I have a scene in my book that takes place at a restaurant in NYC that I've based on a real restaurant. It's a well regarded place (for those who pay attention to that sort of thing) with a well known chef. For my book, I've changed the name of the restaurant and its chef.
I'm debating whether I should use the real name of the restaurant. If I do, should I use the real chef? The thing is, my characters meet the chef and talk with him, so then I'd have to see if I can find some interviews to make it realistic. But then I'm mimicking a real person and I feel a little uncomfortable with that--plus, I have no idea if there are legal issues.
This is an important scene, but it's just one scene. The chef is not important to the book and nor is the restaurant, except for the dinner and conversation that takes place there.
Is there any kind of guideline on this? What do you think? What have you done?
Thanks!
I'm debating whether I should use the real name of the restaurant. If I do, should I use the real chef? The thing is, my characters meet the chef and talk with him, so then I'd have to see if I can find some interviews to make it realistic. But then I'm mimicking a real person and I feel a little uncomfortable with that--plus, I have no idea if there are legal issues.
This is an important scene, but it's just one scene. The chef is not important to the book and nor is the restaurant, except for the dinner and conversation that takes place there.
Is there any kind of guideline on this? What do you think? What have you done?
Thanks!