How it works.

Ratings – This is a very comprehensive but straightforward and consistent process whereby a rating between 1 and 5 spoons (1 being the worst, 5 being the best) are awarded to specific prompts in each category.

The ratings will be designed to give appropriate and fair consideration to each item.

Details of the rating system prompts will not be shared as this is proprietary information however general terms will be available so the reader or contracting official will have an understanding of the structure and confidence in the thoughtfulness, usefulness, and thoroughness of the system. Those who contract my services will receive more detailed feedback and offered specific actionable steps.

Each Experience Type will have its own rubric. For instance, all restaurants will use one rubric while events, such as a festival or catered gala, will have a slightly different model. However, every experience will use the same concept.

While it is not always possible to have a repeat visit to an establishment or event, when it is realistic and warranted, the rating or review may be based off of more than one visit. In this case, it will be noted which visit is being rated or, if combining visits, the data will be aggregated and the average will be given. Either scenario will be noted on the rating/review for context.

Reviews – Occasionally, of the rated products or services, I may select one or a few to write a formal review. This extended format will allow me to elaborate on the experience with details not available from the rating system and may be done independently or as part of a “Best of” event.

Public R&R’s – these are done voluntarily, for free, and the basic results of which are available to the general public through this website at no charge. If you wish to have a more detailed report, once this service becomes available, there will be a nominal fee.

Private R&R’s – these are where I have been contracted privately to consult on improving a menu/services. To learn more about this option and applicable rates, please contact me.

Both of these services look through the lens of a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner with concentration on Mindful Eating and Dietary Considerations.

Most ratings and reviews will be centered on eating establishments (e.g. restaurants) but sometimes other Experience Types will be evaluated. These will be clearly noted, will be separated into specific groups, and the rating system will be tailored to reflect the differences. What is important to recognize is the one central thing they have in common…food.

Outlined are typically rated Experience Types with a few examples in each:

o Restaurants – Dinner, Diner, Fast Food/Chain

o Markets/Grocery Stores – Chain grocers, specialty markets, Farmer’s markets

o Food Services – Meal kits or pre-made (delivery and pre-packaged)

o Culinary Vacations – All inclusive resorts, cruises, food tours, Bed & Breakfast

o Events - Most often held annually, usually festivals

o Food product - either purchased from a brick and mortar store or online.

Two main categories are explored and rated and/or reviewed:

Mindful Eating – The importance of Mindful Eating practices cannot be overstated and the opportunity for which can not only make or break a food related experience but also have a profound impact on overall health. To gain an understanding of Mindful Eating, see this article.

Dietary Considerations – Whether it’s avoiding gluten, eliminating dairy, personal preferences, or a medical condition (e.g.: sodium restricted), it’s nice to know that there are options.

With the intention of giving an unbiased Public Rating or review that is absent of any conflict of interest or partiality, I do not accept free meals, drinks, products, entrance, tickets, room, board, travel, and accommodations in exchange for a rating or review. I will only use publicly available discounts (such as a published coupon or advertised special), or my own accumulated awards (such as frequent flier miles). My work is unadulterated and cannot be bought or influenced.

Occasionally, I may review an Experience Type that I will not have paid for but am a guest. An example of this would be dining out with another couple, who insists on picking up the tab. I will not review an Experience Type I have not paid for if there are any conflicts of interest with the responsible party, however.

After a rating or review has been published, an establishment, organization or company may wish to celebrate my work. A gesture such as this will not be entertained until the “Best of” reviews list - for which an establishment or company may have been considered - has been determined, and if applicable, published.

Should an Experience Type (e.g.: restaurant, product, store, event, or service) that I have been contracted privately to consult with on improving their menu/services wish to be eligible for a future public rating or review, they will be designated to a specific group that offers full disclosure to the reader as to the nature of their history with me and Rated Eats and no Public Rating/Review will take place until at least after a minimum of 3 months from the time of the Private Rating/Review.

The appearance of a business on this list does not necessarily mean that it is not a good establishment or product. It simply means that it does not compliment the type of diet and lifestyle that followers of Rated Eats and Nutritional Therapy Services exercise, either by choice or by circumstance.

Only the name of the business and general information (e.g. website) will be available. This allows readers to research for themselves to make a final determination of the best fit for their needs.

Those that fall into the “unrated” category are primarily restaurants but may include other Experience Types that I will have screened with the hope of rating but the encounter didn’t fit the criteria of Mindful Eating and Dietary Considerations and therefore, wouldn’t make sense to conduct a formal Rating, let alone a Review.

I may repeat a previously unqualified Experience Type to give a second chance if it appears as though an unfortunate first impression can be chalked up to something like a bad day or transition in management, but I will not pursue a formal rating or subsequent review if the experience remains unremarkable. Instead, these establishments will continue their status on an Unrated list possibly including an added “number of attempts” note to demonstrate the effort of giving them additional consideration.

Should an establishment or other Experience Type find themselves on this list and wishes to know why, how to become qualified for a rating, or to learn how to appeal to an audience that practices Mindful Eating and that has Dietary Considerations, they are welcome to inquire whether or not my Private Rating and Review services would be of benefit to them and their goals.

