ethosA non-existent AI-generated restaurant is now capturing the world’s attention with an Instagram full of food photos, seasonal ingredients, staff bios, and even products. However, the fake food business is not new; Especially in Austin. Where are accounts run anonymously based? Here’s what you need to know about Ethos, Austin’s quirky AI restaurant.
What is ethos?
Ethos is a fake AI restaurant that claims to be the “number one restaurant” in Austin, the “home of unrealistic flavors.” per website (Yes, there is a website). This name does not have a building permit or Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission license. No address. No one has ever eaten there, even though commenters claim they have. Not on Yelp or Google. reservation link Click to see an interactive video of a person being slapped by an eel. All photos, captions, blog entries, etc. on Instagram and the website are computer-generated.
When did Ethos begin?
ethos instagram account I started A post about wine was published on March 22, 2023.
Why is ethos being talked about all over the world right now?
October 13, 2024 by X User Justin Moore I just posted a topic thread Dig into the AI nature of your account. She shared a screenshot and an image of Moo Deng, an adorable hippo-shaped croissant. She summed it up like this:[ed] Make it a passion project. ”
Two days later, Mr. Moore received the following compensation: AI-generated image of herself An image of herself dining in a surreal restaurant created by Ethos. She shared fake images of meals she didn’t eat, including oysters with seaweed foam and grilled pork chops with peach compote.
This is not the first time Ethos has attracted global attention. This account was originally generated by AI Croissant baked in the shape of a dinosaur — Taking advantage of the trend of Amazing laminated baked goods People were lining up at that time.
Who is behind Ethos?
No one knows. The Austinite felt that the person must either work for or have worked for a local restaurant group since the group posted frequently. new texas food I often talk about my love of foraging and fermenting. There are also obvious Austin references, such as: running club, parody Post about Austin’s Taco Mafia and Ethos’ participation Aaron Franklin’s Hot Luck Food Festival.
Below are some of the answers the reporter received from his Instagram account.
- Eater Austin, March 2023: “I would like someone to contact me with as much information as I can release at this time.” (Ed. Note: No one reached out.)
- austin monthly in June 2023: “The vision for Ethos began with a group of passionate food lovers who aimed to establish a unique dining experience that celebrates the rich diversity of culinary traditions.”
- ATXToday October 2024: GIF of Scrooge McDuck jumping into a pile of gold.
- Vox Senior Correspondent Rebecca Jennings, October 2024: A two-page form survey asking people to draw the food they’re interested in, and a multiple-choice section on cooking.
why What about ethos?
No one knows.
Running a fake restaurant at a time when AI is flattening the real-world experience and blurring the line between reality and unreality. At first glance, the account is a satire on the restaurant industry, but it doesn’t dig deep enough. Are they making fun of the blandness of high-end restaurants that keep opening with similar menus, or are they going all out with ridiculous stunt food? Perhaps, but too often, there are regular posts with dishes and captions just like any other real restaurant.
And sometimes posts can veer into very unpleasant territory. Occasionally there are images of the late Anthony Bourdain generated by AI ( he kisses julia child). There is also a story about the staff. get drugged At a music festival. Maybe it’s part of that whole gimmick of putting uncomfortable situations in front of people and seeing how they react.
Indeed, the beauty and horror of the Internet is that anyone can do anything they want. But what’s the point if someone is “pretending” to run a restaurant in good faith? If Ethos were truly a commentary on the restaurant world, the satire would be far more obvious than surface-level nastiness. meme accounts like Ares Celine and Sussman’s They are often good at provoking their viewers.
Did Ethos really win the Eater Award?
No, it’s an account edited Eater Austin announced in an Instagram post that the winner will replace Mexican seafood restaurant Este as the winner in the Best New Restaurant Sequel category (sorry).
Why are you based in Austin?
Other than rumors that the account is parodying an Austin restaurant group, it’s no surprise that Ethos is based in Austin, where tech companies and Joe Rogan have been changing the city’s landscape. . Everything becomes more expensive, including eating out, and Ethos can perhaps be seen as a commentary on that.
Similarly, ethos exists in times such as; Restaurant companies create fake restaurants Using third-party delivery apps makes everything very confusing. Internet Culture Reporter Taylor Lorenz commented About the fact that it is problematic (and unethical) that images generated by AI are not labeled as such. That’s true. grab street observed The idea of ethos doesn’t seem far-fetched. Remember when NFT restaurants were all the rage?
And the AI wasteful and bad for the climate.
(We will give you a credit to your account) share After the Austin event went viral, it benefited a foster care charity. )
What does this mean for the future of restaurants?
Who knows?