Over the weekend, renowned chef George Calombaris took to his Instagram page to address a negative one-star Google review of his restaurant, The Hellenic House Project (THHP), located in Highett, southeast of Melbourne.

In the review, the diner criticised their experience at THHP, describing it as the “worst ‘non’ dining experience ever” and claiming it was far from an “authentic Greek” experience.

Among the “grievances” mentioned were the alleged lack of Greek staff, including the Manager of Indian descent, and a menu that didn’t live up to its online promises.

According to the reviewer, their food was significantly delayed, as the manager had forgotten to place the order, leading to frustration and disappointment, reflected in their low ratings for food, service, and atmosphere.

Specifically the diner wrote: “Typically, we weren’t offered any compensation except that our food would be out in 5 mins. Which it wasn’t,’ they wrote in a one-star online review. I should’ve realised it was going to be a disaster when I had to ask for the menu after 10 mins. Like others, we’ve dined in many, many restaurants and were keen to try this ‘authentic greek’ experience. It was far from it. Practically none of the staff were Greek (inc the Manager who was of Indian descent) and the menu didn’t reflect what has been posted online. Calombaris – this place is a joke and you’ve certainly got a few people fooled.”

In response to the review, Calombaris publicly defended his team and restaurant, stating that being Greek or speaking the language is not a prerequisite for working at THHP.

He stressed that what matters most is being a good human, and he expressed his pride in his diverse and talented team. Additionally, the celebrity chef condemned racism, making it clear that he has zero tolerance for such attitudes.

“Won’t lie. I am 99 per cent a very positive human. But this is horrible,” Calombaris wrote on his page.

“Yes, we made a mistake with your order. We are humans. And yes, my manager is Indian. You know who you are guys. You’re not welcome ever to [the restaurant].

“You don’t have to speak Greek or be a Greek to work at THHP. You just have to be a good human. I am so proud of my team. I hate racism. F***ing hate it.”

Furthermore, Calombaris publicly banned the reviewer from returning to THHP as a consequence of the remarks made.

The Instagram post garnered support from fellow celebrity chefs, including Manu Feildel and Gary Mehigan, as well as Celebrity Masterchef contestant Nicholas Fredrick Riewoldt, who stood behind Calombaris in his response to the review.

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