A food critic has apologized after an award-winning chef was left “disgusted” by his behavior at his restaurant.
Hobart-based Omotenashi chef Lachlan Colwill recounted his experience hosting SA Life writer Paul Wood on Saturday.
The chef claimed that Wood ignored the etiquette expected in fine-dining restaurants and repeatedly harassed his other guests.
The situation reached a boiling point when Colwill claimed that Wood had insulted his friend, prompting him to ask the critic to leave the premises and “never return”.
Wood claimed he left the venue of his own free will and quickly took to Instagram, where he told his followers that dining at Omotenashi was a “waste of time” as it served “probably the worst and most expensive dinner in Hobart”.
Colwill responded by criticizing that the verdict does not “come from a place of criticism or thoughtful analysis,” the Adelaide Advertiser reported.
“I’m all for journalism and criticism,” Colwill said.
‘But how does it feel to be criticized by someone whose criticism does not come from any professional approach or intelligence?
Hobart chef Lachlan Colwill (pictured) criticized Adelaide food critic Paul Wood following their interaction at Omotenashi over the weekend.
Colwill responded to an Instagram story posted by Wood by calling his restaurant “probably the worst expensive dinner in Hobart”.
“If someone (posts damaging statements) and no one calls them out and allows them to do so, it just gets worse and the industry gets worse for it.”
The confrontation led to Omotenashi closing for the following night.
In a statement to the outlet, Wood apologized for his behavior and admitted that Omotenashi served “excellent food in a unique location.”
“As a food lover, I was looking forward to a sensational dining experience at the renowned Omotenashi restaurant last night, and I’m sorry it turned sour,” he said.
‘I also love jokes and recognize that sometimes they can be counterproductive… and I am very sorry for having offended the business owners or other diners.
‘Any comment I made yesterday about my experience at the restaurant should not be seen by anyone as a professional review.
“I sincerely hope that my apology is accepted and that the restaurant continues to prosper.”
Omotenashi is a 10-seat Kaiseki-style Japanese restaurant located within Hobart’s Lexus showroom.
Colwill and her business partner Sophie Pope serve guests a 15-course meal, accompanied by tea and sake, over three hours for $312.
The venue is usually booked several weeks in advance due to its popularity and limited seating.
Dozens of the restaurant’s fans showed their support following the public row, with many praising Mr. Colwill and Ms. Pope for being hardworking.
Mr Colwill previously ran the Barossa Valley’s famous Hentley Farm and received 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.