Besha Rodell
Chief restaurant critic at The Age and author of the memoir Hunger Like a Thirst; has worked as a restaurant critic for major outlets including the New York Times and has a long career in hospitality and food writing.
Best podcasts with Besha Rodell
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Feb 25, 2026 • 49min
How I went from being a new mum on food stamps to an anonymous restaurant critic, worldwide
Besha Rodell, chief restaurant critic at The Age and author of Hunger Like a Thirst, began in hospitality and rose through food writing. She talks about the thrill of fine dining, anonymous review routines and why anonymity mattered, growing up on a wild farm, surviving poverty as a new mother, and the highs and lows of life in kitchens from North Carolina to New York and Melbourne.
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 58min
Food Criticism With Besha Rodell
Besha Rodell, the food critic for The Age and author of 'Hunger Like a Thirst,' shares her insightful journey from anonymity to industry respect. She delves into the evolution of food criticism and the importance of genuine passion, while examining the intricate relationship between critics and chefs. The conversation highlights the challenges of maintaining authenticity in dining and the necessity for cultural awareness when critiquing diverse cuisines. Besha also discusses the decline of unique voices in food journalism, advocating for a return to honest, passionate storytelling.
