Australia’s most sour tongue-in-law food critic shows a rare side as he shares a powerful message after his beloved dog sailor dies
Notorious food critic John Lethlean has gone to social media to announce the death of his beloved dog and long-time companion sailor.
The experienced restaurant and food writer has been in major Australian newspapers and magazines for over two decades and has gained a follower of honest, engaging and often brutal commentary.
“It’s been processed, but the sailors’ love for water and their love of playing with sting rays made her last year better and life wasn’t the same anymore,” he shared to Instagram on Tuesday.
He explained that he would be cautious about anyone who would not stop chasing fish. “Like all good dogs, sailors are not curious either,” he said.
Lethlean wrote in an Amazon e-book that his writing career was called “Post Script” and that he and his wife regarded sailors as family members.
He wrote: “A childless couple is filled with love in our hearts, with a huge affection for most dogs, not to mention our own dogs, and the sailors don’t share our attention with anyone.”
“The three of us lived in very close places for five years… We were hitting hay every night and when she inevitably got tired of the sleep between us, she would jump out of bed and slide into her own.
“Just knowing she was comforting there. I want to think this is reciprocal.
Famous food critic John Lethlean announces his dog sailor dies from sting
Lethlean’s driverless comments have caused controversy over many times.
He contributed to legendary chef Cheong Liew’s The Grange in 2008’s one-star review for the second year’s closure.
Liew is one of the pioneers of Asian-Australian cuisine, operating in the restaurant for 14 years and receiving the Australian Order.
In 2016, Lethlean commented on the elegant restaurant hills in Adelaide’s oval, prompting them to call up lawyers after grilling food, serving, decorating and staff.
He called a dish “brown slime spots” and summed up the efforts of the venue as “duck.”
Lethlean did not back down when the famous Kings Island Dairy announced its closure last year.
He wrote: “Ches are always rubbish and I have this so-called Brie here…unless everything you look for in soft white mold cheese is industrial salt, there is no role at all.”
But instead of shooting from his hips, Lethlean insisted that he had a organized way of his comments.
Critics warn other owners that “dogs who love to hunt fish” should be careful
“If you feel the need to say some hard words from the beginning, you’re going to spend any few hours in the restaurant to make sure you have evidence to support the comments you’re going to make.”
“If there is anything controversial, I get photos of it…even heard of blogs.
“If I want to say something greasy, I make sure I have a greasy photo. If I were to say the tablecloth was stained, I would take pictures of the colorful and light tablecloths.