Public R&R’s - Prior to or during the experience, I will not identify myself as a rater/reviewer nor will I associate myself with my program, Rated Eats. I want the experience to be genuine, uninfluenced, and natural. This is another reason why I will not take scads of photographs, so as not to draw attention to myself.

Private R&R’s – It is up to the management who contracts me as to whether or not I will be known to the staff.

Public R&R’s - After the exchange (dining, event, shopping) is completed and has been paid for, if I determine that the establishment is eligible to go through the rating/review process, as a courtesy, I may elect to make contact with the management to inform them of a rating/review that will be or has been published on my website. If this is the case, at that time, I will identify myself with my name, credentials, and work.

If they are not eligible to be rated or reviewed, I may or may not leave an indication that they will be on the Unrated list.

Private R&R’s – It will be up to the discretion of the management with whom I have contracted to determine if, how, and when to disclose my role.

After I have accumulated a fair pool of similar experiences (e.g. a handful of restaurants in the same category), that have been rated and/or reviewed, a “Best of” category will be created and, of these, a few will be awarded with a “Best of” designation. Stay tuned for more details as this program unfolds.

Sure, it’s easy to work around any intolerances that might impact what one chooses to imbibe by simply drinking water but one might as well say, “then just order a salad” to someone who is gluten free or vegetarian but is really hungry for a substantial meal. It can be done but that misses the point of this exercise. Besides, it is important to remain healthfully hydrated with quality water. Beyond that, sometimes we just want to grab a tea, coffee or beer with friends, and aren’t meals are always more enjoyable (and even digestible) with a drink that complements the fare?

Aside from the obvious deal-breakers, like no milkshakes for someone with lactose intolerance, or Red Bull for someone that is caffeine sensitive, there are a surprising number of beverages that contain hidden allergens, such as certain vodkas that are made with wheat. Did you know that? Did you also know that beers that can be de-glutenized and that there are delicious craft sodas made with real sugar? It’s nice to know that even drinks are reliable. Because of this, and since they can influence the tone of a meal, this often underestimated category may be included in my reviews.

If nothing more than a basic, common beverage (such as water or standard fountain drink) is ordered, this will be accounted for in the ratings.

I am not a ratings and review mill. I do not answer to quotas. I take my time to thoughtfully process an experience and present my findings in a timely manner. Once this service becomes a chore, my feedback will no longer be sincere or effective. So, you can expect regular postings of public R&Rs but you won’t find a predictable schedule.

Certain details such as hours of operation and specials are subject to change and will not be listed. Please contact the provider directly to confirm. It is your responsibility to always check to make sure that the place/event/product/service/company is still in business and available and to be conscious of any changes to recipes or formulations that may have taken place.

Ultimately, it is up to you to make sure that any establishment you do business with, anything you purchase, and details of what you are consuming is clear to you and understood by you, that it meets your dietary requirements and preferences and is safe for you as determined by you.

I currently do not hire out others to do the Ratings or Reviews and therefore, all reviews are done by yours truly. However, I will consider the honest feedback of others dining with me, if the situation necessitates. I also have an advisory panel of experienced, seasoned professionals I can count on for guidance with the process. For instance, I will not go into a men’s bathroom to confirm it passes muster. There are dishes I may wish to include in an extended review that I cannot eat due to dietary restrictions or, practically speaking, just can’t consume that much food. As well, part of dining out is measured by how everyone in the party feels so it is possible that there will be occasions where the input of my “team” will be necessary and warranted.

Experience Type
A type of experience that involves food.

Dietary Considerations
Adjustments to the diet which accommodate preferences, intolerances, sensitivities, or certain medical conditions.

Mindful Eating
Mindful Eating is a powerful method of eating that invites us to be completely present in the moment, fully experiencing our food, and entirely engaging each of our senses. It promotes health along with creating a positive dining experience.

$ Symbol
Every dollar sign ($) represents up to $10 and signifies the average price per person.

$ = 10 per person
$$ = 20 per person
$$$ = 30 per person
$$$$ = 40 per person
$$$$$ = 50 per person
$$$$$$ = 60 per person
$$$$$$$ = 70 per person
$$$$$$$$ = 80 per person
$$$$$$$$$ = 90 per person
Cha-Ching = Over $100 per person

Rating
A score given to quantify the Rated Eats proprietary measurement system.

Review
A detailed recounting of an Experience Type.

R&R
Short for Rating and Review

Spoon
A universally recognized, practical tool often used to express positive wishes and facilitate happy outcomes. It is this thoughtful connotation that inspired the use of a spoon as the symbol for achievement in the rating system. The more spoons, the higher the score. The lower the spoons, the more likely you will want to use caution or avoid the Experience Type altogether.

5 spoons = Outstanding!

4 1/2 spoons = Excellent

4 spoons = Great

3 1/2 spoons = Very Good

3 spoons = Good

2 1/12 spoons = OK

2 spoons = Not so good

1 1/2 spoons = Iffy

1 spoon = AVOID