Assignment 1
Psych
Urbanspoon: Kenyan Cafe
For my assignment I chose to urbanspoon the Kenyan Café, located off of Van Horris road in Morgantown, WV. I’ve seen the café several times driving by and have wanted to eat there but haven’t had the right opportunity yet. So, I checked out their reviews to see if it would be worth it to try it. My first review that I came across was a 5-star review. Nothing but happy detailed compliments about how cozy the atmosphere is, how unique and well flavored the food is, how friendly, personable, and happy the owner is. All of those things combined make the place sound amazing and cause to ask myself why haven’t I gone yet? No one reading this review would object to trying it out. At least, I wouldn’t think so.
On the other hand, when you scroll down and find a review that puts it at a 1-star, you have to wonder why this could be? Upon reading this review, I was shocked at how bad this review was. The allegations in the reading made you never want to step foot in this kind of place. The rant of how the owner is a sexist, controlling, pig that has unoriginal cuisine and a poor, if not awkward, atmosphere to be in was quite overwhelming. If this was my first review that I read, I may have forgotten entirely about eating here, as I believe almost any one else would.
If this first reviewer who raved so intently on how unique, well tasting, and the boss being an A+ guy, read this second review. I think it would come as a shock. There is nothing in these reviews that are even the slightest bit alike. Complete and total opposites, and the second reviewer was a former employee. How that factors in makes a huge difference in opinion. You either believe the employee or dismiss these accusations because she may have been terminated because of a fault on her end thus getting back at the owner by writing a negative review. In the end, I believe if the first reviewer read this, he/she would have probably dismissed this review, as there are far more positive than negative reviews on this place.
Sometimes it’s tough on delegating online reviews to be accurate. What one person likes, I may not and vice versa. Everyone has his or her own personal opinion, but we also have a right to voice that opinion. For that reason, among others, I think every review should be taken with a grain of salt. Unfortunately, I 100% think that a lot of people will solely go on what kind of reviews are given, especially today given the economic standpoint. No one wants to spend money somewhere that has horrible reviews telling you the food isn’t worth it. I’m guilty of it.
One negative review usually doesn’t stop me from trying something new given the situation of the reviewer being a past employee and the overwhelming positive reviews that surround this one. I’m still going to try to find the right moment to go down there with my wife, and hopefully enjoy something authentic and new cuisine.
Review –
“Who would have expected to find a Kenyan place in Morgantown?! If it wasn't for Yelp we certainly wouldn't have come across the place while driving through, and that would have been a shame. I've never had Kenyan food so really have no basis for comparison, but I thought everything was fantastic. My vegetarian boyfriend and I both had plenty to chose from on the menu and enjoyed every bite. The hot sauce (made in the cafe) really makes the dishes; don't hesitate to try it. The owner (a very, very friendly, personable, and accommodating man) is working on getting the proper labeling to sell it by the bottle. I will be closely watching the website so I can order some when he possible.
