Eat here, leave your camera at home
October 13th, 2008 by Cliff Bostock in Restaurants
I lunched Friday with my usual date, Brad, and another friend, Brian. We visited Savor Specialty Foods at Peachtree Battle Shopping Center (2355 Peachtree Rd., 404-869-0070).
The shop offers an impressive selection of gourmet sandwiches, all but one of them under $8, like my “Toscano” (right) with fennel-seed salami, olive chutney, Provolone, mayo and local greens. I had it made on ciabatta. I also ordered a cup of my childhood favorite, split-pea soup, that was first-rate. Brad and Brian both ordered lobster bisque with their sandwiches.
I did have one of my rare camera conflicts here. The kitchen staff, whose images I’ve blurred to protect them from paparazzi, told me that taking photographs inside the store is forbidden. The reason? Because spies from other shops would love to duplicate Savor’s look and inventory, apparently. “We’ve seen them photograph every shelf.”
“Well,” I asked, “what is the difference in photographing the place and simply coming in and taking a look?”
“I’m sorry, but photographs are not allowed!” she repeated.
Soon afterward, someone I assumed was the store owner appeared and asked us, “Are you in the business.”
“No.”
“Do you work for Publix?”
“No.”
In fairness, I went through the same thing at Star Provisions some months ago. Other than that, I’ve only had the experience in restaurants that employ foreign workers.
Lunch was really good.
(Photos by Cliff Bostock)
October 13th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I understand their hesitancy, I suppose, yet I still find it weird. If someone was in your shop, photographing your shelves, you should speak up or ask what they’re doing. But taking a pic of a sandwich? Wow.
I’ve yet to be asked to put my camera away when I snap food; in fact, most people are curious and then pleased when I tell them why.
October 13th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Same experience Friday at the new Mercantile on Dekalb Ave. Extremely friendly and a great experience but leave the camera at home. They actually warmed up after I mentioned it was for my blog.
I couldn’t help it, stores like these are very photogenic.
October 13th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I’m always so nervous about this. I had a bad experience at Star Provisions, too.
But, I feel like it is just free advertising for the business – especially if I’m taking pictures in a way that does not disturb others. (At least, I feel like it doesn’t disturb anyone else.)
Maybe it will become less threatening with the prevalence of phones that take pretty decent pictures – like the iPhone.
I still feel conflicted about this, though.
October 13th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Kali: They didn’t object to my photographing the sandwich, which I ate outside.
My guess is that they’d have relaxed had I told them I was from CL, but I wouldn’t even consider doing that before tasting the food.
October 13th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
I think in fairness to any business you should always ask if it is okay to take pictures inside before you take them. I have had people come into my business and begin to take pictures without asking. When approached I have heard things like: I really like your shelves and I would like to copy them for my business or I think this would be a great concept in X city. I have also found pictures of my business used on another company’s website (in San Fransisco!) designed to sell franchises. Just ask me. We asked the other company to take down the pictures and they did. If you ask us, even if you are going to copy us, we’ll probably let you. Flattery, right?
October 13th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Do you work at Publix?
WTF does that have to do with anything?
October 13th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Cliff: I see your point. I was under the impression that they objected to you photographing your food. Sorry.
When taking pictures for my blog, I don’t usually take pics of the interior of the place I am at—I am a horrible photographer to begin with—but if I want to, I always ask. Usually I just take pics of the food and the exterior of the establishment.
October 13th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
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October 15th, 2008 at 10:43 am
I think it’s HILARIOUS that the owner asked about Publix considering that we’ve seen him TWICE in Publix buying baguettes and brie! I really want to like Savor, but they definitely have some kinks to work out. What’s up with the tiny plastic plates? Could we at least get a decent looking basket that’s environmentally friendly and as cute as the store? Plus, they take forever and I don’t think the sandwiches are well-constructed. Kind of a messy concoction that they don’t fit neatly into the bread.
October 15th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Ditto on the plates, but our bread was good — from H&F, I believe — and we had a brief wait on a Friday. There was nothing wrong with the construction, although I wish everyone would retire mayo forever.