And the new DMN Restaurant Critic is . . .

[Kevin72]

Leslie Brenner. Official announcement here on the DMN eatsblog.

Leslie's blog is here.

Seems like a heavyweight on the LA Food scene. Thoughts? Comments?

[jsmeeker]

Leslie Brenner.  Official announcement here on the DMN eatsblog.

Leslie's blog is here.

Seems like a heavyweight on the LA Food scene.  Thoughts?  Comments?

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I used to travel Los Angeles a great deal for many years. But I never really paid any attention to the food media there.

I'll need to read her blog/website.

[Kevin72]

New DMN critic Leslie Brenner's inaugural column is a new feature called Critic's Notebook and can be found online here. It's about, fittingly, fellow Californian Wolfgang Puck's new Five Sixty restaurant. In the column Brenner states that these Critic's Notebook features aren't a formal review; that will come later after the restaurant has a few more months under its belt.

She also takes the time to outline what she's looking for from restaurants in their service and food and outlines some of her philosophies on reviewing restaurants and where she'll be taking things. The star system stays and she will continue the practice of not doing half-stars.

Finally here's a transcript of her online chat, earlier today:

Meet the new critic.

[docsconz]

Is she no longer with the LA Times? Is this in addition to her work with the Times?

[Bill Miller]

Is she no longer with the LA Times? Is this in addition to her work with the Times?

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Ruth went to the NY Times several years ago and is now editor of Gormet. I meant to say Ruth set the standard for both papers--she changed the NYT food section. She has a new book.