Every Restaurant Critic Needs a Companion. I Happen to Have the Perfect One.

We’ve all read many restaurant reviews where the reviewer refers to what his “companion” tried, or lines like “my companion found the foie gras to be flawless and I was inclined to agree.”

So where would we critics be without the requisite foil that allows us to convey that we’re not sitting on our asses all alone in some sushi bar? My companion happens to be my wife Marge, a literal and not figurative ally who will disagree with me when she thinks my take is off and who definitely has her own distinctive palate. While we don’t always agree on particular dishes, I value her opinions. And what’s more, she’s an inordinately pleasant dining partner.

So for those foodies who approach me with offers to be my companion, I can only say thanks, but the job is taken. 🙂