I am writing concerning the article published on Carmel’s Restaurant and Bar [“The Straight Dish,” Feb. 7]. As one of the owner’s of Anntony’s Caribbean Café, I must say that reviews are an important part of showcasing a business. Your writer, Hanna Rachel Raskin, did a poor job reviewing even her thoughts of the new restaurant.
First of all, Anntony’s Caribbean Café & Coffee Bar served the people of Asheville well. We were not a “beans-and-rice emporium.” The restaurant had a wide menu, all of which was prepared daily, and did an outstanding job not only with food and service, but achieved an extraordinary financial benchmark. Our restaurant was not “contrived,” and we won much acclaim for our … prime rib, Cuban-roasted pork and unique rotisserie chicken.
Regarding the review, your readers find it hard to understand just what is the opinion of the writer. A review should include facts and opinion, not just idle words. What is “a place for the derring-do”? Who cares about hitching “a ride on a biplane,” and what exactly does this have to do with the food and atmosphere at Carmel’s. I think there was an attempt to give a favorable review of Carmel’s, but it was lost in the sea of meaningless words that were used to communicate the review to your readership. Back when I was in the 11th grade, I was taught that the average reader had an eighth-grade education and that writers should take this into consideration when writing to the public. Maybe my English teacher wasn’t so wrong, even though I challenged her a great deal on her ideas.
As a former member of the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association, I appreciate reviews of our independent restaurant family and especially a well-written, favorable review. Even if the review is not too favorable, restaurant owners learn a great deal from the opinions of food critics and are forced to look at their operation and make improvements. Perhaps Constance Richards could help you out in the future, as she has been most fair and easily read.
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