Where's the Restaurant Guy?

A number of folks have reached out asking what’s happened to “The Restaurant Guy.”   ThePeople chasing me around town (Courtesy goodyearblimp.com) truth is I’m still out here….and would like your indulgence to change up the reviews.  Here’s why.

My Westborough Patch blog started on June 5, 2011 with a review of the movie Bridesmaids.  Yep, when I first started, I did reviews of events, movies and restaurants.  Over the course of the 110 posts Patch kindly shared with you, my focus was voluntarily narrowed.  Movie reviews have a limited shelf life, as do events.  Yet restaurants survive, evolve and sometimes perish.  Having people stop me on the street to debate or support a review is fun, and you’ve always been good sharing suggestions for places to try.

Over the course of the 102 restaurant reviews, we’ve agreed/disagreed and always had fun.  That’s the good news.  Now to the serious stuff.

Back in November, I went to the Dr for my annual physical I go to every five years.  My Doctor has been my doctor for 30 years, she knows me well.  While I’ve always been to the large side, my Doctor would say things like:

• 2002 - “You’re big, and your numbers are all good, so your body is used to it.  Your biggest challenge is you’re a guy.  Guys don’t live as long.” 
• 2007 – “You’re big, and your numbers are all good, and you should think about this.  Diabetes is a big issue in the US today.”
• 2012 – ““You’re big, and your numbers are all good, and you need to change something. NOW.”

You see, over the course of the 102 restaurant reviews I’ve added about a half pound a review to my frame.  It’s my doing; nobody forced me to do this.  And still there are a bunch of guys from Goodyear chasing me as a runaway blimp.

So, I’ve made some dramatic changes in nutrition, and am going to the gym with a personal trainer.  I’m optimistic and have still have miles to go.

What to do with the restaurant blog is the question.

I’ve decided to stop producing the videos.  While a blast to make, the actual views are in the 300 range. It takes a lot of time and effort to produce, so we are going on hiatus.

I also stopped writing the blog.  And yet so many people reached out, I feel like I’m not being fair to you or myself.  And my concern is I am not convinced there are healthy restaurants, so what to do?

As I spoke to a very good friend about this, she challenged me.  She’s suggested an exploration of healthy choices when dining out.  As I was thinking on this, Susan Manning, Regional Editor of the Patch, reached out.  Sharing my quandary, she replied, “I don’t think you need to find healthy restaurants, only healthy options at the ones you visit. People, I think, would love that, myself included!”

And then my thankfully challenging friend reached out with references for healthy eating while dining out.  She couldn’t be more supportive, as is the case with my kids (with the exception of the bag of Oreos on Christmas morning!)

So, with your indulgence, let’s shift the focus a bit.  This means we’ll revisit some restaurants already reviewed, and certainly we’ll stop by new ones. 

Getting out weekly is a challenge right now for me, too, as my company has some travel needs.  While the posts won’t run weekly, hopefully you’ll enjoy them!

Your help with suggestions is always welcomed….it helps these blog posts be something we can discuss when we bump into each other around town.

What do you think?  Should we make this journey together?