The debate on whether restaurants should allow diners to take pictures of their food during service has been running for some time now, yet it escalated with recent reports that French chefs are calling for the practice to be banned.
Chef Mark Greenaway is happy for diners to take pictures of food at his two Edinburgh restaurants, stating: “It’s something that’s here to stay, so let’s embrace it”.
However, he suggests that if people are intent on photographing their meals they may benefit from a little assistance: “I recognise that a candle-lit dining room plus a smartphone equals a tricky situation. Use your flash and the food loses all it’s character, and without it, the food turns into a dark mush distorting the hard work thats been done in the kitchen. So I want to help”.
On Wednesday 2 April, 3-5pm, Mark will run a tweet what you eat workshop at his eponymous restaurant, where he and a professional photographer will help foodies to get the best from their smartphone camera and apps.
Mark continued: “I spend a lot of time developing dishes so they look appealing on the plate, so it’s understandable that some people will want to take pictures. So many of us are doing it now that I think rather than banning it, we should be embracing it as a part of 21st-century restaurant culture”.
Further details will be announced on www.markgreenaway.com. Those keen to attend can email tweet@rmgedinburgh.com to register their interest.