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Outed Sun-Times Critic Speaks

After MenuPages Chicago spotted Sun-Times critic Pat Bruno on an episode of Throwdown! With Bobby Flay last week, the debate about the value of anonymity got loud again. This is a constant argument that, at least here in New York, often ends with the indisputable fact that many restaurants already know who the critics are. Some go to great lengths to disguise themselves and others (ahem) just hope that no one notices their giant heads. In a catty e-mail to MenuPages, Bruno (who isn’t so into this whole internet thing) says that he was wearing a disguise, but even so, anonymity is irrelevant! “But what difference does it make should I be recognized?” Bruno asks. “Will the restaurant in question suddenly, like magic, put out better quality food? Will inept service suddenly become ‘ept?’ Nah. On the other hand, I can count on one hand the number of times I have been ‘made’ while reviewing a restaurant.”

Pat Bruno Responds [MenuPages/Chicago]
Earlier: Waiters Eat for Free If They Catch a Critic

Outed Sun-Times Critic Speaks