Ligaya Mishan, co-chief restaurant critic at The New York Times, shares her journey from the Hungry City column to stepping into a prestigious role. She discusses the vital balance between personal taste and cultural context in reviews, as well as navigating the unique dynamics of NYC's dining scene. The conversation touches on the importance of thorough research, the emotional connections to food, and how the pandemic has transformed eating out. Ligaya also shares favorite running spots and the joy of culinary pleasures, making food critiques feel personal and relatable.