The Rating Scale: Getting Close to God

When we first concocted this idea, it didn't start out as a blog. It was a joke that would (evidently) become reality, thanks to the prodding of some friends. (Thank you, Captain!)

We both love food, but more importantly, we both love GOOD food -- and we can't help discuss the pros and cons of any given place. It was as we sat inside a little Japanese restaurant that we really began to playfully build up the qualifications for our Chuban "Food Review"...except, we are both very serious about food and the experience of dining out.

While this is a collection of our own private opinions, we will try to remain objective. There are certain to be bad reviews as well as good ones, but we encourage you to find out for yourselves if you think we're right!

So, what, pray tell, raises a good restaurant from the snake infested grounds of the jungle to the sun-sparkling canopies?

• Appearance: Is the place well-decorated? Is it well-kept, if not brand-spanking- new?
• Ambiance: Are the tables crowded together? Is the music too loud?
• Plates and silverware: Is it clean? Is it appropriate, given the setting? (e.g. plastic vs. glass)
• Cleanliness: Has the table at which you've been seated been cleaned properly?
• Accessibility: Are facilities relatively easy to locate and not in a questionable place/condition?
• Service:
•  Are you seated promptly (or, as promptly as possible, giving leeway for large crowds)?
•  Does your order come in a decent timeframe?
•  Is your waitstaff friendly?
• Is your glass empty?
• FOOD: Is it well-presented? Reasonably priced? More importantly, IS IT DELICIOUS?!
• Extras: Are there moist towlettes? Are there other things provided to you that raise your opinions, which other restaurants don't necessarily provide?

These are the main criteria we consider when we're  determining how many stars a restaurant deserves, 5 being "Closest to God."


As we continue to examine the eateries in the coming months, these standards will surely grow and change. We may even argue a bit. Stay tuned to see just how they are applied!