Adam Robb wears many hats
In late August the news broke that controversial Daily News food critic Restaurant Girl (née Danyelle Freeman) would file her final review. RG, as she’s known in these parts, suffered many a hater during her two-year stint—and one bizarro admirer. We caught up with blogger Adam Robb of the Life Vicarious and Eat Me Daily—who parodied the critic’s florid food writing on Twitter under the name @restaurantgirl—over IM last week. Presented for your enjoyment: The faux RG exit interview.
The Feed: What an arc, huh, RG?
RestaurantgirlDF: I know, the rain today! We need one.
You joined some lofty ranks when you were hired at the Daily News. Was the experience everything you hoped for?
I thought I would have made a bigger impact on the quality of their vending machines. But my time there was an honor, you know I was the only actress from The Sopranos ever to have their own weekly column in a national newspaper.
Are you a Kettle Chips or a mixed-nut kind of critic?
Mixed nuts, definitely. I’m a huge Steve Martin fan. He’s an arbiter of taste and I love tasting things.
Which you’ll still be doing, we understand. Back at restaurantgirl.com.
Yes, although things are different now. Following the Times review of Eleven Madison Park, I thought I’d give it a second look, but I knew my days of free meals are over. Fortunately a colleague promised me a free meal there so long as I shouted out one of the brands she represents. When I told my boyfriend, Laurent Perrier about this, he reminded me this is a chance for a fresh start, so I’m going straight.
Did you see the end coming?
No…But when I was told by HR I would no longer be the restaurant critic for the Daily News, I knew my days were numbered.
Are canned critics the new black?
Are canned critics the new black! I couldn’t have said it better myself.
So, do you consider your shoes too tough to fill?
Let’s just say my feet are as large as my appetite.
Okay. But if you had to name a successor…someone who really encapsulated the RG take. Who would it be?
Ben Leventhal. Sometimes I think he’s really inside me. You know?
Do you think there are enough photos of Ben on the Internet to make him a qualified critic?
I think Eater’s worked with so many great photographers, from Noah Kalina to Michael Harlan Turkell and he could put together a great portfolio. I wish I had that kind of access to talent.
I think when you’re recognizable and people see you coming they know, whatever we do, they’re going to treat us fairly. That’s why I had a T-shirt made up that says “RestaurantGirl” on the back and “Treat Me Like Everyone Else” on the front. Waiters, managers will see me sitting there, see who I am, and think they can bring me the best cuts, extra courses, whatever. But when they see what the front of my T-shirt says, they’re going to feel stupid. I think if he applies a tactic like that, irons it on, screenprint, whatever, he’ll do well.
Splatter paint maybe. All right. Quick-fire round.
[Ducks]
Favorite restaurant during your tenure?
Bar Boulud. I love how smooth they make the animals.
Least favorite?
Any of the Momofukus. My stool’s always loose.
Weight management during your years as a critic: Calista Flockhart or Carnie Wilson?
Julia Allison.
Worst part of the gig.
I’m not really a foodie.
Aw.
It’s not that bad. I learned a lot these last few years. Did you know a thesaurus is not a kind of dinosaur? People kept telling me to get one when I was feeling blocked, so I would go to the Museum of Natural History and I’d feel so much better writing under the dinosaurs, I felt like an anthropologist not just a restaurant critic.
How about the best part—the part you’ll miss?
A lot of critics, I hear, feel relief from reclaiming their identity. But I’ve always made my identity a part of my criticism so I won’t be missing so much. I’m still friends with so many waiters and chefs, managers and maître d’s, so at the end of the day I feel at home in every restaurant in town. There’s always a supper waiting for me. And it’s still hot.
You’ll always have a place to rest those tiny feet.
The city is my footbath.
Well, we wish you the best, RG. Until we eat again?
Awesome, are you taking me out next?! I’m due another trip to EMP.
