A food critic has issued an apology after an award-winning chef was left ‘disgusted’ by his behaviour in his restaurant.
Hobart-based Omotenashi chef Lachlan Colwill recounted his experience hosting SA Life writer Paul Wood on Saturday.
The chef claimed Wood was ignorant of the etiquette expected at fine-dining restaurants and repeatedly disrupted his other guests.
The situation reached a boiling point when Mr Colwill claimed Wood insulted his friend, prompting him to ask the critic to leave the venue and ‘never return’.
Wood claimed he left the venue at his own accord and quickly took to Instagram where he told his followers dining at Omotenashi was a ‘waste of time’ as it served ‘probably the worst, overpriced dinner in Hobart’.
Mr Colwill responded by slamming the verdict as not ‘coming from a place of critique or thoughtful analysis’, the Adelaide Advertiser reported.
‘I’m all for journalism and criticism,’ Mr Colwill said.
‘But how does it feel to be critiqued by someone whose critique doesn’t come from any place of professional approach or intelligence?
Hobart chef Lachlan Colwill (pictured) called out Adelaide food critic Paul Wood following their interaction at Omotenashi over the weekend
Mr Colwill responded to an Instagram story posted by Wood calling his restaurant ‘probably the worst, overpriced dinner in Hobart’
‘If someone is (posting damaging claims) and nobody’s calling it out and letting them do it, they just get worse and the industry just gets worse for it.’
The stand-off prompted Omotenashi to close for the following night.
In a statement to the outlet, Wood apologised for his behaviour and admitted Omotenashi served ‘excellent food in a unique location’.
‘As a lover of food, I was looking forward to a sensational dining experience at the renowned Omotenashi restaurant last night, and regret that it turned sour,’ he said.
‘I also have a love of banter that I recognise can sometimes backfire … and I am very sorry to have caused any offence to either the business owners or other diners.
‘Any comments from me yesterday about my experience at the restaurant should not be viewed by anyone as a professional review.
‘I sincerely hope that my apology is accepted, and that the restaurant will continue to flourish.’
Omotenashi is a 10-seat Japanese Kaiseki-style restaurant located inside Hobart’s Lexus showroom.
Mr Colwill and business partner Sophie Pope serve guests a 15-course meal, accompanied by tea and sake, over three hours for $312.
The venue is typically booked-out several weeks in advance due to its popularity and limited seating.
Dozens of the restaurant’s fans showed their support following the public feud, with many praising Mr Colwill and Ms Pope as hardworking.
Mr Colwill previously ran Barossa Valley’s famous Hentley Farm a recipient of several awards, including Best Restaurant in South Australia and Vittoria Coffee Restaurant of The Year.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Wood’s publisher, SA Life, for further comment.
