59th Annual Southern California Journalism Awards (photo by Gary Leonard)

I’m feeling grateful and blessed to receive the Southern California Journalism Award for restaurant criticism at the Los Angeles Press Club’s annual gala. It is particularly gratifying to see this comment from the judges: “The winning critique blends a keen palate with laugh-out-loud humor in this spot-on reminder that a restaurant is much more than the food on the plate.”

I have always strongly believed that restaurants (and thus restaurant reviewing) are never just about the food or the chef but rather the entire experience of dining out. It is a view not shared by all of my peers, but this year the judges agreed. It’s an honor to be recognized for my review of The Ritz, which appeared in the Orange County Register.

But that’s not all. I had the additional honor of being ranked among the industry’s best for travel reporting. I did not win the top prize in that category, but I managed to score third place for my blog story about trout fishing in Kashmir.

Congratulations to all the finalists and award recipients! It’s an honor to be in such great company.

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