Claude Bosi goes public after heated exchange with food blogger on Twitter
Two-Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi (pictured) has issued a public statement, following a heated spat with a blogger on social networking site Twitter.
The response came after Bosi was criticised in the national media for his comments following a review of his Hibiscus restaurant by the amateur food critic James Isherwood.
In a review that also appeared on TripAdvisor, blogger James Isherwood used his Dining with James blog to criticise what he termed "hit and miss" service, and also raised an objection to the waiter asking about their meal. "This got tiresome after a while as the empty plates should speak for themselves," Isherwood said.
He summed up his review by saying "I can only award Hibiscus an average score. If you want an amazing two-star restaurant, try Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley or… my all-time favourite, the Ledbury."
Bosi took exception to the comments, and on Tweets by claudebosi he said: "Nice way to gain respect with chefs…!! I think your a c* word removed by Caterer and Hotelkeeper] and this its personal sorry…!!"
The chef implied that Isherwood had told Bosi to his face that the meal was fine, commenting to another chef: "Just beware of him smile to your face and f* you over…!!"
He was joined by a number of other high-profile chefs, including Tom Kerridge, Sat Bains and Tristan Welch, on Twitter who made comments against Isherwood.
Isherwood subsequently appeared to have left Twitter, but in a backlash against the chefs on Twitter today, has since reappeared.
Earlier today, he commented on Tweets by James_Isherwood : "It's not my job… just a hobby. I don't see anyone ganging up on Giles Coren this way… but anyway thanks for all the support out there!"
In an open statement to Isherwood, Bosi said: "James we had good Twitter history. You came here as a food enthusiast with your guest after you and I communicated many times. That evening at Hibiscus in my kitchen we had a chat about the food and how well your evening had gone and how much you enjoyed it. You then wrote the opposite to our conversation, but not just on your blog, you posted it on TripAdvisor to make sure you did the most damage possible to my business.
"I have NO problem or issue with criticism. I have NO issue with anyone expressing opinion. I DO have an issue with dishonesty.
"You knew what you were doing and it was deliberate right from the word go. I now feel that you knew what actions you were going to take before you even set foot over the door. Of that I am now aware.
"I was angry and tweeted to that effect as you had made this with the inclusion of TripAdvisor a personal attack - however I did not ask or encourage anyone else to get involved and am not responsible for anyone else's actions. My opinions are my own and I stand alone making them."
By Neil Gerrard
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