New York Times critic Frank Bruni steps down
In case you didn't see the story yesterday evening, Frank Bruni is stepping down as the New York Times restaurant critic. His leaving the job -- but not the paper -- is tied to the publication of his memoir, Born Round: The Secret History of a Full-Time Eater, in late August. He'll stay at the Times as a magazine writer.
I'm amazed he lasted as long as he did, five years. I imagine it would be an awful job.
Comments
I'd think that would be an awful job, too. Sure, you'd get to eat in the best restaurants in the country, but you wouldn't be able to go out for a bagel without a hassle.
We're probably all lucky he never dressed up as a member of KISS, either.
Posted by: Lissa | May 15, 2009 6:37 AM
I imagine it would be an awful job.
Why?
Posted by: bazinga | May 15, 2009 6:45 AM
I guess that means we get to keep you here?
Would I leave you? :-) EL
Posted by: Dahlink | May 15, 2009 6:52 AM
I just let out a NOOOOOOOOO! that rattled the entire neighborhood. That man is a terrific writer, one of a handful they've got there that are really a pleasure to read. So I guess I'll get his book.
I felt that way about his predecessor, William Grimes, who once described the ingredients in an appetizer as "making hot, slathering love on the plate." EL
Posted by: Skewed Tomato | May 15, 2009 7:24 AM
Dahlink, I don't think the Grey Lady could handle the Sandbox.
Posted by: Lissa | May 15, 2009 8:04 AM
I'm going to not tie up my phone today, so that I can be assured the Times will be able to reach me with this job offer.
Posted by: Robert of Cross Keys | May 15, 2009 8:06 AM
Five years is a blink in time for New York restaurant critics. Mimi Sheraton spent 8 years as one of Bruni's predecessors at the Times. More remarkably, Gael Greene was New York magazine's restaurant critic for 34 years, thanks in no small part to her great skills in hiding her identity.
Posted by: hmpstd | May 15, 2009 8:51 AM
I did not need the image of "making hot, slathering love on the plate." I really didn't. I was going to eat lunch today.
Posted by: Lissa | May 15, 2009 9:55 AM
I read Ruth Reichl's book Garlic & Sapphires about her time as a critic. It was a good read, and I can definitely see how it would be a hard job, but an awful job? Can you elaborate, EL?
Posted by: pomme de terre | May 15, 2009 10:21 AM
I did not need the image of "making hot, slathering love on the plate." I really didn't.
and the cheese stands alone
Posted by: TerrierMom | May 15, 2009 10:23 AM
Lissa, does the image involve an octopus?
Posted by: TerrierMom | May 15, 2009 10:44 AM
But Lissa, doesn't the fact that EL included that phrase in her comment give you a certain sense of license? I know I feel a little less constrained now.
Posted by: Laura Lee | May 15, 2009 10:45 AM
TerrierMom, the Red Wings won last night, and it is the Stanley Cup playoffs, so, yes, most objects of love this time of year involve an octopus.
Which is why I really didn't need that image in my head at all.
Laura Lee, I'm quite sure you wouldn't like me a little less constrained.
Posted by: Lissa | May 15, 2009 12:06 PM
Welp, Skewed Tomato gets today's "spewed coffee on the keyboard" award. That's FUNNY!!
Posted by: Dottie | May 15, 2009 12:51 PM
An awful job is in a steel mill. Or raking asphalt on a day when it is 110 in the shade. Or trying to stop a water line leak at night when it is 30 below and snowing. Or in any factory doing the exact same thing day after day after day.
Posted by: Elite Elephant Lover | May 15, 2009 1:47 PM
An awful job is...
Gotta be coal miner.
Posted by: Eve | May 15, 2009 3:43 PM
In a survey of occuptions in 2008 the worst job for seven years running was crack whore trainee.
Posted by: Rev'Ed | May 15, 2009 4:05 PM
Worst job, i would go with Honey Wagon driver.
Posted by: Jason | May 15, 2009 4:31 PM
I'm trying to imagine Frank Bruni in a Ruth Reichl disguise (but I'm not trying very hard!).
Posted by: MD Canon (On one last Trip to Garrett County) | May 16, 2009 10:19 PM