Disaster #1
…Well, not really a disaster, but a lapse in judgement. Our previous district’s administration had requested that we remove our district name badges when we go out for lunch. For some reason he didn’t like the idea of district administrators out in local eateries during the school day. I’ve always tried to remember that when I go out for lunch.
Today I forgot. I wore my ID badge while eating lunch at my favorite local Thai place. The lady who usually waits on my spotted it, then started commenting on the fact that her kids were in our schools. While this particular person has always been very nice, and I don’t expect there to be any problems here, I can see the potential for problems. Identifying yourself as a school employee invites all kids of comments and concerns – good and bad. I’ll have to do better about removing my ID badge when I go out.
Disaster #2
This really was a disaster. Our Furman chemistry friends had asked us to rendezvous at Snapshot Cafe for drinks and appetizers. We had already given up on Snapshot for dinner after a couple of disappointing meals, but thought that it would be OK as a gathering place. Tonight changed our mind on that altogether. Should someone suggest Snapshot in the future, I think we will suggest another place.
Here’s the problem – the chef is inexperienced and lazy. The Jalapeno Poppers were a prime example. We had ordered these as an appetizer. What arrived were whole fresh jalapenos that had been dipped in batter, deep-fried quickly, then served with a side of cheese. Normally poppers are hollowed out and stuffed with cheese then battered and fried. The chef took the easy way, and left seeds, ribs, and everything in place. The peppers weren’t even soft from having been cooked – basically still raw. The cheese dip was cool, and had no flavor.
With the seeds and ribs still in place, the peppers were so hot as to be nearly inedible. Both Laura and I like hot spicy foods, but this was ridiculous. I had tears in my eyes, and thought I was going to die when I got seeds stuck in my braces. This wasn’t tasty – it was terrible.
Of course, with something this fiery we had to dare others to taste it. Brian and Diane took up the challenge, with predictable results.
We really wanted Snapshot to succeed. The location is great, and I love the concept. However, their food has just gone steadily downhill. Until we learn that they have a new chef, I don’t think we’ll be back. The only thing that redeemed the evening was being with good friends and having fun.
That’s too bad about Snapshot. It is in a great location and has every potential of being the type of restaurant that just becomes a catalyst for more great places going in around it. I have yet to go there even once…maybe I should give it a shot before they go under?
Their biggest problem is that their very good, very creative head chef left them to become the head chef at Lazy Goat. They haven’t found anyone with the same level of talent to replace her.
If you’ve been to the Lazy Goat, you may notice that some of the sauces are the same that were served at Snapshot when it first opened.
I’ve eaten those too. I got six in an order, and I usually eat extremely spicy food. Two out of the six were OMG hot, the other 4 were meh. Everyone was laughing as I choked. I do agree it was a bit lazy.