Thu 19 Nov 2009 11:05 pm
This is one of the saddest pieces of Seattle restaurant news I’ve heard since the Beeliner Diner and the Dog House closed: Jonathan Kauffman, restaurant critic for Seattle Weekly, is heading back to his old Bay Area eating grounds. Starting Jan. 1, he’ll take the critic’s job at SF Weekly.
Kauffman’s background as a cook, his knowledge, and his voracious curiosity for exploring all kinds of cuisine made him a must-read when he came to Seattle three years ago. He’s not just a must-read, he is a joy to read — perceptive, honest, and marvelously skilled. (On top of all that, not only has he kept his relevance in this Internet age, he’s even retained his anonymity.) When I saw in 2007 that a food critic had won the Pulitzer Prize, and that his name was Jonathan, I more than half expected to hear Kauffman’s name follow. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading his work, check out his takes on teriyaki, on what he saw at the pig slaughter, and Number One New York Pizza.
Treat him well, SF, and feed him well.
oh my, this is a dark day in Seattle . . . I read the Weekly about 95% for JK’s reviews (along with the Bottomfeeder posts), and I’ve learned a lot–and usually spend a few moments drooling at my desk over what he’s reviewing. Johnathan, hope you keep a soft spot for us up here in Seattle when you move on!
With no offense intended to any of my other friends, Jonathan is the best critic I’ve read in the 13 years I’ve lived in Seattle. What can we do to entice him to stay?
Oh man, I’m really sad to hear that news, though of course happy for Jonathan since I’m sure he would have only moved if the new gig suits him very well. But wow, that is a big loss to our community.
Jonathan is one my favorite additions to the Seattle Weekly. His stand out opinions and no fear of being honest makes his authenticity refreshing. Not being afraid to seek out the hard to find, hole in the wall best food we never knew about is one of my favorite traits of his writing. Thanks Jonathan… you will be missed!!