Two weeks ago on Lynne Rossetto Casper's The Splendid Table radio program I heard the fantastic story of a young gentleman who fooled the Wine Spectator into giving his fake Italian restaurant an award for its' excellent wine list. Each year the Wine Spectator pulls in thousands of applications at $250 a pop, adding up to over a million in revenue. The awards were believed to be chosen based on merit, until this year.I spoke with my uncle on the phone last week and learned that this hoaxter is a close friend of the family and someone I knew growing up. I'm so proud!
For the entire story, I direct you to his post or the Chicago Tribune. Way to go Robin! This fearless critic has a few titles under his belt as well, with his most recent: The Wine Trials: 100 Everyday Wines Under $15 that Beat $50 to $150 wines in Brown Bag Blind Tastings. I haven't read this one yet, but if it's anything like his others, I expect it to be very witty.
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3 comments:
Hi Rachael!
thanks for the shout-out...and cool blog! let's catch up sometime, it's been, what, 20 years? :)
-Robin
Great to hear from you! Sounds like you are having some fun. :) Shoot me an email one of these days...rachael@rydbeck.com.
If you are ever in the Twin Cities, we have a guest "suite" and a city full of fabulous restaurants. Would love to hear what you are up to.
Rachael,
If you are truly interested in learning about wine, exploring the world's great wine regions, or finding a restaurant with an interesting wine list, I strongly urge you to read Wine Spectator and investigate for yourself why we have earned the trust and loyalty of more than 2 million readers.
Even though we were hoaxed into giving a wine list award to a fictitious restaurant. Remember, a person can be honest, and still be deceived.
Sincerely,
Thomas Matthews
Executive editor
Wine Spectator
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