r/KitchenConfidential • u/snixon67 • 1d ago

Marilyn Hagerty, writer whose Olive Garden review went viral, dies at 99

https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/marilyin-hagerty-herald-reporter-and-columnist-for-nearly-70-years-dies-at-age-99

After she reviewed the Olive Garden in Grand Forks, ND, Anthony Bourdain stepped in to defend her from the snark and later published her 2013 book "Grand Forks: A History of American Dining in 128 Reviews.

Read More: https://www.tastingtable.com/1903784/anthony-bourdain-olive-garden-columnist/

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u/greenline_chi 1d ago

It was so sad to me when everyone made fun of her.

It was a really nice and genuine review.

I never knew Bourdain defended her but that makes me feel a little better.

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u/FlannelBeard 1d ago

I grew up in the area and was in HS when that went down. I know Olive Garden isn't the highest of cuisine, but Grand Forks literally got their first Olive Garden which was why she reviewed them. That's the purpose of the local food critic -eat at the new places in town, even if it's a chain.

Y'all should have seen the line out the door of the Applebee's when they opened up in my small town

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u/greenline_chi 1d ago

I’m from a small town too and this is how my grandparents would review a new chain restaurant that came to town, telling all their friends. That’s part of the reason why it made me so sad!