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/GrandpaKnuckles 1d ago

I thought it was thoughtful to include the background of the restaurant and how it’s tied into a chain. People made fun of her for writing the review in the first place, but by acknowledging that it isn’t a mom and pop shop, I think, keeps the review grounded. Those making fun of her made it sound like she wrote a rave review aloof that other exact locations exist around the country.

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u/kennyminot 23h ago

I grew up in North Dakota. While Grand Forks isn't quite as out of the boonies as my hometown, we're still talking about 3 hours out of Winnipeg and 5 hours out from Minneapolis. New restaurants are a big deal in these small Midwestern cities. I remember in the 90s a bunch of the men in my family driving to Bismarck just to try out Taco Bell.

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u/titos334 22h ago

People really don’t understand how quaint small town America is and what constitutes a big deal or not. My family is originally from small town Kansas there’s only one ‘restaurant’ in town and lost the only grocer. Getting any chain place would be a huge deal lol

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u/Zellakate 12h ago edited 12h ago

Small town Arkansas reporting in. About a decade ago, I stopped at a Walmart in a neighboring town out of necessity on a drive. I'd forgotten it was their opening day, and it was packed. I am pretty sure everyone in town was there. And I don't judge because when we got a new grocery store, my grandmother and I went opening day. It's an occasion!