New York restaurateur Scott Conant has written an open letter to Toronto, which was published on the Huffington Post this morning. His main intention is to plug his much-anticipated Hogtown location of Scarpetta at the Thompson Hotel, but the text also manages to illustrate that his multitasking is as strong on the page as it is in the kitchen. The letter is a masterwork of contradiction, managing to condescend, schmooze and charm all at the same time.
Conant assumes that Torontonians know nothing about the culinary world outside of our city: “You don’t really know me—and that’s okay,” writes the frequent Chopped! judge, before going on to enlighten us about Scarpetta, a restaurant of international renown. “I don’t know if you’re into entomology or anything like that,” he goes on to write (though we’re guessing he meant “etymology”), noting what “scarpetta” means in Italian (a piece of bread used to sop up sauce). To top it all off, he recommends we get out more. “Miami is really beautiful, T-Dot. You should check it out sometime.” Um, thanks.
Strangely, the most relevant piece of information Conant could have provided—namely, what exactly will be on the menu at Scarpetta—is omitted (guess we’ll have to wait until the opening on Thursday), but he does turn on the charm. He heaps blush-worthy praise on the lusciousness of Ontario’s local foods: amazing charcuterie and meats, flavourful fruit, a vast selection of mushrooms, great seafood and top-notch wine. Oh, we’re really nice, too, and we “love food.”
I know, I know, I’m an outsider. It’s stressful enough opening up a restaurant around the corner from my apartment, and here I am in another country. Of course I’m worried, but at the end of the day, I simply try to make honest, delicious food. My other basic principle is to simply make the customer happy.
Oh, Scott. We can’t stay mad at you.
• An Open Letter to Toronto [Huffington Post]
He should know Miami is half owned by Canadians. Dork. He knows nothing about beer, which trumps wine in every case. Phhhhht.
July 20, 2010 at 5:57 pm | by PhilI think this guy figures he is way more important than he actually is. His participation on those ridonculous FN shows just proves he has major ego issues.
My call is they close this new place within the year. I’m sure he won’t be missed.
July 21, 2010 at 1:18 pm | by NealGive the guy a break – there was nothing “wrong” with his letter – let’s at least wait until the place opens so we can judge Scarpetta based on its food, service, etc.
July 21, 2010 at 3:49 pm | by GeorgeCome on Toronto Life. Did you actually read Scott’s letter? Do you really think that was condescending? Is your sense of self-worth so low that you have to read insulting double entendres into innocuous statements?
I read Scott’s letter, BEFORE reading your “analysis”. It was really very nice. It was genuine. I did not feel insulted by his introduction, and found the etymological details pleasantly instructional.
Really Toronto Life, I expect better of you.
July 24, 2010 at 12:48 pm | by AlexWORST restaurant in the city. The food is awful…this is not an exaggeration. It’s pathetic. Our group had the sable fish, polenta, yellow tail, and salad and all were so bad we complained and the manager was ‘on the phone’. We will never be back.
April 16, 2011 at 10:05 pm | by GFFcrew