Scottish chefs fall out over dietary policy

A spat between two chefs came to a strong-worded culmination last week as Chef Craig Millar fell out with Chef director of Haar restaurant, Dean Banks, over whether chefs should cater for all dietary requests.

The fallout was sparked by 16 West End chef Craig Millar's Tweet, after a customer asked whether a course in a tasting menu contained any nuts - halfway through her meal.

4 courses in and we’re asked if there are any nuts in the desserts ‍

— Craig Millar (@craigcmillar) December 29, 2019

Last year, we published a piece detailing the chef's views on what he calls 'fuckwitarians' - customers who embrace fad diets and, he believes, make life difficult for chefs.

MasterChef: The Professionals 2019 finalist Dean Banks - who recently made the headlines for his tough stance on no-show diners - however, takes a different stance.

The same day, he Tweeted his exasperation, stating that as professionals, chefs have a duty to accommodate people with dietary requirements:

Reading through all these so called professionals chefs complaining about allergens. Your a professional it should be a simple task. Im sure most of these chefs will be the first to ask for certain specs from their suppliers. Its no different.

— ChefDeanBanks (@banks_chef) December 29, 2019

Dean said that he was proud to cater for any requirements, and that he would be "happy enough" to take all customers Craig Millar turned away.

The argument got out of hand as the chefs made it personal, questioning one another's prominence and reputation:

Did you actually read the article or the tweet? When you’ve run a restaurant longer than 10mins come and speak to me! Now your 15mins of fame is coming to an end you’ll need to decide whether you want to be known for running a decent restaurant or losing twice on masterchef!

— Craig Millar (@craigcmillar) December 30, 2019

Despite the bitter embroilment, Craig Millar stuck to his guns, injecting his unique sense of humour into several more pointed Tweets.

The chef called an article in The Courier 'one sided', joking that it failed to mention his good deeds:

Well that was pretty one sided, you forgot to mention the time I saved a kitten from a tree and helped an old person cross the road ‍ https://t.co/XVzm5VifwJ

— Craig Millar (@craigcmillar) December 31, 2019

Not content with letting things lie, he went back for more days later:

Getting away from the dietary spotlight for a relaxing week away with my daughters Gluten and Free pic.twitter.com/7VfpqR6PeB

— Craig Millar (@craigcmillar) January 4, 2020

What are your thoughts chefs? Do you think chefs should adapt to all customers' dietary requirements? How much notice do you think customers should have to give for any special requests? Share your thoughts in the comments!