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Charmaine Mok

Cut the spiel, diners eat out for the meal. If chefs must tell a story, keep it simple

Farm-to-table this, locally sourced that. Virtuous monologues stick in the throat, especially AI-generated ones, so focus on people

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A heartwarming social media post by Hong Kong’s The Chairman restaurant recently honoured Tak Gor, a server who retired after 10 years of service. More posts like this, not AI-generated and conceited spiel, are what the food industry needs. Photo: Instagram/ thechairmanrestauranthk
Charmaine Mok is the Deputy Culture Editor at SCMP and the desk's food and wine specialist.

The best restaurant in the US state of Texas is purported to be one called Ethos. Its Instagram account has 81,000 followers and features a highly curated feed of elaborate dishes peppered with trending hashtags.

Its website is crafted with the haughty minimalism common among contemporary restaurants, and there are quite a few words on there about its point of view.

“Our carefully curated menus are a testament to our commitment to sustainability, showcasing the vibrant flavours of locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms and producers,” it says. “Every dish tells a story of ethical sourcing and conscious dining.

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“We take pride in supporting local communities and celebrating the abundance of nature’s bounty, creating a dining experience that harmonises taste, conscience and the true essence of farm-to-table cuisine.”

Ethos’ “Wagyu Beef Sloppy Joe”. Photo: Instagram/@ethos_atx
Ethos’ “Wagyu Beef Sloppy Joe”. Photo: Instagram/@ethos_atx
Sound familiar? In an era of greenwashing, virtue signalling and Michelin Green Stars, of course it does.
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