Guidelines for Submitting a Restaurant Review;
By Ed Wright, "The Wright Gourmet"
Submit all reviews and comments here: Wright Gourmet Be sure to include "Restaurant Review" or "Restaurant Comment" in the e-mail subject line.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Restaurant "reviewers" are not employees or representatives of this website, nor compensated in any manner by this website for reviews or review submissions and we do not reimburse reviewers for any dining expenses incurred of any kind or nature. "Reviewers" act at all times as "private individuals," completely responsible for their own actions, and are not allowed to make any claim or representation as to be employees of, or representative for this website, nor to request free meals or services of any kind on behalf of any "Review" or review(s) being performed for posting onto this website.
This website reserves the absolute right to refuse posting, and maintains the right to remove reviews once posted without comment or explanation being required for such actions.If there are any concerns or violations of this policy restaurant owners, managers or reviewers are encouraged to call Ed Wright at (909) 938-3777 for clarification, as and when required.
NOTE: Ed Wright has written Restaurant Reviews and other previews, opinions, press and commentary for over 7 years. These guidelines are a compilation of what we feel provides some of the best reviews. Posting a review is not an english or grammar assignment... we are not looking for perfectly written reviews, but instead seek perfection in our dining experiences. No one is going to grade your submission, but we do reserve the right to comment on anyone's opinion with our own without recourse.
Readers of these reviews need to understand that all reviews are the personal opinions of their submitter (reviewer's opinions frequently differ widely), and such reviews are supposed to be based on actual dining experiences. Please keep in mind that it is impractical to expect anyone to fact check all the dining reviews we receive before posting, so it is possible some errors or omissions may occur (we apologize in advance). Also note that all reviews are posted as much for entertainment value as potential informational content... please remember these are restaurant reviews and subject to the writer's sense of humor, or lack there of; we always advise readers to consider that these are only opinions, and we can not guarantee that any reader's dining experience will be the same as the reviews; menus and prices are subject to change without notice.
If there are factual or other concerns regarding any review(s) posted, or other concerns, observations ect... please contact Ed Wright, The Wright Gourmet at the attached e-mail address with the corrected information and an explanation of your concerns; please note that we require your contact information be provided with all correspondence (e-mail plus phone number is requested).
We accept and post all relevant reviews with editing as required when/and as possible to facilitate readability. All reviews become the property of this website upon submission whether posted or not and may not be reproduced without prior written permission.
About Pricing Break Points: We try to breakout in each review the price range of the average menu pricing, and breakout restaurants into the following 5 price brackets with the emphasis on identifying the best dining spots in each area we serve regardless of price. We have found exceptional dining and fantastic service does not require “breaking the bank.”
Restaurant Price Ranges (For review discussion purposes): These price ranges do not include bar bills or wine charges. We do not include bar or wine tabs into any review… but if the restaurant has a great wine selection or features a favorite adult beverage you enjoy please feel free to share about it in your review.
“Dirt Cheap” = average meal pricing of $6.00 or less. / Buffets $10.00 or less.
“Family Friendly” = average meal pricing of $15.00 or less. / Buffets $20.00 or less.
“Up-Scale Dining” = average meal pricing of $30.00 or less. / Buffets $30.00 or less.
“Gourmet Dining” = average meals above $30.00 to $100.00
“Don’t Ask the price” = average meals above $100.00
The Wright Gourmet’s 100 Point Scoring System explained:
10 Point Max Value: The following 8 areas are scored on a 1 – 10 scale (0 being the lowest possible, or worst and 10 being the very best).
Taste: 0 to 10 Points
Ambiance: 0 to 10 Points
Service: 0 to 10 Points
Cleanliness: 0 to 10 Points
Table Comfort: 0 to 10 Points
Menu Selection: 0 to 10 Points
Serving Sizes: 0 to 10 Points
Perceived Value: 0 to 10 Points
20 Point Max Value:
Enjoyment: 0 to 20 Points;
This provides for a maximum score of 100 for perfect restaurants. In writing your review(s) please consider the above points in your rating number (0 to 100 rating), and use these areas as focal points in explaining your likes and dislikes about the restaurant being rated. We would request a brief to moderate length written explanation along with your rating, but will post reviews with just the above areas clearly rated and totaled.
