I just wanted to send a brief note to express my appreciation to Robert Rowe for his fantastic letter to the editor entitled “Food and food critics.” I heartily endorse his view that the level of pretension that now surrounds restaurant reviews has reached epic proportions of snobbery.
It is important to bear in mind, that for all its newfound cosmopolitan feel, St. John’s is still a very small town and familiarity may lead to bias.
It is very important to remember that these reviews can have a significant impact on a restaurant’s business.
Although a self-proclaimed foodie may have significant experience as a diner and acquired a sophisticated palate, I believe that an analysis of restaurant food should be similar to how sports is followed.
The majority of sports commentators have previously played or coached in the sport that they comment on. So perhaps a retired chef (or cook as they were once called) should be reviewing a restaurant.
To put it bluntly, no valid industry experience … no valid opinion.
Chris Dawson
St. John’s
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