Somehow I was asked to be an “expert” reviewer for a new food app called World of Mouth. The reviewers are chefs, food industry people and serious gourmands. It is has just gotten off the ground and so far I really like it. They are very receptive to feedback and have already made many improvements. I have zero affiliation other than providing reviews for free. Just thought I would share with the community here as I think it can be useful.
Has potential as a concept for sure. But the Bordeaux options are pretty odd and feature a restaurant that’s been closed some time and I don’t see a way I can indicate that to administrators.
I suspect much more value when just using ‘experts’ not members.
What’s the incentive for people to do reviews?
Odd that they would have a restaurant that is closed as it recently launched. Which restaurant is it I can tell them.
I guess it is just being part of the community and creating a global app. I don’t know if the high profile Chefs are given any incentive I know frequent diners like me who participate are not. My one major feedback to them is that it feels a bit static. When I post about a restaurant here or on instagram I get immediate feedback and it feels like it is worth my time. As I have seen the amount of reviews grow and backtested them with cities that I know well, I ultimately find its worth my time.
Thanks. Ultimately wondering what will keep the “pro” content flowing and fresh, and ultimately keep it from becoming another yelp
thanks for posting - hand’t seen this yet.
as a founder in the space (not b2c though) i can tell you that there’s so much interesting activity in the hospitality space and tech. i find out about at least 1 new service per week. there’s a lot of cool building going on. the industry is still lagging, but catching up thankfully.
The people behind this do seem to be connected with a lot of well known Chefs, writers, etc. Not sure how much money is behind it. I think it is promising but as I said earlier it needs to be more dynamic.
By dynamic do you mean more content? Or …?
I think it needs to be more interactive. I get much more enjoyment posting on IG where I get immediate comments and feedback. And I don’t always have the time to do both.
yeah, those likes are pure dopamine.
Personally I’d like to see “not recommended” listed as well
I am doing quite a bit of traveling this summer and I have been using World of Mouth extensively to assist in planning. I have been adding reviews as well. I met with Kenneth Nars, Creative Director, in Helsinki and was very impressed with their vetting and long term goals.
I have zero financial interest just think it is a great resource.
what happened to the tried and true method of simply asking the chef/somm/server at one spot where else they would go? not seeing how this platform offers an edge over other digital resources either…
That is exactly what this platform is. A global group of experts like the Chef or server you mention who take the time to list their favorite spots.
Would love to know what other resources you suggest.
I also use OAD.
i do a lot of cross referencing! i think trip advisor and google are great for up to date images. sometimes i like to try to find current photos of the wine list or bottles for places that do not post one online. definitely always get some recommendations from friends in the know or those working at familiar restaurants. usually check the forums here and maybe a random food blog. michelin, oad and perhaps san pellegrino factor in too but not in an absolute sense. if a place is prominently featured via multiple unrelated references i usually feel pretty confident in it.
I do the same and I am fairly connected with Chefs, somms, professional food writers, gourmands etc,
For wine lists I subscribe to Star wine list.
the best wine lists are rarely posted online tho! i have had great luck with michelin recommended restaurants which have no star designation but mention “interesting wine list” in the details page on their site.
there is also the review aggregator called restaurant guru that can be helpful for recent info.
i feel like my hit rate is quite high but i will say the most disappointing meal i had this summer so far was at a gambero rosso recommended spot. would be curious to hear if others have paid attention to this guide for spots in italy. however, usually slow food guide is spot on.
In France, Le Fooding and Raisin.
Word of mouth doesn’t cover Bordeaux well at least. I haven’t checked other towns much.