This corporation exists solely to spin out copies of the scathingly funny and infuriatingly frustrating restaurant review books reflecting the opinions of Robin Goldstein and his chef buddies.
Being a critic of any sort (food, music, book, etc) always is an invitation to be hated and maligned (yet secretly read in an avid fashion). Goldstein's books focusing on restaurants in Austin and Houston are undoubtedly a magnet for abuse and some hero worship.
First of all, the writing is very good...and funny. Its combination of rapier sharp wit and sarcasm make for a very entertaining reading experience even if they're dissing your favorite restaurant. However, if you're honest with yourself, you'll find that they're usually quite accurate with their assessments.
They are starting a website too. It will be interesting to see whether it competes with or complements Yelp. They have taken a swipe at Yelp-like websites in self-promoting ads in the front of their Houston dining guide...
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"the steak was FATTY, then they reffused to take my 50 cent off coupon. my wife left in tears...the WORST MEAL IVE EVER HAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Ready for a Houston restaurant website whose reviews are actually useful?
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Now those are fighting words to someone like myself who finds Yelp extremely useful.
Being a Houstonian, I will only comment on the Houston guide. Its highlights (and lowlights) include:
(1) The unjustifiably harsh C+ given to Houston's best steakhouse, Pappas Bros, yet, the review is hilarious because it's delivered as a series of Limericks (a favorite past time of this reviewer).
(2) The review of the crap food at a local strip joint, The Men's Club, which also received a C+ (probably because grades aren't the only inflationary aspect of its ambiance).
(3) The over-the-top gush-age over Da Marco, a very fine but not extraordinary restaurant.
(4) The ballage to give Whataburger a C+ too!
(5) Their dead-on "D" indictment of Willy G's (another restaurant ruined by the Tilman Fertitta corporate juggernaut).
I suspect the Austin reviews engender similar comments. read more