Seattle foodie slams local restaurant critics

A Seattleite named Scott Surdyke took food writers to task this week for not appreciating the new, modern décor that's popping up in area eateries. Times critic Nancy Leson (who admits she's not one for modern décor) has published his full letter in her column. Surdyke says that for the most part, Seattle is stuck in the 90s in terms of restaurant design. He's frustrated that every time a restaurant tries something new, critics resort to design descriptions that mention the Brady Bunch, Austin Powers or the Jetsons. He writes: "Frankly, I am surprised and disappointed that collectively you so quickly condemn restaurants that are actually trying to bring Seattle in touch with the modern restaurant world in terms of design."

Surdyke salutes restaurants like Qube (pictured here), Capitol Hill's Boom Noodle and Asian Breeze for marching forward with modern designs and sustainable materials, writing: "Variety is good, modernism is very alive and these few establishments should be praised for stepping up, not slammed by you guys because you won't stoop to understand why restaurant design has evolved way beyond places like Betty, Crave and Union." Ouch. Personally, I don't pay too much attention to the décor at my favorite restaurants. What brings me back time and time again is just good food. Metroblogging Seattle also weighs in this week.