Food class: 'Everyone's a Critic'

Isn't it delightful to read those online restaurant reviews that are so blatantly written by the restaurant owners? (Tip: No one else will call your mutton pot stickers "transcendent.")

For a more realistic change of pace, Weekly food writer Sheila Himmel is co-hosting a class next Thursday called "Everyone's a Critic" at the San Mateo Draeger's. She and former Merc food editor Carolyn Jung will give students the lowdown on what it's really like to be a critic, and help people learn how to be a more discriminating reviewer.

I have never asked Sheila if she wears disguises when she goes a-reviewing. Note to self.

Anyway, the class is set for 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 23. It costs $55 per person, which gets better when you learn that it includes a Draeger's-cooked dinner of mixed green salad, Vietnamese shrimp and rice noodle summer rolls, chicken involtini with roasted potatoes, and creme brulee. Preferably not made with mutton.

Pictured: This chef probably doesn't write his own reviews. Photo by Mary R. Vogt, from morgueFile.com.