ABC's Sample Restaurant |
Total
Possible |
Total
Awarded |
| Taste |
10 |
9 |
| Ambiance |
10 |
8 |
| Service |
10 |
6 |
| Cleanliness |
10 |
7 |
| Table Comfort |
10 |
6 |
| Menu Selection |
10 |
7 |
Serving Sizes |
10 |
7 |
| Perceived Value |
10 |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
20 |
16 |
|
Total
Points Awarded |
73 |
|
|
|
Sample Points Chart:The above example rating chart is a sample of one we have used as "The Wright Gourmet" for numerous years, and how we total up points for our reviews... after totaling up the points and determining the awarded score (73 in this example) we than add any additional comments we feel important.
Feel free to share your opinions… but keep in mind that every restaurant will have an “Off Day,” so before writing a scorchingly negative review ask yourself if you feel if the problem you encountered was a one time problem or an ongoing issue with a restaurant. Menu pricing games, “small print” or “bottom of the menu scams” along with bait & switch coupon games are pet peeves consumers all hate and we believe should be warned about; so if this is a problem, tell us every time; but this said, we also feel that it is better to avoid writing negative reviews for anything other than blatant, ongoing problems. From a reviewer perspective, I personally (The Wright Gourmet), do not rate poorly scoring restaurants (or fast food chains) rather than posting a lot of low numbered reviews that typically interest only the reviewer. But also factor in that exceptional service always rates review and recognition… so if your local Arby’s, Sizzler or Del Taco provide consistently great service feel free to tell us about that particular location and what about it is exemplary. Keep in mind that we all enjoy reading about the “Best Restaurants” and look forward to enjoying a great dining experience… which is what these reviews are all about.
1) Personal relationship to the restaurant you are reviewing: These rating and review guidelines for the Wright Gourmet Restaurant Ratings section helps to assure consistent, relatively complete, and thus memorable comments and reviews. Please be very clear if there is any business or personal relationship to a restaurant you may have, or if you are in any way connected to, or involved with the restaurant (owner, employee, relative of the chef or staff) to let the reader know such; and if so please tell us, it is required you say so in your review. Please keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with a relationship with any particular dining spot, and often we find reviews by individuals in the restaurant services industry write the best reviews. By allowing the readers to know your relationship to the restaurant you are reviewing, you provide readers additional depth and credibility to your review.
2) If you are not related in some way to the restaurant you are reviewing, clearly state your motivation for submitting the review: We have found individuals who write restaurant reviews usually do so from several motivations; Hopefully it is because they either really enjoyed their dining experience… or conversely really disliked the experience… or enjoy food and like to share their positive dining experiences with others. (Which is the primary motivation behind the Wright Gourmet Reviews)? What ever the motivation behind your review, please so state. Please keep in mind that Ed Wright (The Wright Gourmet) honestly enjoys hearing if you agree or disagree with his (or other contributors) points of view. Please make sure your motivation is clear about how you agree or disagree, and why. Nothing is less informative than simply hearing “I DISAGREE!” OK, now explain why and what you disagree with?
3) What to Include: Always include the address, Restaurant Phone numbers, and the breakdown of your 100 max base point review, plus your own personal contact information as a minimum... other than that, the length of your review is typically determined by what you feel is important to share about the particular restaurant you are reviewing. Keep in mind... Longer is not always better, some of the best reviews are under 200 words.
For the readers sake, keep it simple, to the point, but make sure to provide enough information to fully convey your thoughts and reasons behind such feelings and observations. Several solid paragraphs, with a supporting or continuation paragraph is usually adequate. Our most popular reviews are between 150 to 300 words, depending on the writer. As a guideline for writing a more comprehensive (above the basics) review, you may want to discuss more in depth the restaurant’s food, plating styles, service and anything that impresses you about their atmosphere and décor.
We find the best reviews clearly state whether you liked or disliked the restaurant; these reviews spend more time on the why. Try to be specific as to restaurant details; this makes your review more useful for readers ands helps them determine “If” they might want to try the restaurant themselves. Our best, most successful reviews capture some part of the dining experience itself, those points that make this one of your favorite dining spots and as such builds credibility with the reader who probably does not know you other than from what you have written.
