Chef Alexandre Gauthier at one-star Michelin restaurant La Grenouillère in northern France is the latest to say ça suffit to diners who shoot before they eat. The Guardian reports that his restaurant’s menu now has a pictogram of a camera with a line drawn through it: no photos, please.
The New York Times caught the attention of diner/photographers in late January when it reported that some New York restaurants are calling for a ban on photos following extreme photography during meals, with people coming equipped with tripods.
Camera and cell phone bans at the table aren’t that new, but they may be spreading. Eater, a Washington DC blog reported in August 2011 that a hot new restaurant had banned cell phones, interviewing the chef at length about the logic behind the move.
Before they are banned, I want to share my latest restaurant meal photos. I have mixed feelings about having to put my camera away during a meal, even though I can appreciate why others might think it’s a good idea. I asked my companion if he minded if I took a photo, and he said no – just as many people say no they don’t really mind if you light a cigarette.
Pre-ban, here’s a truly splendid creamy pumpkin soup at Lavinia in Geneva. I was too busy eating the main course to shoot that dish, but I did catch the gourmand espresso, perfect for people who want to pretend they aren’t eating dessert.
It was my first visit to the restaurant and I found the food and service very good, the 12 wines of the week by the glass a good selection. That’s a 2012 Donatsch Completer from Graubuenden with the soup. A 2012 red blend of Syrah, Pinot Noir and Diolinoir from the Mabillard-Fuchs winery in Venthone, canton Valais, was just right for our meat course.
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