How to Be an Effective Food Critic

Michael Spearman serves as a global director of executive protection at Oracle Corporation near San Francisco, California. Outside of his work at Oracle, Michael Spearman enjoys reviewing restaurants.

Many food critics know about how food should taste. They should also learn how to recognize different textures, smells, and appearances once plated. Those who aspire to be in this industry can take culinary courses to expand their knowledge of technique, flavor profiles, and food preparation methods. They should also eat more than one type of dish and cuisine at different restaurants to properly compare different skills.

Reliable food critics must also learn how to communicate effectively, especially in writing. No matter how well-marinated, brined, seared a piece of meat tastes to the critic, if this is not conveyed to readers in a way they understand it, the flavors, tastiness, or robustness means little to the reader of the entrée or food being reviewed.