The History of Anonymous Reviews

[TAPrice]

Craig Claiborne is largely responsible for establishing the modern restaurant critic, right? But from what I understand, he didn't seek to be anonymous. So where and when did the practice of anonymity start? At what point did it become a marketing gimmick, with critics posing for photos with a menu hiding their face?

I don't really want to debate the value of anonymity. I just want to get a some facts on how it developed.

[Fat Guy]

I thought it was indeed Claiborne who pioneered anonymous restaurant reviewing. At least, that's what I've read. For example:

As a restaurant reviewer, he changed reviewing from glorified ad writing to informed, anonymous criticism.

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Is...oid=oid%3A75734

his most significant contribution, the four-star restaurant rating system with its protocol of multiple, anonymous visits

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa36...i_n9294311/pg_4

[TAPrice]

Interesting. I'll admit that my reading of Claiborne's work is not extensive, but I had the impression that he interviewed and spent time in the kitchens of many chefs. Did he ever make an effort to hide his photo? To avoid knowing chefs?

While he may have reviewed restaurants anonymously, I don't get the impression that he was anonymous.

Maybe what I'm really asking is when did critics start becoming anonymous?

[Fat Guy]

I'm pretty sure Mimi Sheraton was the first to wear wigs and all that.

[TAPrice]

So it all started with her and trickled down?

Was she the first full-time restaurant critic at the Times? Or did she has other duties?

[rconnelly]

So it all started with her and trickled down?

Was she the first full-time restaurant critic at the Times? Or did she has other duties?

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For the full scoop on Mimi read her book "Eating My Words".