Now hiring restaurant critic, cocktail czar

Metro Wire Staff

Due to frequent reader requests over the past year, we’re adding a restaurant critic and a cocktail czar to our growing team.

Restaurant critic

The ideal candidate for this freelance, part-time position will have a deep appreciation for culinary arts, strong writing skills, and a keen eye for detail. This role involves visiting and reviewing restaurants across Portage County, and delivering thoughtful and engaging critiques highlighting the local dining scene.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Visit and evaluate restaurants, cafés, food trucks, and other dining establishments in Portage County.
  • Write detailed and compelling reviews that assess food quality, service, atmosphere, and overall dining experience.
  • Conduct interviews with chefs, restaurant owners, and staff to provide insights into their culinary philosophy and operations.
  • Stay informed on local food trends, new restaurant openings, and popular dining spots.
  • Submit reviews within established deadlines, adhering to AP Style guidelines.
  • Maintain objectivity and professionalism while offering constructive feedback.

Qualifications:

  • Pass a background check.
  • Strong writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to captivate readers.
  • Deep knowledge of food, flavors, and culinary techniques.
  • Familiarity with cuisines from a variety of cultures and the ability to evaluate their authenticity and execution.
  • Previous experience in food writing, journalism, or culinary arts preferred.
  • Familiarity with the Portage County dining scene is a plus.
  • Reliable transportation to visit various dining establishments.
  • Ability to take notes discreetly during dining experiences.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Attributes:

  • Passion for exploring diverse cuisines and supporting the local food community.
  • Ability to analyze and evaluate food critically without bias.
  • Strong adherence to deadlines and attention to detail.

Cocktail czar

Position Overview:
The ideal candidate for this freelance, part-time position will be at least 21 years old, have a refined palate, knowledge of mixology and brewing processes, and the ability to craft engaging reviews. This role involves visiting bars, breweries, and lounges, or sampling products, to deliver thoughtful critiques that highlight the craft beverage scene.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Visit local bars, breweries, and distilleries or sample delivered products to review a variety of cocktails and beers.
  • Write engaging and detailed reviews that evaluate flavor profiles, presentation, creativity, and overall drinking experience.
  • Highlight the craftsmanship, ingredients, and techniques used in the preparation of cocktails and beers.
  • Stay informed on industry trends, including seasonal flavors, innovative cocktails, and craft brewing developments.
  • Conduct interviews with bartenders, mixologists, and brewers to gain insights into their processes and inspirations.
  • Submit reviews within established deadlines, adhering to style guidelines.
  • Maintain objectivity and professionalism in all evaluations.

Qualifications:

  • Pass a background check.
  • Strong writing skills with the ability to create captivating content for readers.
  • In-depth knowledge of mixology, beer styles, brewing techniques, and flavor pairings.
  • Familiarity with trends in cocktails and craft beer.
  • Previous experience in food and beverage writing, bartending, or brewing preferred.
  • Reliable transportation for local travel if based in Portage County.
  • Ability to take notes discreetly during evaluations.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Attributes:

  • Passion for the craft beverage industry and supporting local bars and breweries.
  • Ability to assess the balance and complexity of flavors critically.
  • Adherence to deadlines and attention to detail.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following to [email protected] by Jan. 31, 2025:

  1. A resume detailing relevant experience.
  2. Two to three samples of food-related or beer/liquor-related writing.
  3. A brief cover letter explaining your passion for food or beer/liquor, your knowledge of diverse cuisines/cocktails and beer, and why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

All resumes must be submitted via email.