3 Top Skills that Every Food Critic Must Have

Do you know what it takes to be a food critic?

Being a food critic is not as easy as it looks. Food critics are always expected to be able to document their dining experience and vividly narrate each detail to their audience. Their narrative would include details of the food they ate – was it cooked to perfection? How did it actually look? Their write-ups would also include commentaries about the staff who serviced them. How did the waiters behave? Were they treated properly? The overall ambience of the restaurant or dining place may once in a while be included in their report. This is to allow them to paint the full picture of their dining experience. Does the ambience add value to the customer’s dining experience? Price and serving sizes are also always part of a food critic’s reviews. All these require constant practice and possessing the 3 top skills in order for any food critic to succeed.

Food Knowledge

Food critics have the privilege of dining just about anywhere and everywhere. They can get seated at any fine dining restaurant or eat while standing beside a food truck. Having a taste for just about any kind of food is a vital skill for any person aspiring to be a great food critic. Their food lingo also needs to be at par as they would constantly be expected to be able to describe the food they ate in detail. A decent understanding of food preparation and styles that are unique to different cuisines would definitely be an advantage to any food critic.

Paint the Picture

With all privileges come certain responsibilities. As food critics are allowed to eat graciously, their responsibility doesn’t end with tasting food. Once they finish eating, it is their job to narrate and document their dining experience to their audience. Formal education isn’t really a requirement to start a food critic career. Most food critics take up broadcasting or journalism in order to get the skills they require. It is a prime requirement that food critics be able to narrate their dining experience in a comprehensible manner whether it be written or spoken words.

Anonymity

We can easily find food critics and read about them by searching the internet. You would, however, notice that though they’ve all claimed fame in one way or another, they would often try and conceal themselves whenever doing reviews. They would almost, always, try and blend in with the crowd just like any regular customer to remove the possibility of recognition in order to avoid being given extra special treatment. In order to keep objectivity, they are required to avoid direct contact with restaurant owners and food vendors. In cases where association can’t be avoided, food critics are expected to avoid sounding biased when writing reviews.

Possessing these 3 vital skills is important for any food critic in order for them to gain fame in their chosen career.

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