A Korean eatery, The Jeju Island restaurant, in Zhengzhou, east-central China, is offering free meals to the 50 most attractive diners each day, as reported by The Telegraph.
The palava of the pageant
A “beauty identification area” is where all the action happens. Before the meal, potential diners are photographed and judged on the quality of their faces, eyes, noses and mouths. Reports indicate that protruding foreheads are an absolute asset.
Gratis lunch hopefuls’ looks are assessed by a team of local plastic surgeons, whose nose job know-how is being promoted by the restaurant. Plastic surgery is extremely popular in Asia, especially South Korea.
The goal is to inspire the less pretty to consider cosmetic surgery. Think of it as a free consultation. Ironically, you get a bonus of free nosh if they can’t offer their services to you. Perhaps the logic is that if you can afford to pay for your meal, surely you have some spare change for a procedure or two.
Social comment
As word got out, the Chinese blogosphere and social media buzzed with comments about how companies are still judging people on their looks; while some web users pondered whether they would pass the test.
The restaurant seems more interested in beauty than English grammar. A neon pink sign advertising the promotion reads, “Free meal for Goodlooking,”
The city’s image could be damaged by such an initiative and Zhengzhou authorities are not impressed; claiming that the eatery didn’t get official permission for the luminous pink sign.
China News Service reported that security guards and demolition workers removed the sign earlier this week.
The restaurant manager, Xue Hexin affirmed that they would stick with their strategy even though the sign was removed.
Would you subject yourself to the critique in hope of a meal on the house?
Has your appearance ever affected the way you are treated in a restaurant?
If cosmetic surgery is not for you, try these antioxidant-rich recipes, to make you look younger, naturally. Or sip your way to beauty with top trend, marvellous matcha green tea.