Manu Feildel stands firm against ‘Karen’ critic

Manu Feildel has doubled down on his criticism of the ‘Karen’ who left a negative review on his new Red Lion bistro, despite receiving backlash from followers. 

The My Kitchen Rules judge, 50, slammed a patron on his Instagram page on Sunday after they said his restaurant was ‘too loud’ and the food was ‘bland’. 

Despite being shamed for not taking the constructive criticism on board, Manu doubled down on his controversial post on Tuesday.

‘We truly value feedback from our guests as it helps us continuously improve,’ the celebrity chef began his lengthy message.

‘We take great pride in our food and service, so receiving such strong feedback was unexpected.

‘While we understand that not every dining experience will be perfect, we encourage constructive comments that can help us make meaningful improvements.

‘Specific suggestions are always welcome to enhance future visits. My primary concern is the current state of our industry.’

Manu went on to say that ‘restaurants are facing numerous challenges’, listing ‘staff shortages’ and ‘rising costs’ as factors that are affecting venues across Australia.

Manu Feildel, 50, (pictured) has doubled down on his criticism of the 'Karen' who left a negative review on his new Red Lion bistro, despite receiving backlash from followers

Manu Feildel, 50, (pictured) has doubled down on his criticism of the ‘Karen’ who left a negative review on his new Red Lion bistro, despite receiving backlash from followers

He urged his future patrons to practice ‘kindness’ when leaving negative reviews on Red Lion, saying ‘support and understanding from the community are crucial’. 

‘Comments on reviews can have a significant impact, and a little kindness and constructive feedback can make a big difference,’ he wrote.

‘We all benefit from constructive criticism, but let’s aim to share it in a thoughtful manner. 

‘Supporting the restaurant industry, both big and small, is vital as we navigate theses challenging times together.’

On Sunday, the celebrity chef had fired back at a critic of the month-old restaurant, branding them a ‘Karen’.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Manu shared an image of a negative review of his Bistro Red Lion By Manu in Rozelle, in Sydney’s inner west.

‘Noise in the bistro was so loud it was hard to hear people at our table,’ the unnamed customer complained. 

‘Food [was] a little bland and lacking a sense of great combined flavours,’ they continued, before adding ‘presentation of the scallop boudin [was] off putting.’

The My Kitchen Rules judge slammed a patron on his Instagram page on Sunday after they said his restaurant was 'too loud' and the food was 'bland'

The My Kitchen Rules judge slammed a patron on his Instagram page on Sunday after they said his restaurant was ‘too loud’ and the food was ‘bland’

‘Please keep working on the cuisine. Wine selection was good. Best wishes,’ the reviewer concluded.

Manu shared the review, then added his own comment, ‘Thanks Karen!’ – a slang term for a person who is perceived as entitled or excessively demanding.

However, fans swiftly turned on the chef in the comments section of his post – noting the irony of a TV cooking judge taking issue with mild criticism. 

‘Oh Manu, jeez mate you co host a cooking show ffs, whereby you critique the contestants yet it appears you have a problem with what reads as a fair comment mate.. sheesh… can’t take the heat? Get out of the kitchen,’ wrote one incensed fan.

‘The only “Karen” is you Manu. The feedback seemed quite polite… and constructive,’ added another. 

‘I’d be concerned why she wrote the food was a little bland. Wouldn’t you want to check that it wasn’t an across the board opinion ? Possibly that dish was a let down for the night,’ a third pointed out. 

‘Yeah, the Karen reference allows women’s fair reviews to be dismissed and silences them. The post is in poor taste,’ wrote yet another critic.

Despite some criticism, Manu’s bistro has also been receiving glowing reviews from patrons who visit the Red Lion Hotel for his cuisine.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Manu for comment.

Manu opened his new bistro in the iconic 196-year-old pub Red Lion (pictured) in Rozelle, Sydney last month - occupying the upper level of the pub

Manu opened his new bistro in the iconic 196-year-old pub Red Lion (pictured) in Rozelle, Sydney last month – occupying the upper level of the pub 

The pub used to be home to a vegan-friendly eatery called the Green Lion, but the team suspended their pub operations in 2020 and have moved to a nearby location (pictured)

The pub used to be home to a vegan-friendly eatery called the Green Lion, but the team suspended their pub operations in 2020 and have moved to a nearby location (pictured) 

Manu opened his new bistro in the iconic 196-year-old pub Red Lion in Rozelle, Sydney last month – occupying the upper level of the pub.

It used to be home to a vegan-friendly eatery called the Green Lion, but the team suspended their pub operations in 2020 and moved to providing meals for delivery.

The Green Lion now operates from its own store in Marrickville after leaving the Red Lion, which is just 20 minutes away from the pub in Rozelle.

Manu’s new bistro is a new addition to the historic establishment, which recently underwent a $1.5million renovation. 

Manu helms the restaurant with his decade-long friend Jamie Gannon, who is the group executive chief of the pub’s owner Laundy Hotels. 

The menu features beloved recipes from his own family archives which he described as ‘delicious, approachable food’.

‘I want guests at Bistro Red Lion by Manu to forget the outside world and feel as though they’re dining at my home, enjoying a good bottle of wine,’ he said. 

Manu has run four eateries across Melbourne and Sydney in the past, but they have all since closed down. 

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