Food Porn, "too much? or "Bring it on!"

The pervasive nature of social media has allowed your Facebook friends to include you in any and all aspects of their life—including when they go out to dinner. When we log onto Facebook at any point during the day, we see tons of food posts, or “food porn,” but, hey, we actually love it. Do you?

Common complaints lie with people who post too much—everything they eat, whether it be a gourmet meal or a snack from the gas station. Many foodies genuinely like to share their experience in a great restaurant, but posting ad nauseum can seem like pretentious boasting: “Look at me, eating this delicious porcini mushroom risotto at fabulous and expensive Restaurant X , while you’re at home nibbling on your sad turkey sandwich.” These posts have unintended benefits for restaurants, however. The photos may entice people to eat at the restaurant because the photos are instant publicity. But how much is too much?

While doing our morning reading, we came across this really hilarious three-minute video on NPR’s Food Blog, that’s a catchy music video based on the notion that “food porn” has reached the extreme.

So what’s the problem? There is a dining room etiquette diners should abide by before you break out the camera and the flashes start lighting up the dining room.  Snapping away with your camera can be intrusive and disruptive to your fellow patrons, not to mention disrespectful to the chef. The food is meant to be eaten the moment it gets to you. If you’re too busy setting up your tripod and getting the right angle, you may end up with a dish not up to par. So, if you must take a picture, make it quick and with no flash.

“Think of the individuals dining around you,” said LRA Director of Social Media Erica Papillion. “The restaurant certainly appreciates your enthusiasm, but be courteous to those around you that simply want to enjoy their meal and not share it with their Facebook friends.”

Social media is a necessary tool that cannot be stressed too much. Restaurants who are active in social media know the importance of having a presence on Twitter and Facebook. Many restaurants in Louisiana have yet to log on and start sharing. What to share, who will share and how to engage with customers is something that is perceived as time-consuming which equates to costly for some.

Creating a page isn’t enough though. Seeking out your customers and pools of prospective customers is worth the energy.  Talking about specials, your chef’s trip to the Farmer’s Market, your participation in a charity event is just a few of the things we definitely recommend you share.

Is your chef using a new technique or product? Does your bartender have a specialty elixir or way of serving a cocktail that’s unusual or creative? Have your received the best compliment ever? Share.