Andrew Ross’ Sept. 22 review, “A new (ish) chef finds his way at the charming River House in Damariscotta,” started out with descriptive and flowery language that drew the reader in. He included many positive opinions of the food served at River House.

Unfortunately, about three-quarters of the way into the article, Ross decided to completely cut down and disrespect a server. Mind you, his insults were not about the service but about the way this person spoke, their affect, how they presented themselves and described food. It is clear that Ross comes from a place of complete privilege and able-bodied and lives in a typically developing reality.

As a teacher, parent and a foodie, I was absolutely disgusted with the way he described and insulted the server’s communication style, knowing nothing about this human being at all. I realize that food critics need something to judge, but they should be a little bit more sensitive to the diversity and divergence of any community and steer clear of insulting accents, verbal skills, or judging affect (which might not be changeable). Ross indicated that he “really dislikes criticizing servers.” Nothing he chose to mention about the server would affect a meal, he just seemed mean.

I encourage Ross to keep up the food critic part of his job and abandon his cruel characterizations of real people who are trying to live their lives and make a living.

Coreysha Stone
Alna

Editor’s note: The web version of this restaurant review has since been republished.