The role of the food critic

[washing machine]

What is it, exactly? Is a critic a lifestyle writer, a journalist, something in between? If a restaurant or hospitality group with multiple concepts hits all the right notes when it comes to menu, service, atmosphere, etc. but has some serious payroll or staff turmoil happening below the surface, is it the obligation of the food critic to touch on these things in restaurant reviews and interviews?

Far too many critics that I read are guilty of publishing fluffy PR pieces for restaurants. I'm guessing that most critics for local publications lucked into the job without any real training in investigative journalism, so raising tougher questions about the seedy underbelly of the business without going through the proper channels could open the writers or the publications up to a potential lawsuit. Still, there's got to be more to the job than heaping praise onto a city's food scene wily-nily.

Anyone have experience or strong opinions about this?

[doug rr]

please watch the documentary City of Gold...I'll be more than happy to discuss this later

[washing machine]

please watch the documentary City of Gold...I'll be more than happy to discuss this later

Ah, thank you. Hopefully it's available on one of the big three streaming services.

[BurtReynolds]

I wish I was a food guy. But I'm not.

[tragabigzanda]

from the ashes of tonkotsu

[doug rr]

I wish I was a food guy. But I'm not.

keep working on it..even pete is getting better

[doug rr]

Food critics are mostly shitheads. But they are very different from food writers, many of whom I respect deeply.

i agree but i sure do like to read Jonathan Gold

[washing machine]

Food critics are mostly shitheads. But they are very different from food writers, many of whom I respect deeply.

This is a good point. I'm not sure my city has any actual food writers aside from David Leftwich, who is more of a publisher and all-around chronicler of Gulf Coast history, culture and food. This is a problem in a city of this size.

[Chloe]

People still read critic reviews for restaurants?

Yelp, TripAdvisor, Foursquare, etc are usually my go to for ambiance, clientele, and service. Food is so subjective. If a place is known for a specific dish, sure, a critical write up might be nice to read before heading out but is it vital?

[E.H. Ruddock]

People still read critic reviews for restaurants?

Yelp, TripAdvisor, Foursquare, etc are usually my go to for ambiance, clientele, and service. Food is so subjective. If a place is known for a specific dish, sure, a critical write up might be nice to read before heading out but is it vital?

[Chloe]

[Kaius]

My day is ruined.

[doone]

what the hell is that dish?

[Chloe]

what the hell is that dish?

weird. It's weird.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/1 ... 63377.html

[doone]

what the hell is that dish?

weird. It's weird.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/1 ... 63377.html

huh, wonder if it works with people? soy sauce anyone?

[Orpheus]

What's really fucked up is they eat actual live squid in some places that can kill you by blocking your esophagus. I'd try a lot of things but that's a big nope for me.

[Bammer]

The South Park food critic / Yelp episode was amazing.

[96583UP]

read some story recently about how smart octopuses are and how they may be kind of like people

pity because i love to eat them grilled

[washing machine]

please watch the documentary City of Gold...I'll be more than happy to discuss this later

I wish more food documentaries featured snippets of Yo La Tengo songs.

[doug rr]

please watch the documentary City of Gold...I'll be more than happy to discuss this later

I wish more food documentaries featured snippets of Yo La Tengo songs.

did you watch it?