Confessions of a DC Food Critic: Behind the Scenes with Tom Sietsema episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 13, 2025 · 41 MIN

Confessions of a DC Food Critic: Behind the Scenes with Tom Sietsema

from City Cast DC · host City Cast

On Monday, the Washington Post announced that Elazar Sontag would be its new food critic. Which means that Tom Sietsema, who held the job for 26 years, is finally free to dish about what life was really like as the most powerful man in DC’s restaurant scene. We talked to Tom about the way the dining world has evolved, the way the critic’s job has changed, and whether he’d actually make me pay if we go out to dinner together. He also let slip some hints about what he’ll do next.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 13th episode: Nace Law Group Mosaic Theater Company Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

On Monday, the Washington Post announced that Elazar Sontag would be its new food critic. Which means that Tom Sietsema, who held the job for 26 years, is finally free to dish about what life was really like as the most powerful man in DC’s restaurant scene. We talked to Tom about the way the dining world has evolved, the way the critic’s job has changed, and whether he’d actually make me pay if we go out to dinner together. He also let slip some hints about what he’ll do next.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 13th episode: Nace Law Group Mosaic Theater Company Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

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Confessions of a DC Food Critic: Behind the Scenes with Tom Sietsema

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This episode is 41 minutes long.

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This episode was published on November 13, 2025.

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On Monday, the Washington Post announced that Elazar Sontag would be its new food critic. Which means that Tom Sietsema, who held the job for 26 years, is finally free to dish about what life was really like as the most powerful man in DC’s...

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