Welcome to Ask Eater, a column from Eater Philly where the site’s editor Ernest Owens answers questions from readers on all things Philly food related (hype around certain dishes, dining trends, restaurant etiquette matters, food influencer crazes, service labor problems and more). Have a question for him? Submit your question to [email protected] with the subject line “Ask Eater.”
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Dear Ask Eater,
It’s that time of the year again when Center City District Sips takes over Philly. I haven’t been since the pandemic, but now that I have to go back to work in the office, I’ve been contemplating on checking it out again. I have to admit that I was 34 years old when I last went, I’m 39 now.
Do you think I’m too old to enjoy it? Seriously, I’m not sure what to expect.
Thanks,
A Dude Who Doesn’t Want to Be the Oldhead at the Party
Dear A Dude Who Doesn’t Want to Be the Oldhead at the Party,
Surprisingly, this is a “yes and no” answer.
At 32 years old, I feel I have personally matured — not aged out — of Center City District Sips, the trendy social that happens every Wednesday in June, July, and August that has participating restaurants serving $7 cocktails and food specials. I don’t think age is the way to frame this answer, but rather about personal taste and expectation. For me, spending $7 bucks for arguably watered-down cocktails around a bunch of noisy people at some of my favorite restaurants and bars on a Wednesday kills my vibe. I’d rather spend a little more for a great cocktail somewhere else less chaotic instead. My last grand time at Sips was in my 20s when I was making less money and saw such lively gatherings as mid-week happy hours.
I don’t know what your expectations are for such events at your age — but if you’re in the same boat as I am, Sips might not be for you. If you don’t care about the quality of drinks and just want to be outside with a younger crowd of folks, have fun. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, intimate, or organized – hard pass.
Ernest
Dear Ask Eater,
I have been following some of the chefs of restaurants I love and have begun to find them super offensive and problematic. Between the excessive profanity (which isn’t the worst thing in the world), one of the owners of these restaurants has political stances that I believe completely go against everything I stand for as a humanitarian.
Should I cancel the restaurant because of them? Am I going too far?
Thanks,
A Customer Who Is Conflicted
Dear A Customer Who Is Conflicted,
As the author of a book called The Case for Cancel Culture, my answer is a little more nuanced.
As a customer of an American restaurant, you’re participating in a free economy. You’re entitled to spend your money ethically however you like. If you don’t want to purchase food from a restaurant that’s owned by someone who espouses views in public that don’t align with your views, you’re free to do so. Several years ago, when there were bars in the Gayborhood who had a repeated history of racial discrimination – and an owner who was caught saying the n-word repeatedly on camera – I stopped personally giving them my dollars.
Canceling is your right and you don’t owe anyone an explanation or debate regarding it. The bigger challenge is understanding that others might not necessarily agree with your personal barometer of offensiveness and might not join you in such a boycott. Again, the choice to personally cancel or not cancel is an option afforded to everyone in this society. So be sure to be respectful — even if you don’t agree with how others choose to navigate such complicated matters.
Ernest
Dear Ask Eater,
I’ve recently attended a pop-up series in Philly that was partially billed as supporting local and diverse businesses and food vendors. But I bought a ticket that was pretty pricey, and it didn’t deliver on what was advertised. In many ways, I felt like it was a scam. I feel like it’s ripping people off because there’s several cultural causes that its supporters want to get behind and these events present itself as helping that. I’m between a rock and a hard place because I don’t want people to get taken advantage of, but I also don’t want to feel like a negative Nancy.
How do I call this out without looking like the bad guy?
Thanks,
Not Trying to Be the Bad Guy
Dear Not Trying to Be the Bad Guy,
It’s always tough to see a good idea turn out to be a flop. Like you, I, too, don’t like to be the guy with bad news when something that appears to be for the community is quite the opposite. Yet, the truth isn’t bad – it’s all in the delivery. Depending on how passionate you feel about this, perhaps contacting the organizers of the event and giving direct feedback is the first best step. If you truly think their intentions are corrupt and don’t want to waste your energy, post reviews elsewhere and share your thoughts by word of mouth. You’ll be surprised how many others might feel the same way.
Ernest
