Podcast Episode

John Mariani – Author, Journalist, and Food Critic

The legacy of the food critic and restaurant reviews is a surprisingly long one. It’s also complicated. Food critics emerged from simple desires like sharing thoughts about great meals and giving weary travelers advice about where to get a good meal on the road. But, as times changed, the role of food writers and restaurant reviews expanded. It went from being a hobby to a well-paid profession (with obvious perks).  

Here to enlighten us about that history is one of the most influential food critics in the US. John Mariani has spent 40 years tasting his way through culinary trends and across state lines. He’s a professional food writer, critic, author and journalist who has written for major publications like Esquire and Forbes. In today’s episode, Mariani provides interesting historical insights into the evolution of food critics. He’ll talk about how the role has changed through the decades, and offers some much needed optimism for an industry that’s been hit hard through the pandemic. 

What we covered in this episode

  • John Mariani gives a  short history of the food critic (4:26)
  • The origins of the Michelin Guide (7:17)
  • John Mariani explains the different types of restaurant critics (11:59)
  • How funding for food critics has changed (16:33)
  • The difference between online reviews and professional critics from John Mariani point of view (20:32)
  • Drawing the line between criticism and just being mean (24:07)
  • The problem with the stars system (25:32)
  • Understanding the psychology of online reviews (27:58)
  • John Mariani is looking into the future of restaurants through the lens of the past (32:08)
  • Why the industry will survive (35:29)
  • John Mariani answers whether restaurateurs are afraid of food critics (37:33)
  • Series of rapid-fire questions.
  • Link to the podcast episode on Apple Podcast 

Thanks Chef Gabriel Kreuther for the introduction

Emmanuel

Recent Posts

NYC Chef Panel on Bold Flavors and Reinvention

Recorded live at Phoenix Palace during NYC StarChefs Rising Stars. Sponsored by Symrise.In this special…

3 days ago

Pig Beach BBQ: Inside Chef Matt Abdoo’s Journey

Today on Flavors Unknown, I’m joined by Chef Matt Abdoo, co-founder of the wildly popular…

2 weeks ago

From SFO to the Hawaii: Mourad’s Next Chapter

In this in-person episode recorded on location in Honolulu, I sit down with Chef Mourad…

1 month ago

Dirt Candy’s Amanda Cohen: Breaking Culinary Norms

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Amanda Cohen, the creative…

2 months ago

How Chef Rivera is Redefining Sushi at Bakku in Puerto Rico

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Joerick Rivera, the culinary…

2 months ago

Chef JJ Johnson: The Power of Rice and Culinary Heritage

On today’s episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef JJ Johnson, the James…

2 months ago

This website uses cookies.