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DEL.ICIO.USMeridith Ford Goldman-Bio
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
FAQs of a newspaper dining critic:
Q: Does the restaurant know whom you are when you eat there?
A: The idea is to be anonymous, although that’s getting harder and harder to do in this town. And I’m not one for disguises. How stupid would it look for me to visit a restaurant and have the owner look at me and wonder, “Why is Meridith Ford wearing that ridiculous wig?” I’m not into my fake mustache falling into my martini, either.
Q: Surely the restaurant pays for your meal, right? That’s why they get good reviews?
A: Are you on crack? What’s your explanation for a bad review? The AJC pays for ALL my meals when I’m on the clock, and frankly, I’m pretty much always on the clock.
Q: How many times do you visit a restaurant before it’s written about in a review?
A: For the full review that appears in Friday’s Living Section (and online at www.accessatlanta.com ), I visit the restaurant an average of three times, sometimes four. If something was exceptionally good, I want to make sure it was exceptionally good more than once. Ditto if it was bad — I mean, maybe the chef was having an off night or something.
Q: How did you get your job? It must be the greatest job in the world…
A: I have no idea how I got this job. I consider myself pretty lucky. I do have street cred, though: I was a chef for a long time in another life, and then started styling food for local publications. That prompted writing, and writing led to a lot of gigs with some national magazines. I was the dining critic for the Providence Journal for five years before I came back to Atlanta, my hometown.
It is a really fun job, and a privilege. There are nights when I’d like to hole up in front of the TV with my jammies and a bowl of popcorn, though
Q: Why aren’t you fat?
A: Dude, three words: cross fit training.
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By June Gader
July 30, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
To Meridith Ford: you have an unusually broad knowledge of foods of many countries. I spent years in L.A. with Ruth Reichel (sp?) as the major food critic, and never quite believed in her expertise. I don’t always agree with your reviews, but you certainly know what you’re talking about. I wrote for Bon Appetit for years, and have done reviews for them and for Gault-Milleau, so I have some expertise myself. I’ve always read the NYT reviews as well. You are right at the top of the list of fine food critics.
By Phil Lanier
August 27, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Right on, Ms. Gader! As a well read and worldly foodie, I think you nailed Ms. Ford pretty well. I like the intelligence and insight of her pieces. While I may not always agree with every review, she hits a homer more often than not. We’ve discovered several great spots and dishes due to her columns. Now if the AJC would put her back on the front of the Food Section, I’d be happy.
By Meridith Ford
August 27, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
June AND Phil: Thanks so much! I’m thrilled that you enjoy what I write, and even more so that you don’t always agree with me! That’s high praise, indeed.
By Nicole
September 15, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Meredith-I want to tell you of a resturant that I had the opportunity to go to a couple of weeks ago. The name of the resturant which is new to Atlanta is Legal Seafood….it’s behind the Aquarium but I went on their premier night (I ate for free) but the food was delicious and the service was really good (I sat at the bar)….try it out when you get time and tell me what you think!
By Art
October 1, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
I just noticed, I’m a little slow on the uptake, that you now have a new last name. Although I also noticed that you don’t always use it. Are congratulations in order? If so, CONGRATULATIONS!!
By Jason Greene
November 5, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Meridith is one of my favorite food critics, a Southern version of the great Craig Claiborne. She’s a down to earth girl, whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, and I don’t always agree with her reviews. But nine times out of ten I do, and she is more than fair to some dining destinations, trust me. And yes, Mrs.Goldman is a newly married lady!
By Maniac is accurate
November 14, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Speaking of crack, Meredith, I prefer the low-fat, organic don’t you?
By Alfonzo Osborne
January 8, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this
How can I have Meridith Ford to do a review of my restaurant?
By Meridith Ford
January 8, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this
Alfonzo: Please feel free to send the information about your restaurant directly to me at mford@ajc.com. I’ll be happy to take a look.
By heather-b
March 11, 2009 9:19 AM | Link to this
Meredith,
Did you get in trouble with the AJC when you traded a favorable review in exchange for the restaurant catering your wedding? I think you know what I’m talking about. (Let’s call it “Catergate.”)