Confessions of a DC Food Critic: Behind the Scenes with Tom Sietsema
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:
Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
Mayoral Race Showdown, What’s Happening at the Rock Creek Tennis Center, and Three Great New Bars
We’re going to get into the mayoral race as it heads into its final week, we’re going to talk about why you should pay attention to what’...
This Federal Charity Funds Local Initiatives. It Could Disappear
For more than 50 years, the Combined Federal Campaign has been a part of DC life. It’s the world’s biggest workplace charity, letting gov...
DC's Star Wars, What's Next For KenCen After Judge Orders Trump's Name Removed, and a DMV Sea Monkey Legacy
We’re talking about the latest twist in the battle of The Star versus The Washington Star, we’re talking about the odds that Donald Trump...
Kinney Zalesne Makes her Case Over White and Pinto
The two best-known candidates in the race for DC’s Congressional Delegate are sitting members of the DC Council. We’re talking today with...
Your Guide to June 2026 in DC
What are you gonna do this month? We’ve got answers: Pride programming. America 250 programming. America 250 counter programming. And lot...
'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast DC
Where would DC be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip...
Feds Face Trump NDAs, DC's World Cup Watch Parties, and Scripps Spelling Bee Dreams
We’re talking about NDAs for feds, we’re talking about the World Cup in DC (even if it’s not in DC), and we’re talking about the Spelling...
Your Guide to DC’s Best Beaches
Summer's here, and if you're already sweating through your shirt on the Metro platform, it might be time to find a beach. DC isn't exactl...
Brooke Pinto Talks Her Hill Strategy, Stadium Deal, and Dossier Debacle
We’re talking with Brooke Pinto. She currently represents Ward 2 on the D.C. Council but is currently running in the Democratic primary t...
Who Wins Summer in the USA? DC Makes Its Case
City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast DC host Bridget Todd, compete...