The Other Critics

Eric Asimov Takes the Times Critic Job, for Now

Not actually Eric Asimov.
Not actually Eric Asimov. Photo: iStockphoto

Who will permanently take over Sam Sifton’s critic chair at the Gray Lady? Maybe Brett Anderson, maybe somebody else. But for the time being, it’s the Times’ wine critic, Eric Asimov, who Diner’s Journal notes is not exactly new to the substitute position: He filled in back in 2002, and wrote the “$25 and Under” column until 2004. His review this week is Salinas in Chelsea. And whaddaya know? He likes it. Well, he doesn’t like the “preponderance of full-bodied, dense, powerfully fruity and oaky Spanish wines,” but he’s a wine dude, so what do you expect? [Diner’s Journal/NYT]

Eric Asimov Takes the Times Critic Job, for Now