Restaurant reviews, like all other reviews, are a consumer service: What to buy and where to get the most for your money is conveyed. They are also a way to develop one's tastes.

Quite literally with the restaurant review. One savors the aromas and expands one's knowledge of dishes. One learns about spices and the textures to expect upon one's palate.

While a well known restaurant reviewer can seldom hide his or her identity, a student restaurant reviewer can dine incognito with four to five friends.

We'll return to the real reason to bring those friends. First we need some facts which should be easily accessed by the reader. Determine format and layout for the review and follow it. Readers will return to your column if they get the information they need and you are a candid epicure.

FACTS NEEDED

• Name of restaurant
• Address
• Phone number
• Hours and days open
• Whether reservations are required
• Price range for appetizers
• Price range for entrees
• Price range for full dinner

Those friends you brought were for companionship, but they are also there to order different items from the menu. No one is allowed to order the same dish. A review cannot remain under 200 pounds and order so many items. He or she needs to appraise the spectrum of the menu, so friends must share their opinions and meals.

CONCRETE INFORMATION NEEDED

The review should include most of the following information.

• Decor of restaurant
• Ambiance
• Wait time
• Service
  
  
• Type of restaurant and specialties
• Cuisine in order of service
• Appetizers
• Entrees
• Dessert

Highlight the meal from the first bite. Use all senses to convey flavor, texture and appearance. You may compare items on the menu or contrast to the same item at another restaurant or as served in its native land.

Be concrete. State ingredients, sauces and spices. If you don't know, ask your waiter. If the meal is an ethnic one, you might invite someone who is from that country to join you. He or she may give you insight into what to expect. Or read books about the foods of those lands.

Disappointed? Glad you didn't order what your friend did? Put it in the review. The best and the worst should be included.

And do save room for dessert.