INSENSITIVE, DISCRIMINATORY RACIAL REMARKS TOWARDS AFRICAN AMERICANS MADE BY CHEF!! DO NOT EAT HERE. On Friday, February 27, 2009 my friend and I (both African American women) went to Birk's to celebrate an achievement my friend has been working towards for MONTHS. We had heard good things about the restaurant but neither of us are huge red meat eaters. Both of us ordered the Pan Roasted Rocky Junior Chicken entree. The meal consisted of baked chicken, broccoli, and macaroni and cheese. It was OK at best. On a scale from 1-10 I would have given it a 6.5. The food was a little bland but still well cooked and nicely presented.
After we finished our meal, the chef came out and began asking us about the food. His first question was whether `the chicken was better than 'Big Mama's.'` I wasn't sure what he was talking about, initially thinking Big Mama's was some kind of restaurant. When my friend commented that nobody's food is better than your mom's/grandma's, I realized what the chef was getting at and thought nothing of it. I added that we couldn't give an accurate answer because that would be like comparing apples to oranges. He then asked whether `the macaroni and cheese was better than 'Big Mama's.'` Again, we replied that that would be like comparing apples to oranges. His final inquiry was whether `the macaroni and cheese was at least better than 'that government cheese.'`
The audacity of this man to insinuate that ALL or even MOST African Americans are currently on, or have at one point been on welfare is inaccurate, offensive, and misplaced. Additionally, exploiting the poor thinking that their circumstance is something to make fun of is equally offensive, insensitive, and ignorant. Also, this chef did not address any of the other patrons (mostly White) who were dining there that night.
I WILL NOT return as long as this person is still employed at this establishment because I DO NOT intend to support such ignorance!!
