Lamer than lame

Zagat’s lamest list

I am a big fan of Zagat. I fill out their surveys religiously every year and always look forward to receiving their guides.

Yesterday, though, I read a piece by Kelly Dobkin on their site that frankly was, in my view, totally ridiculous.

In her piece “The 10 Lamest Things You Can Order in a Restaurant” Dobkin displays extreme snobbishness towards customers who order:

1. Iceberg wedge salads
2. Shrimp cocktails
3. Bottled water
4. Plates of fruit
5. Mixed greens
6. Cereal
7. Scrambled eggs
8. Steamed vegetables
9. Olives
10. Baked potatoes

Why not allow a diner a shrimp cocktail if they so wish? Just because some self-appointed expert views them to be naff, why shouldn’t those of us who like the dish continue to enjoy it in fine establishments like Scott’s in Mayfair?

Scrambled eggs also come in for attack by Dobkin who states “Even a broke-ass one-handed wino is capable of creating this dish in less than five minutes.” So what? Oak smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and chives features on the menu of none less than The Ritz Hotel. It’s a dish I often seek out.

How anyone could have an argument with mixed greens and steamed vegetables also escapes me. What does Dobkin propose we eat instead? Birdseye frozen carrots?

With regard to “cereal at a diner” I can’t say it is something I’ve even witnessed. Where on earth does this woman dine? Mind you, I don’t watch Seinfeld so I suppose I learnt something here but why even bother to mention it?

Other readers plainly don’t take too kindly to Dobkin’s patronising ways. “Insulting people for what they like to eat is LAME” says one, adding “Worst top ten list ever.” Another simply sates “Think a little harder next time.” I have to agree.

Thank you for reminding me of one of my favourites though Kelly Dobkin. I’m off for a prawn cocktail at La Brasserie for lunch.

Read the original piece at http://www.zagat.com/buzz/the-10-lamest-things-you-can-order-in-a-restaurant?zagatbuzzid=june11week3&utm_source=buzz&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=buzz20110615

For a fantastic prawn cocktail try:

–       La Brasserie, 272 Brompton Road, London, SW3 – http://www.labrasserielondon.com (Avocado Crevettes, £8.90)

–       Sophie’s Steakhouse, 311-313 Fulham Road, SW10 – http://www.sophiessteakhouse.co.uk (Traditional prawn cocktail, £8.25)

–       Scott’s, 20 Mount Street, W1 – http://www.scotts-restaurant.com (Shellfish cocktail, £17.25)