Tasteland Ep. 17: Dining with Ben Leventhal, founder of Blackbird
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Nov 20, 2024 Ben Leventhal, co-founder of Eater, Resy, and Blackbird, has been a transformative force in the hospitality industry. He discusses the evolution of restaurant criticism, emphasizing the shift from anonymous critiques to influencer-driven transparency. Leventhal also dives into the future of dining experiences and how blockchain technology could revolutionize customer loyalty and payments. The conversation touches on the importance of spontaneous dining adventures and introduces Blackbird's initiatives to enhance restaurant workers' benefits.
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Anonymity in Restaurant Criticism
- Anonymous restaurant critics have been a facade.
- Photos of critics were already in restaurant back rooms.
Value of Critical Rigor
- Critical rigor, not anonymity, truly matters in food reviews.
- Great critics provide valuable context from extensive experience.
Defining New York Dining
- The best New York restaurants project effortlessness, even if it's a facade.
- Ben Leventhal cites La Veau d'Or, Borgo, and Bridges as current examples.