LaBan wins a national honor
The Association of Food Journalists names him the top newspaper food critic.
LaBan wins a national honor
Michael Klein, Philly.com
The Inquirer's Craig LaBan has won the Association of Food Journalists' prize for best newspaper restaurant criticism.
The judges saw his impressions on Ting Wong, Talula's Garden, and (that no-bell prize) Serafina.
In third place in the category was Brett Anderson of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the guy who replaced LaBan after his 1998 departure for Philly. LaBan replaced Elaine Tait.
Jason Wilson, formerly of the Daily News and now with Drexel U's tablematters.com, took both first and second place for newspaper food column for articles in the San Francisco Chronicle and Washington Post.
The association judges newspaper critics' work in its own category, unlike the James Beard Foundation, which lumps critics from different media in one category.
Judging was suspended in two categories: Best Food Feature in a Magazine and Best Food Multimedia Presentation.
"What a great honor to receive from one of the country's most important institutions of food journalism - and honestly, totally unexpected," LaBan says. "I had no idea I was even a finalist. With so many more food writers now working in some many mediums, not to mention the flood of restaurant chatter coming at us from citizen-critics on Yelp and the like, this kind of recognition means even more than it once did.
"Of course, it helps to have the kind of material we have to work with in Philly - such a talented, diverse and colorful restaurant scene."
Last week, LaBan won first place for criticism (all genres) in the Philly SPJ, an award he's won before. He's also won first place for restaurant criticism from the James Beard Foundation and the New Jersey Press Association, and also has a national features writing award from the National Association of Black Journalists for his article on George Washington's slave-cook, Hercules.
Photo: LaBan judging the Inquirer's Brew-Vitational in 2011. DAVID SWANSON / Staff Photographer
way to go craig— joegrink- Craig LaBan probably does more than anyone else to remind people that Philadelphia has a lot more to offer than a cheese steak.
And Philadelphia is recognized nationally as a destination when it comes to dining - fine or casual - thanks in no small part to Mr LaBans dedication to excellence and honesty when it comes to reviewing our restaurants.— He Visto Todo - From Johns to Vetri, I owe this guy a lot for all the great meals he has turned me on to. Congrats Craig!— Earl J
- And wine recommendations also. — tr88
- Many congrats Craig! Well deserved. I always look forward to reading your reviews.— gaffer broadcaster
- Well deserved!! Great job Craig, anyone who knows anything in the food world already knew that you at the top of the heep!! Congrats buddy and keep up the good work!!— yescadog
- Congratulation, Mr. LaBan. Glad others have duly recognized what we already know. You rock!— Ms. Green
- Awesome! Congrats on the recognition for a job well done!— mpt29
- OOPS! What about all the haters! Didnt anyone ask them?— Mackey Dingo
- Well deserved Craig. Congratulations! Keep up the good work!— Same ole same ole
- Congratulations,Craig LaBan. Look forward to reading your column as it is part of my "time for myself". Continued success in your writing!— pete from boothwyn
- Congrats, but aren't the Critics supposed to hand out awards instead of the other way around?— kjuggs77
- Craig LaBan is one of the few reasons to read this paper. Congratulations sir.— joeingoal
- Craig richly deserves this honor. He writes with a lamentably rare style. He tries to be helpful to the reader! (I know, who would have thought of such a thing?). He does so in an informed, entertaining, and sophisticated style.
I disagree with Craig about the use of the word "decadent" (me: words mean something, decadent means decaying, Craig: language evolves, and decadent is perfect for preciely portraying an overindulgence). But since Craig's the writing pro (award-winning, no less!) I guess I have to surrender on that point. I always look forward to reading what Craig has to say.
Congratulations, Craig! I hope you long continue to maintain and build the Philadelphia Inquirer's reputation for excellent journalism. Buon Appetito!— WizardofBoz - well-deserved.— tr88
