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Return the Fox...

Well... this is something that I never anticipated, and certainly something that could be either welcomed with open arms or be the cause for much chagrin - depending on which side of the field you might be found for this particular ballgame.  Many sessions of soul-searching have taken place over the past several months while I have been alternately working on other projects and trying to find some much-needed "down-time".  The major factor in my decision to return to reviewing local (Fox Valley) restaurants has been the number of emails I have received regarding my "departure".  Interesting to me was the fact that not a negative comment was received, not a one of them was anything less than kind, complimentary and understanding in their remarks.  And surprisingly, there were even a few from restaurant owners who shared some positive notes and insightful thoughts of their own.

I deeply appreciate all of you who took the time to write me to share your thoughts and feelings; it was a breath of fresh air, and it made me take a hard look at what I do and at who I am.  Perhaps my skin was thinner than I had thought or than it could be, at least based on what I write and the way I write it.  But I have come to realize that, constructive or otherwise, criticism is ill-received more often than not.  I grew up expecting to receive praise only when I had accomplished something out of the ordinary, and expecting to be told promptly when I had done something wrong or incorrectly.  I have carried that credo into my adult life because it has always made perfect sense to me and I am not about to change that; credit is given where credit is due.  The only other thing that is important to me is the truth, and I will certainly continue to tell it.  I'll continue to call them as I see them; those ground rules will remain the same.

There are only a couple of changes that I plan to effect in the New Year (2007) and beyond; they are fairly minor things but important nonetheless. 

• For the most part, I will return to "active status" any review that is less than 3 years old so that anyone can read those and make an appropriate decision on a particular restaurant.  (Different rules may apply to out-of-state restaurants.) 
• The list of all reviews will be culled as certain reviews age beyond three years. 
• I promise to make every effort to temper/remove overly negative editorial comments from all new reviews.  Having said that, keep in mind that egregious food, service and or distractions will receive appropriate "credit".
• Reviews obviously will no longer be restricted to only Fox Valley restaurants.

That's about it.  Importantly, I will continue to visit restaurants on an anonymous and unannounced basis, continuing to pay for my own dinners except in the rare instances where a certificate may have been offered.  And although I realize that many of the critics that are paid for what they do will visit a restaurant more than once before a review is written... well, I simply cannot afford to do that.  So I will remain the "guy off the street" that will give you but one chance to get it right.  That's how it works for the majority of diners; that's how it works for me. 

There still remain a large number of places out there at which to dine - in the Fox Valley and beyond, so I better get going and create a list for myself.  As always, I appreciate your comments and welcome your emails.  Thanks you for your continued support and have a healthy and Happy New Year!