Sun Sep 15 13:23:34 UTC 2024: ## Renowned Restaurant Critic Pete Wells Hangs Up His Fork, Citing Health Concerns
**NEW YORK, NY** – After a 12-year career as one of the most influential restaurant critics in the world, Pete Wells of The New York Times has announced his retirement from reviewing restaurants. Wells, known for his sharp wit and unwavering honesty, cited health concerns as the primary reason for his departure.
“My cholesterol had gone out of whack, and my blood sugar was in the pre-diabetic zone,” Wells admitted. “It was sobering to realize that being a food critic could kill me.”
Wells’ impact on the New York City culinary scene was undeniable. He was notorious for his ability to remain anonymous, often slipping into restaurants with multiple aliases and credit cards, much to the chagrin of some chefs. Many restaurants kept photographs of Wells and other critics on hand, fearing the consequences of a bad review.
Despite the pressure, Wells became a beloved figure among many restaurateurs, particularly those who found themselves on his annual list of the “100 Best Restaurants of New York City.” His reviews, though often scathing, were known for their depth and insight, celebrating not only fine dining establishments but also humble take-out spots like Triniciti Roti Shop and Ewe’s Delicious Treats.
“I judge them in terms of, well, how delicious is it?” Wells said of his restaurant evaluation process. “And then, how well do they do the thing they’re trying to do?”
While Wells’ absence will be felt by the restaurant industry, he promises to remain with The New York Times, leaving behind the world of culinary criticism to focus on other areas.
“It’s time to return the tux,” he wrote in his farewell column. “I’ve had the trousers let out a few inches, but a tailor can take them in again.”
Wells’ successor has not yet been announced, but the culinary community awaits with anticipation to see who will inherit the mantle of New York’s most powerful food critic.
First Piper 