then the chosen restaurants are informed of their nomination. Each guest dines separately at each restaurant and writes up reviews, like a secret shopper, they don’t tell the restaurants they are there for the show. Afterwards they all gather at the studio for a round table discussion, where the group as a whole talks about their experiences at the restaurant, both good and bad. “This is not a mean spirited show, but we do want their real life experiences at the restaurant,” said Nicole. “We edit it down for time’s sake, but always make sure to have a representation of what everyone said. We stay true to the group discussion, it’s not our show, it’s their show.” Amy Pennington, host of Check, Please! Northwest, has been in the food industry in Seattle since 1998. She has authored several cookbooks and urban farming books, and is a freelance food writer, but most importantly she loves good food and dining. “I love any episode where the guests and reviewers are passionate and enthusiastic,” she said. “My favorite episode from season one was the show with Serious Pie, Beth’s Café and Hitchcock. Those guests were hilarious, had a great time, and they knew food!”. MODE’s very own Lifestyle Editor, Linda Lowry, was able to experience being a chosen guest on the show, details of where she ate, cannot be released until her segment of the show airs starting on April 17th, 2014. Linda tells MODE, “I enjoyed being chosen as a guest for the show, as I was able to go out and learn about other restaurant’s I was not aware 34 | MODE MAGAZINE | MAY 2014
of, or would not have tried and being on the show you have to visit two other chosen resturaunt’s that the other two guests picked as their favorite place to dine. The Hostess of the show, Amy Pennington, and the rest of the TV crew were very friendly and made you feel very relaxed. I was not at all intimidated to give honest feedback as I believe, the resturaunt owners will appreciate a true opinion of thier establishment, whether it be negative or positive. It gives the owners an idea of what needs improvement, and what
does not. If the show invites me back again, I would definitely do it again, I’m looking forward to the new season!”. It begins with three strangers, but when episode production wraps up, their relationships have progressed. “By the end of it,” reminisces Nicole, “they’re talking, laughing, sharing emails, and organizing viewing parties together. They’re making life long connections.” From the production crew to the diners to the television station, every aspect of the show