Sweet and Salty News

Ezra Kaplan

Restaurant Critic

As the restaurant critic for Sweet and Salty News, Ezra Kaplan delivers deep insights into gastronomy, hospitality standards, and fine dining operations through his weekly column, "The Critic's Table." His writing explores the intersection of culinary history, menu concepts, and emerging restaurant industry trends to give readers an authentic look at ambitious dining rooms. By prioritizing rigorous, anonymous visits, Ezra ensures his reviews offer an honest and exacting perspective on the culinary arts. Through compelling chef profiles and industry analysis, he connects food lovers with the stories and culture behind the dining experience.

Expertise

Restaurant CriticismGastronomy and Culinary ArtsHospitality and Service StandardsCulinary HistoryMenu and Concept AnalysisFine Dining Operations

Coverage Areas

The Critic's Table
Fine Dining
Chef Profiles
Restaurant Industry Trends

Latest Articles

A professional food critic discreetly observing a sophisticated restaurant dining room, embodying the art and science of unbiased culinary review.
The Critic's Table

The Art and Science of Modern Restaurant Criticism

To ensure an unbiased review, a professional food critic visits a restaurant multiple times, ordering and paying for meals incognito, just like any other customer.

Aug 10, 2026 · 3 min read

Bartender performing tableside preparation of an elaborate zero-proof cocktail for intrigued guests at a modern restaurant.
Behind the Bar

The Rise of Zero-Proof Drinks in Hospitality is Changing Bartending

At Amada, a reimagined beverage program now includes interactive tableside cocktails, signaling a dramatic shift in how even non-alcoholic options are presented to guests.

Aug 6, 2026 · 5 min read

An empty, dimly lit restaurant table with a wilting rose, symbolizing the decline of restaurant criticism and the uncertain future of food journalism.
The Critic's Table

Restaurant critics are retiring, and food journalism's future is uncertain.

In the past decade, 70% of major metropolitan newspapers have either eliminated or significantly reduced their full-time restaurant critic positions.

Jul 16, 2026 · 3 min read

A CookUnity meal box with spilled food, symbolizing delivery challenges and customer dissatisfaction with the service.
The Critic's Table

CookUnity meal delivery service review reveals challenges

Nearly 30% of CookUnity deliveries in major cities are late, damaged, or incorrect, according to the Consumer Complaints Database .

Jun 28, 2026 · 4 min read

A modern kitchen counter filled with high-end cooking appliances, showcasing Prime Day 2026 deals for home cooks.
The Test Kitchen

Find the best Prime Day 2026 deals for home cooks

This year, a Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 10-Quart XL 2-Basket Air Fryer is available for $170, a full $80 off its original $250 price, according to The Wall Street Journal .

Jun 25, 2026 · 3 min read

A beautifully styled kitchen counter featuring discounted cookbooks and premium cookware, ready for culinary adventures.
The Test Kitchen

Find the Best Prime Day Kitchen Deals This Year

This Prime Day, home cooks can grab Yotam Ottolenghi's 'Ottolenghi Simple' cookbook for 57% off, according to Bon Appétit .

Jun 24, 2026 · 2 min read

A gourmet sandwich with layers of fresh ingredients, showcasing a perfect balance of textures and colors, ready to be enjoyed.
The Test Kitchen

Elevate your sandwich game for any craving

Forget complex cookbooks: some of the most satisfying sandwich combinations, like cream cheese and olive or even pineapple and mayonnaise, require absolutely no recipe to master, according to Bonappet

Jun 24, 2026 · 2 min read

A lively New Jersey street at dusk filled with diverse restaurant options and patrons enjoying outdoor dining, with a subtle nod to Victor Cruz's new restaurant.
The Critic's Table

New Restaurants in New Jersey to Try in 2026

Former Giants star Victor Cruz is developing up to five "Victor Cruz's Krystal" locations in New Jersey, starting with a Union restaurant that opened June 4, 2026, featuring exclusive local menu items

Jun 24, 2026 · 4 min read

Elegant counter-service restaurant interior with chefs plating food and happy patrons enjoying meals at the counter.
The Critic's Table

Counter service boosts fine dining sustainability and staff welfare

The owners of Tail Up Goat, a Michelin-starred fine-dining establishment, recently transformed their restaurant into Rye Bunny, a counter-service concept.

Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read

A close-up shot of a colorful pasta salad featuring a unique crunchy element from air-fried pasta pieces.
The Test Kitchen

Easy Air-Fried Pasta Salad Recipe Goes Viral

At the heart of a new viral dinner sensation, cooked pasta is air-fried at 400° F for 10-15 minutes until golden brown, creating an unexpected crunchy element.

Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read

A sophisticated food critic observing the entrance of a new, stylish dual-concept restaurant, Heyou, on a vibrant Bengaluru street at dusk.
Travel & Taste

Top 3 Bengaluru New Restaurant Openings: A Critic's Guide 2026

Keen Mustard Ventures, a prominent hospitality group, replaced Daysie on MG Road with Heyou, a dual-concept restaurant.

Jun 23, 2026 · 5 min read

A robotic arm preparing food in a restaurant kitchen, with diners in the background looking uncertain about the automated service.
The Food Trade

AI helps restaurants survive, but diners may not like changes.

Despite a 34% average increase in labor costs in 2023 and a 25% drop in consumer restaurant spending since May 2022, nearly 80% of U.

Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read

A mouth-watering black bean smash burger with fresh toppings, presented on a wooden board, with a smartphone showing a viral TikTok recipe in the background.
The Test Kitchen

New Black Bean Smash Burger Recipe Sparks Culinary Revolution

Just last week, a TikTok video featuring a 'Black Bean Smash Burger' recipe garnered over 5 million views in three days, according to TikTok Analytics.

Jun 19, 2026 · 4 min read

A thoughtful bartender cleans a bar counter in a quiet, dimly lit establishment, symbolizing the changing landscape of the bar and spirits industry.
The Food Trade

Bar and Spirits Industry Sees Localized Turnover Amidst Shifting Habits

After just eight years, KSBar & Grille, a sports bar opened in 2018, will cease full-time operations, shifting to game-day only.

Jun 19, 2026 · 3 min read

An exquisitely plated, hyper-specialized dish presented in an intimate fine dining setting, highlighting culinary artistry and focus.
The Food Trade

Why Chefs Are Embracing Hyper-Specialized Dining Over Broad Menus

Within six months of opening, Juliet, a new Los Angeles restaurant, earned Michelin Guide recognition.

Jun 16, 2026 · 3 min read

A modern LG NeoChef countertop microwave with Smart Inverter and Sensor Cooking technology, showcasing its sleek design on a kitchen counter.
The Critic's Table

LG NeoChef Countertop Microwave Offers Smart Sensor Cooking

Panasonic's new NN-SF57RM microwave, priced at $429.

Jun 13, 2026 · 2 min read

A meticulously prepared Caesar salad presented elegantly, with a vintage cookbook open nearby, hinting at culinary secrets.
The Test Kitchen

Rethinking the 'Classic' Caesar Salad Recipe

Julia Child, the very icon of classic cuisine, famously omitted a key ingredient from her Caesar salad, a dish many consider sacrosanct.

Jun 13, 2026 · 2 min read

Close-up of an All-Clad D3 stainless steel frying pan with food being cooked, showcasing even heat distribution and professional kitchen setting.
The Test Kitchen

Experts Test Top Stainless Steel Pans for Your Kitchen

The All-Clad D3 Frying Pan consistently earns top recommendations among tested stainless steel cookware.

Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read

A close-up, cinematic view of a gourmet hoagie with fresh ingredients, showcasing Philadelphia's evolving sandwich culture.
The Test Kitchen

Philadelphia's Top Hoagies: Tradition and Innovation

At Dolores' 2Street, a 'The Henry' Veggie Hoagie features fried zucchini, grilled eggplant, broccoli rabe, roasted peppers, and sharp provolone on a seeded Sarcone’s roll.

Jun 9, 2026 · 2 min read

A close-up of a pellet smoker cooking a delicious brisket, with smoke rising and a golden hour glow.
The Test Kitchen

Discover the best pellet smokers for wood-fired cooking

Shoppers can acquire a Traeger Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker for $389, a significant reduction from its original $549.

Jun 9, 2026 · 4 min read