criticism + reconciliation

          Reconciliation may not be the correct word, since there was never really a relationship to begin with, but it is a huge step in what I believe to be the right direction.  In our small little town, we have about four "professional" restaurant critics and they all rub me the wrong way for obvious reasons.  Perhaps it is simple jealousy that I don't get paid to write or the fact that they are really just food "reporters" who have no clue how powerful their opinions (and that's all they are) can be. 
          Over a year ago, I made the mistake of calling out Critic #1 in a hastily written email and she published it and her scathing response on her blog.  I questioned her credentials and insulted Critic #2 and I left my name and phone number.  She called me almost immediately (I didn't answer) and then Critic #2 emailed me soon after (I didn't respond).  Suffice it to say, the backlash on the blog was immense and I even got a little grief from my restaurant's owner.  He wisely told me that there is no way to beat them at their game and in their forum.  I eventually wrote an email of apology to Critic #1 because I felt it was the right thing to do.  I wrote that I was unaware of her James Beard nominations and incredible food writing pedigree and that my real problem was with Critic #2 for a very unfair review from 2003.  She accepted my apology, friended me on FB and that was that.
            So, Critic #2 is a little more infamous about town for his tough reviews and perceived arrogance, not to mention the fact that he gets loaded during the course of the meal and takes several smoke breaks.  That being said, it is difficult not to fault him when he gets some of the facts about the meal incorrect.  In my particular incident, he claimed that his tuna was overcooked and I know that not to be true.  My girlfriend at the time was the hostess and we knew he was there from the beginning.  I cooked and plated the dish myself.  It was at least a ten-ounce hunk of ahi and it was seared rare at most.  A really good veterinarian could probably have revived the fucker.  In any case, I held a grudge.  Not so much that he came the first month we were open (and right after Christmas mindfuck), called my sauces derivative or genuinely slammed us, but that he was wrong and the restaurant never really recovered.  
            Fast forward to Saturday night.  I was entered in yet another contest that I was destined not to win and Critic #2 was once again a judge.  I was busy getting my ass handed to me at the restaurant, so my wife represented the restaurant and she really went over and above promoting us.  She struck a bond with Critic #2 and, lo and behold, it appears we are on the road to reconciliation or whatever the hell the word for it would be.  Not only are we now friends on FB, but he took the Mrs. up on her offer to have dinner with her at my restaurant.  I don't know how I feel about that, especially if he blogs about it, but, again, it is a step.  I wonder if he remembers this line from his email to me, "As for 'pontificating without credentials,' I'm sure I could cook you out of any kitchen, any day.  Name the dish."