Craft’s Tom Colicchio Still Doesn’t Like Food Writers and Influencers Much, and More

What Tom doesn’t like

Tom Colicchio, the famous food television personality and name behind a number of national restaurants including Century City’s own Craft, still doesn’t seem to like the food media world much. The notoriously adversarial (at least when it comes to writers) restaurateur sat down with Zagat to discuss the ten year anniversary of LA’s Craft restaurant, and along the way got into it regarding “irresponsible journalism” and social media influencers.

For one, Colicchio thinks that “objectivity is somewhat gone” in the modern food media age, thanks in no small part to America’s growing obsession with not only chefs and the food they create, but what they’re like outside of the kitchen. That means journalists have to get closer, and that can present problems. As for influencers, Colicchio asks:

How do they get these followers? You don’t know. Do they have influence? Hard to say. I say fine, bring them in, but I don’t see them moving the needle.

Avocado toast, a history

The inimitable John Birdsall takes to Bon Appetit to dissect the recent avocado toast trend, mostly by looking back at the past. Birdsall works from early ‘90s Australia to New York City and back, way back, to 1931 in Downtown Los Angeles, where the Clark Hotel sold avocado toast and coffee for a mere fifty cents.

Peach doughnut season

The famed Donut Man out in Glendora is known for his seasonal, fruit-heavy creations — particularly when stone fruits and strawberries come around. Now it’s time for the peach iteration, so expect lines (and lots of selling out early) for the next few weeks.

The old Grand Central Market

Anyone interested in the winding, storied history of Downtown’s Grand Central Market can head to LAist, where the online publication just dug up an old film reel showing the market as it was in 1963. Interestingly enough, the cinematographer behind the ten-minute clip is one Haskell Wexler, who — in addition to having a very familiar name to the market now — would go on to win Oscars for his work in Hollywood.

The Hollywood Reporter responds

Days after a lengthy online discussion kicked up over whether or not The Hollywood Reporter should have reviewed Vespertine just four nights into service, the publication has responded with its own rationale. The piece by writer Gary Baum refutes much of what Jonathan Gold, Besha Rodell, and even Pete Wells have said regarding their reasons for waiting, with others like Grant Achatz apparently saying he can “see both sides” of the debate about whether to wait, or review right away.

Zak Walters, revealed

Former co-founder of Salt’s Cure Zak Walters has resurfaced, according to FoodGPS. The well-known chef is now working the stove at none other than La Grande Orange in Pasadena., and will reportedly be updating the menu there with meals more his style.

We Have Noodles, Silver Lake edition

Restaurant newcomer We Have Noodles is getting ready for its big Silver Lake debut, and to show the world where they’ve landed the team has started adding signage to the place. Check out the new lettering below, and look for an opening in the former Berlin Currywurst space later this year.