Food Critic

Are you tired of hearing about the same old career choices.. Have you ever thought of opting for a career which is different from the conventional streams? A food critic is one such stream you may find interesting, that is, if you have a good taste bud and the ability to convert these taste experiences to words. Those of you who have a flair for writing and a passion for food can consider becoming a food critic (food writer / restaurant critic / food columnists). Just like most other offbeat and uncommon career choices, the job profile of a food critic is quite interesting and challenging at the same time. 

Food critic or food writer is a broad term used to describe a writer who explores food or restaurants and then publishes the results of their findings. Those who share their opinions via food columns in newspapers and magazines are known as food columnists. A food writer/critic is a person who has a strong understanding and taste for good food combined with excellent writing and editing skills. Food critics write about restaurants, ranging from fast food establishments to high end exclusive restaurants, cafes, shops, food manufacturer or other food outlets. They provide thoughtful, descriptive and unbiased information to the public. Critics visit these food joints, taste their special dishes and then make their opinions known to public by publishing them in paper/magazine, Internet, TV or radio. These days internet is becoming more important in forming opinions about restaurants.

This job needs you to try out any cuisine or dish you come across, no matter how strange or foreign it may seem, and write your opinion as descriptively as you can. While writing your opinions you should keep in mind that tastes differ among people and what you find enticing may not be considered so by others. Your job as a food critic is to check out the food and help the readers know if they'll enjoy it or not. The role of a food writer or restaurant reviewer is one of great responsibility. This is because most people prefer to read restaurant reviews especially of new places, before deciding whether or not they want to go to that restaurant. Giving an accurate opinion is important, at the same time you should not be unduly harsh in making judgments as your reviews can effect the business of the restaurateur.

Becoming a food critic takes time. One has to get professional experiences in the world of food, either by attending culinary schools, hotel management courses or working in restaurants or taking up farming food articles, so that they can learn about every aspect of the food industry. It is not only tasting the food that makes a food critic, you should be an expert and have extreme knowledge about every aspect of food, from how certain foods are harvested to the history of various dishes as well as ingredients used in a particular dish and an idea on how it is made even to how a restaurant operates. Professional integrity is very important for food critics. They must make repeat visits to a restaurant so that they can make fair and balanced assessments of its ambience and offerings. More important, he should have exceptional writing skills to convert his experience into words, in an unbiased form. The way you present the reviews determines your success. 

Food criticism is not only concerned with writing about food, but also a restaurant's service, its ambiance and even other factors that can influence the enjoyment of food. After considering all the aspects of the dining experience, the food critic gives ratings which can be used by readers who are trying to decide whether or not they want to visit a particular restaurant. Food critics could specialize in a particular area or cuisine, such as Indian, Chinese or Italian etc or be a general critic.

Eligibility & Course Areas

Although food critics do not require a specialized degree to work, one must have creative writing skills or a degree in journalism. Having a hotel management degree, or attending culinary courses and knowing the art of cooking is an advantage, along with an experience in writing and publishing works. Knowledge about wines and its tastes is important in this field. knowing different languages is also helpful.

Although most people seem to think that being a food/restaurant critic is an easy job that just about anyone can do, there actually are a few job requirements. Being interested in and knowledgeable about food isn't enough.

A few other skills that may help a food critic to succeed would include: 

• An understanding of the culinary business and food in general
• Relevant training and experience in culinary schools, restaurants and food industry
• Strong and effective writing skills along with unbiased and constructive criticism
• Knowledge of different varieties and palate of food
• Professional integrity
• Communication skills
• Excellent presentation skills 

Above all a food critic must be honest and fair. The word 'critic' doesn't always have to be negative. If the food is not very good, a wise critic could make recommendations or give suggestions on how to improve a certain meal or restaurant.

Job Prospects & Career Options

The industry of culinary arts brings job opportunities as chefs, restaurant owners, managers, sommelier (wine taster) etc. Compared to all these, the scope for the profession of a food critic/writer is much less. People who are passionate about food need only take up this profession. 

Introducing new restaurants and new dishes to the public is a demanding and competitive job. But if you love to travel, enjoy tasting a wide variety of food and wines and having new exciting experiences this could be the perfect career for you. In fact, you can excel at it if you are fascinated by the preparation and presentation of food, have a critical eye for detail and is good at words. By becoming a food critic, you have the luxury of walking into the best restaurants and sampling the fare free of cost, and you even get paid to do it.

Food critic/writers are generally employed by food magazines, newspapers, review websites, city guidebooks, television channels and radio programs. In addition, you can do freelancing work as food writers/ critics. Food critics write reviews and food related articles for newspapers, magazines, web sites and blogs. They also submit sideline articles to cooking magazines and newspapers. It's also possible to start your own web site or blog about food where you can be a food critic. Ultimately one could even write their own cook book and publish it.

If you are a fresher in the field, it is not easy to get your work published. A fresher may require to travel extensively and review a host of different restaurants- small and large joints as well as well known and lesser known ones. Begin by evaluating local restaurants, and submitting reviews to local newspapers. The way of presentation is important for the success of a food critic, he has to impress the public. 

Although most people seem to think that being a food/restaurant critic is an easy job that just about anyone can do, there actually are a few job requirements. Unless you make a name in the field and your reviews are liked by all and sundry, it is difficult to survive in the field. Those who have a passion for this profession could take it up part time.

Institutes

There is no specific course to become a food critic. However there are some related courses or basic background one opt for this field requires to have.

Related courses

• Journalism
• Hospitality Management
• Hotel management