Style: To assist in capturing that elusive sense of the restaurant, keep the following in mind.
A) Write in your own your “voice” as if talking with or writing to a friend. Try to write the words exactly as they would come from your mouth in a conversation. Allow your sentences to flow as if in a conversation with a good friend. It often helps if you read your review out loud to someone else. There should be little difference in your written words versus what you would say verbally.
B) Say what you recall about the restaurant. What are the little things that really made the restaurant special? Well observed details bring to life your experience so others may enjoy it also. Those who enjoy reading restaurant reviews often appreciate, and can relate to details better than the bigger picture… but both should be included in a good review.
C) Be helpful. If the restaurant can be hard to find, assist the reader quickly find it by providing directions in your first sentences. Readers often enjoy reading about the special dishes you particularly enjoy. If the restaurant has a “Dress Code,” it is helpful if you mention such. There is little more frustrating than planning a nice dinner out with friends and arriving only to find that you are dressed too casual for entry… I hate it when that happens!
D) Provide all relevant information: If the restaurant you are reviewing has an unusually wild paint scheme, décor or caters to a specialized “crowd” or clientèle, by all means please tell us. Nobody enjoys feeling "out of place." If the rooms are particularly elegant… tell us.
E) Provide interesting details: Those new to writing reviews often write, "This place is great." Do not feel bad if this is you… Ed Wright (The Wright Gourmet) has been known to do this also; in saying this, keep in mind that emotional judgments are helpful and insightful, but keep in mind the reader next wants to know why it is “Great”? It is always fun to read some of the reviews from truly dedicated “Foodies” and amateur chefs who enjoy describing dining details that impressed them… because the chances are they will also be appreciated by our readers who tend to be foodies themselves; So remember to mention a few of the items that make this “the absolute best dining experience ever,” if such is you review.
F) Overview: How does this restaurant compare to other similar restaurants serving menus of similar price ranges? This is important because restaurant price ranges vary, and depending on the price paid, do you feel that you got good value for the money you spent? If so, tell us. Would you recommend this restaurant to your friends? Would you warn your friends against going to this restaurant? Is this restaurant a special occasion type dining spot? Would you recommend it for a romantic dinner, family gathering, power lunch, business dinner, or a child’s party? Would this restaurant be a good destination for a large group meeting? If so, tell us about it; the goal of restaurant reviews is to provide insight and information about what to expect, so there are fewer unpleasant surprises! We all hate unpleasant surprises… but be fair, and do not take your “Bad Day” out on a restaurant simply because you can.
G) ABOUT NAGATIVE REVIEWS: Negative seems to breed negative, but for what ever reason Negative Restaurant Reviews are typically everyone's favorites and along with the top rated reviews the ones most often read and commented about… and some submitters seem to enjoy writing negative reviews; whatever the motivation, remember to keep to the restaurant you are reviewing, and leave out any person’s name, especially in a negative review. It is completely inappropriate and potentially slanderous to trash any particular person by name or description along with the restaurant you are reviewing.
This is not “American Idol,” and unless you are actually Simon Cowell… we will not publish any “Bush Baby” type descriptions. And for the record, If you are Simon Cowell, we would love to publish your reviews! But considering nothing inspires a review faster than a bad experience, please consider if you had a negative dining experience because of any one particular waiter or staff member, do not include any information that could be used to actually identify that person personally or anyone else by accident. It is far better to say the management, waiter, waitress, general staff, etc… we reserve the right to edit all reviews as required for liability issues, but more often than not simply do not post attack type reviews.
H) Appropriate content always: Be polite, honest, and at all times be fair. Always avoid mean, harsh or derogatory language and racial or sexual slurs. Absolutely no hate-speech, profanity, harassment, vulgarity or overly sexually explicit language or terminology may be included. Refrain from including commercial messages or advertising material. Do not include anyone’s copyrighted material without the owner's specific written permission. We do permit and request the inclusion of the restaurants phone numbers, physical addresses, URLs to the restaurant's website.
