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A chef who bragged about ‘spiking a vegan’ with animal products has resigned after her comments received an angry response.
Laura Goodman, Co-owner of Italian restaurant Carlini in Shifnal, Shropshire, wrote in a Facebook group that a ‘pious, judgemental vegan’ had gone to bed ‘still believing she’s a vegan’.
According to Carlini Co-owner – and Goodman’s fiance Michael Gale – the chef received death threats, which he says have been reported to the police.
Backlash
Goodman’s post led to a furious backlash online, with users branding her actions ‘disgusting’ and ‘unprofessional’. The restaurant also received dozens of one-star reviews since the comments on 30 December.
Since the backlash, the restaurant’s co-owner Michael Gale, issued an apology on behalf of Goodman.
He told the Express and Star: “We appreciate the outrage Laura’s ill-judged comment on social media has caused and would like to apologize for what it insinuated.
“She had spent a lot of time designing a special vegan menu for a party, who then decided to choose something from the existing menu – one meal of which was a cheese-based pizza, which isn’t vegan-friendly.”
Anger
He added: “This is what she meant by the Facebook comment. In no way does this excuse the comment and we totally understand the anger it has subsequently caused.
“However, we want to assure everyone that the meals were all prepared to our usual high standards and in accordance with the Food Standards Agency.
“No meat was used in any of the dishes.”
‘Time off’
Now, according to reports, a Carlini spokesperson has said Ms Goodman will no longer be working at the restaurant.
The spokesperson added: “Laura Goodman has today tendered her resignation from Carlini and the board of directors are currently considering their options.”
Shropshire Council confirmed it has received complaints and is currently investigating.
