Twitter Reacts to Roberto Donna Named Chef of the Year

Earlier this morning, Esquire revealed its best new restaurants feature, in which restaurant writer John Mariani named Roberto Donna of DC's Al Dente as chef of the year. While some were enthusiastic about the choice of a local culinary legend, others were a little baffled about the pick. Here are some of the immediate reactions from chefs, restaurateurs and food writers:

One could say that Washingtonian critic Todd Kliman was a little surprised by the pick — his colleague Jessica Voelker reviewed Al Dente in August and awarded it two stars:

Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema, who had also awarded Al Dente two stars back in June, likewise hinted at his surprise via hashtag:

Freelance writer (who occasionally reviews for the Post) Nevin Martell was perhaps the most forceful in his reaction:

Bistro Vivant owner Aykan Demiroglu offers his congratulations:

Scott Reitz, who left DC for a gig as critic at the Dallas Observer last year asks:

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette critic Melissa McCart expresses some surprise:

New Orleans chef Mary Sonnier is a little more upbeat:

Washingtonian senior editor Denise Kersten Wills writes:

UrbanDaddy's Jeff Dufour notes a pattern:

Finally, the bloggers weigh in:

Meanwhile, Eater commenters got in on the action, too, with commenter Sunnybrook writing, "He's not even the best chef in Friendship Heights/AU area!"

· Esquire Names Roberto Donna Chef of the Year [-EDC-]
· All Previous Roberto Donna Coverage [-EDC-]