Many years ago I made the mistake of criticizing the preparation of a dish I was served at a friend’s restaurant. To clarify, I thought I was giving constructive criticism, but it didn’t land in his ears as such. In fact, it really pissed him off and elicited an angry response not reprintable here as this is a family publication!

As much as we might think we can be perfectly honest when it comes to critiquing a friend’s talent, it’s worth noting that’s not always the case — lesson learned.

Actors, chefs, musicians, and writers might qualify as the most dangerous waters to wander into with an unfavorable judgment; these egos bruise particularly easily. So when I mentioned to my friend Chef Louis Moskow that I wanted to review his 315 Restaurant & Wine Bar after recently enjoying a delicious meal, he replied, “it can’t be done; how can you be honest about a friend’s cooking?â€

Dishing With Johnny Vee: A Tale of Two Chefs

Chef Louis Moskow’s French fried chicken is served with buttered green beans and mashed potatoes.

Dishing With Johnny Vee: A Tale of Two Chefs

For a wallet-friendly night at Joseph’s, order the New Mexico lamb burger topped with green chile and local sheep’s cheese served on a homemade English muffin.

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