David McCandless

Ten years ago, we did as we were told. If we didn’t like a dish, or a table, or a wine, and the waiter asked us if everything was alright, we’d say “Yes thank you!” in a meek voice.

Today we know what we want. We won’t stand for ignorant waiting staff, sloppy service and bad background music. In fact, we like to complain.

But complaining, like cooking, is an art. For the best results, mastery of discernment, timing and presentation is required. And, perhaps most importantly, the appropriate attitude.

See it less as complaining, more as explaining there’s a problem and giving the restaurant a chance to put things right.

Here, three leading industry insiders with the 10 most commonly encountered problems, as voted for by Olive Magazine readers, and asked them to give us a masterclass in how to handle them effectively.

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Feel guilty eating a constant stream of ‘evil products’? You could go Fairtrade.

Published in BBC Olive Magazine May 05

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An obsession with healthy eating could be dangerous, doctors have warned. So what’s it like suffering from orthorexia?

My family have accused me of having it. My friends suspect me too. After a brief resistance and some research, I’m ready to concede: “My name is David and I am mildly orthorexic.”

Orthorexia nervosa is an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. Unlike the related anorexia, sufferers are concerned not with quantity but with quality. It’s not about feeling fat, but about feeling pure.

Published on BBC News March 05

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It’s the perfect fine-tasting antidote to fast food, didn’t you know?

Published in BBC Olive Magazine Dec 04

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Is it really that much better than tap? Really? Why?

Published in BBC Olive Magazine Oct 04

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What are they? And why are they bringing about the end of the world?

Published in BBC Olive Magazine Aug 04

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