Fearless Critic Media

While in theory it would be an amusing and informative read as the authors supposed fearlessly critique Houston restaurants, I find it quite interesting that the authors reviewing the local restaurants are local chefs supposedly giving an impartial view of their neighboring restaurants. I disagree with the reviews of many restaurants in this book. Maybe an ax to grind with a former employer or ex coworker while giving the restaurants their buddies work in good marks? This book sorely misses the mark. Clearly these guys don’t have much talent or they would be chefs/​propietors of their own restaurants and wouldn’t have to write this sort of stuff. For an impartial guide check out Zagat.

This corporation exists solely to spin out copies of the scathingly funny and infuriatingly frustrating restaurant review books reflecting the opinions of Robin Goldstein and his chef buddies.
Being a critic of any sort (food, music, book, etc) always is an invitation to be hated and maligned (yet secretly read in an avid fashion). Goldstein’s books focusing on restaurants in Austin and Houston are undoubtedly a magnet for abuse and some hero worship.
First of all, the writing is very good… and funny. Its combination of rapier sharp wit and sarcasm make for a very entertaining reading experience even if they’re dissing your favorite restaurant. However, if you’re honest with yourself, you’ll find that they’re usually quite accurate with their assessments.
They are starting a website too. It will be interesting to see whether it competes with or complements Unilocal.They have taken a swipe at Unilocal-​like websites in self-​promoting ads in the front of their Houston dining guide…
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«the steak was FATTY, then they reffused to take my 50 cent off coupon. my wife left in tears… the WORST MEAL IVE EVER HAD!!!»
Ready for a Houston restaurant website whose reviews are actually useful?
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Now those are fighting words to someone like myself who finds Unilocal extremely useful.
Being a Houstonian, I will only comment on the Houston guide. Its highlights (and lowlights) include:
(1) The unjustifiably harsh C+ given to Houston’s best steakhouse, Pappas Bros, yet, the review is hilarious because it’s delivered as a series of Limericks (a favorite past time of this reviewer).
(2) The review of the crap food at a local strip joint, The Men’s Club, which also received a C+ (probably because grades aren’t the only inflationary aspect of its ambiance).
(3) The over-​the-​top gush-​age over Da Marco, a very fine but not extraordinary restaurant.
(4) The ballage to give Whataburger a C+ too!
(5) Their dead-​on «D» indictment of Willy G’s (another restaurant ruined by the Tilman Fertitta corporate juggernaut).
I suspect the Austin reviews engender similar comments.

Oh, Fearless Critic how I love and loathe thee.
My new dining régime includes checking Unilocal and then running to my copy of the Fearless Critic to see how much they match up. Usually if the reviews are varied, I’ll be more willing to check it out to see who I agree with more.
There are times that I’ve wanted to throw the book across the room. How dare they make snide comments about some of my favorite places?
In the end though, the book has intrigues me. What they focus on tends to be pretty helpful, though I get irritated at their abhorrence to established goodies within the city. I sometimes get the feeling that they rail popular places just to spark controversy. But since controversy sells, more power to them.
I’ve now made it a goal to visit their top restaurants and figure out how much I agree with them. So far, we’re at about 50/​50, so I’ll be interested to see how we end up. It definitely entertaining to peruse a book with a friend and compare all of the differing opinions – a sure fire way to get people talking and keep a strong discussion going.