15 Comments
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Sara's avatar

Omg I love you. YES YES YES. Madison restaurants deserve better and you articulated why so perfectly in this piece.

Do yourself a favor, (or not) don’t open any review by Samara Kalk. She makes Kyle look nuanced and refined in restaurant criticism.

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Kirstie Kimball's avatar

I’ve been reading Madison reviews for a few months before I decided to throw my hat into the ring. I felt like so much was missing and Madison deserves cultural competency from its critics!

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Sara's avatar

I need to find the review Samara wrote where she insisted a dish had soy sauce in it despite the owner telling her it did not. Or when she admitted to not being willing to eat something because “it sounded weird”

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Kirstie Kimball's avatar

NOOOOO

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Leigh Fleshman's avatar

👑 go off 🙌

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Kirstie Kimball's avatar

🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌

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Chris Smith's avatar

I constantly have the conversation of "weird" when talking about food with my dad. Like, it's it "weird" because it's not your normal? If so, good you're broadening your horizions!!

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Len Springer's avatar

I felt disappointed by Kyle’s review and applaud your thoughtful response. I’ve been a regular at Sern Sapp since it opened because of its authentic recipes, carefully sourced fresh ingredients, absolutely delicious and healthy dishes, and Son’s articulate appreciation for the history and cultures of his Luang Prabang and Madison communities. Your post expresses why Sern Sapp is such a tremendous asset to our area.

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Kirstie Kimball's avatar

It’s such a beautiful and important restaurant!

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Deborah Boschert's avatar

I hate to pile on but it seems Kyle also doesn't understand the meaning of "coincidentally."

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John Kovalic's avatar

After reading this, I sought out Kyle’s review, expecting him to have eviscerated the place.

I found it a relatively positive review, looking forward to the restaurant’s future. One that would definitely have had me seeking it out for a meal.

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Kirstie Kimball's avatar

The problem with the review isn’t positivity or not. It’s the reductive way he talks about Asian food versus other cuisines and lack of knowledge about Lao food.

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John Kovalic's avatar

(Indeed, I shall seek it out. It sounds like a fine place.)

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Kirstie Kimball's avatar

I’m glad you are going! It’s a great restaurant.

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Kirstie Kimball's avatar

Thank you so much for this Anthony--I have corrected this and REALLY appreciate it.

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