The Daily Our Restaurant Critics Dish
199 snips
Nov 9, 2025 
Ligaya Mishan, a New York Times restaurant critic with a rich background in food culture, and Tejal Rao, an award-winning food writer covering culinary trends on the West Coast, dive deep into their lives as critics. They discuss the importance of transparency in their identities, how they choose restaurants across the U.S., and the challenge of writing negative reviews. The duo also shares insights on staying healthy while indulging in food, favorite meals, and the ongoing debate of L.A. versus New York dining.
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Cover Beyond Your Home City
- Tejal Rao says broaden coverage beyond one city to tell a fuller story of American restaurants.
- She recommends traveling widely to capture regional scenes and trends.
Go Hungry And Excited
- Critics cram many meals into travel days but still prioritize arriving hungry and excited to eat.
- Tejal says don't review unless you genuinely want to eat; appetite matters for a fair assessment.
Pace Yourself During Double Nights
- Ligaya avoids causing staff worry when doing double dinners and politely says meals are delicious before leaving.
- She snacks during the day and exercises to sustain frequent restaurant visits.