively.
The survey found that they welcomed the use of phones for people to snap photos of their food and send it out on social media.
Some responses to Bloomberg from the restaurateurs:
"Cuisine is a feast for the eyes, and I understand that our guests wish to share these instants of emotion through social media - Instagram for instance."
– Alain Ducasse, chef, Dorchester London
“Phones are part of going to a restaurant today: Most people are texting or taking photos, which doesn’t bother anyone. Look at all the food pictures on Instagram. I do the same thing myself.”
– Jean-Georges Vongerichten, chef-patron Jean-Georges New York
“We’re fine with phones. No rules, no worries.”
– Drew Nieporent, co-owner Nobu New York London
“The whole world is guilty of using phones but smart people know how to handle it: You barely notice when they photograph the food. But if guests want a picture with the chef, we take them into the kitchen.”
– Daniel Boulud, chef-patron Daniel New York
“It’s written on the menu that we ask guests not to use mobile phones. And if somebody’s phone goes off, we look at them as if to say: ‘Switch that off or it goes in the ice bucket.’ Most people look embarrassed, which is natural. It is called manners. I don’t mind people taking pictures. I’ve been known to do it myself.”
– Michel Roux Jr., chef-patron Le Gavroche London
28th January 2016
