Elazar Sontag Is the Washington Post's New Food Critic

"In his previous role, Sontag oversaw Bon Appétit's Best New Restaurants list, which most recently included Baan Mae and La'Shukran among 18 other restaurants across the country. He also helped launch a column on restaurant etiquette and led a magazine feature on queer food culture that was nominated for multiple National Magazine Awards. He previously worked at Eater and Serious Eats and has freelanced for the Post."

"While Sietsema attempted to remain anonymous, Sontag notably does not. "Between social media and the increasingly popular practice of inputting names and phone numbers in digital reservation platforms at the host stand, dining out incognito has become all but impossible," Sontag writes in his first column. "Even when the most dutifully anonymous critics dine out these days, it's probably a matter of minutes—not return visits—before an eagle-eyed chef or server spots them.""

Elazar Sontag, former Bon Appétit restaurant editor, succeeds Tom Sietsema as the Washington Post food critic after a 25-year tenure. Sontag previously oversaw Bon Appétit's Best New Restaurants list, helped launch a column on restaurant etiquette, and led a magazine feature on queer food culture nominated for multiple National Magazine Awards. Prior work includes Eater, Serious Eats, and freelance contributions to the Post, plus early kitchen experience in Oakland. Sontag does not attempt anonymity, citing social media and reservation platforms; he will avoid booking under his own name, make multiple visits to reviewed restaurants, and pay his own way.

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