Google in the Kitchen: A Recipe for Disappointment?
March 8, 2011
With an estimated one percent of queries submitted to Google pertaining to food preparation, the multifaceted program is now adding a feature meant to sate user hunger for just such an implement. According to “Google Gives Us a Recipe Search Engine”, the proposed modification will return results compiled using a mixture of relevant ingredients, cooking times, as well as nutritional statistics. Following the French culinary refrain, Mise en place (which translates to everything in its place), access to this addition will be found in the vertical search menu on the left side of the home-screen.
While the above is as satisfying as removing your soufflé from the oven without it deflating, taking every ounce of enthusiasm you had for the endeavor with it, what makes this noteworthy? Like the ability to execute a recipe to perfection, it can be reduced to the technique used. In this case, the method involves the code applied to construct the target folios. Laced within are what is known as rich snippets (short explanatory notes) which recapitulate a page’s content.
The real issue remains the relatively small number of pages that contain structured metadata. Google has invested more than hope into the idea that more sites will follow the path cut by the Food Network and those owned by Condé Nast. Not to be overlooked is the potential for the generation of revenue. Three years ago there was speculation over the agreeability of advertisers to release a bit more coin for elevated status in category listings or under the definition returns associated with hot links. Could a similar arrangement be applied here? Google is a business.
As someone who both knows a few chefs and cooks frequently himself, I can attest to the attraction of a virtual reference library. Any professional chef who claims they do not use the internet for acquiring new recipes or verifying one when their frenzied minds cease recalling those in storage is … well let us just say those vegetables are not as fresh as advertised either.
Micheal Cory, March 8, 2011
Comments
One Response to “Google in the Kitchen: A Recipe for Disappointment?”
-
- Subscribe to Beyond Search
Feature archive
News archive
-
[…] A recent posting on eWeek.com titled “Google Recipe View Offers Search Tool for Foodies” provides an interesting opportunity to compare and contrast two recent additions to the arsenals of the increasingly feuding behemoths. While it seems Microsoft may have thrown the first volley last year, Google’s Recipe View has been impressing the spectators. Beyond Search is no stranger to the topic, as you can read here. […]