The first words that go through my head when I think of my colleague Laura Hahnefeld are "class act."
Second: "Wow, that woman will eat anything."
The two most important qualifications for a restaurant critic, right? And so it is with heavy hearts that we at Phoenix New Times accepted Laura's resignation after almost three years as our critic and Chow Bella blogger. She's taken a job outside the food scene and as you likely learned on social media this morning, she'll be leaving us January 17.
See also: Fry Girl archives
Before she was our food critic, she was Fry Girl, and if you haven't entertained yourself with those pieces, you should -- right now. In her relatively short time with us Laura has won awards, her work has been anthologized, she's been praised and castigated and through it all she's never let any of us see her sweat.
Oh, and she's hilarious. A great writer, a tenacious reporter -- okay, I'm starting to get depressed.....
In short, Laura Hahnefeld is leaving some pretty big shoes to fill. I'm delighted to announce that Lauren Saria (you know her already from Chow Bella) will be taking a newly created job as full time Chow Bella blogger.
And now the search begins for a restaurant critic for New Times. Are you interested? Here's the fancy pants job description:
Phoenix New Times has an immediate opening for a freelance restaurant critic. We are looking for a writer who can build on the success of our award-winning food coverage. Ideal candidates must:
-- Possess the writing/research skills to produce stylish, provocative weekly restaurant reviews in print. -- Understand social media platforms and blogging. -- Have strong opinions that they are prepared to broadcast and defend. -- Have a sophisticated knowledge of food and restaurants, either self-taught or through professional kitchen experience/education.
Is that you? Send a resume, cover letter and links to clips (if applicable) to me, New Times Managing Editor Amy Silverman, at [email protected].
Please, no phone calls.
