Critic's Notebook

The Restaurant Fix That Could Instantly Boost Ratings 

If only restaurants knew it.

04/24/2017 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

Pssst: The Secret Restaurant Critic Trick for Getting the Very Best Food in Restaurants

No, it’s not “Call ahead and tell ‘em I’m coming.”

02/06/2017 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

Sweetest Service in Seattle

You've heard of comfort food? These five spots deliver comfort service.

11/17/2016 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

Who Was Wrong: Server or Diner?

This could happen to you, people. Take a read.

09/10/2015 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

What It’s Really Like to Be a Waiter

Tell-all in 'The New York Times' is the must-read of the week.

08/24/2015 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

6 Things a Waiter Should Never Say

And I heard ‘em all this year. Just look where.

12/22/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

The Dining Variable You Never Think About

Sure there’s cuisine, atmosphere, wine list. But this variable is much likelier to determine whether or not you’ll enjoy a restaurant.

09/29/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

What Do You Say When the Waiter Asks, “How is Everything?”

Reflections on the most loaded question in dining.

08/18/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

Five Service Snafus We Never Used to See

Service is a different beast now than ever before. Here’s how I wish it weren’t.

06/02/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

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May I Help You?

Among the gifts Seattle has given the world: A few unique selling strategies.

09/03/2013 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

Restaurants That Give You a Deadline to Finish Your Dinner

And other tales of miserable service.

11/12/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

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Service in Seattle Restaurants

A professional diner’s list of 10 issues every restaurant should get right.

10/29/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

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Met Poll: Dining Trends

10/19/2012