Washingtonian Defends its Review of The Inn at Little Washington After Blowback

Washingtonian has posted a piece defending its decision to demote The Inn at Little Washington to No. 22 on its list of 100 Best Restaurants.

The demotion caused some surprise from readers and blowback from the chef, who insinuated to Rappahannock News that the decision was more about getting readers than what the restaurant deserved. "Most of us understand that, in today's world, as print media struggles for survival, creating controversy sells magazines whether it's ethical or not," he said in a statement to the magazine.

Critic Todd Kliman responds to the claim at length in the story. "Unethical?I really don't understand what chef O'Connell is trying to say there. The word I would use is: honest."

The piece talks about several issues the critics had with meals at The Inn, whether it be small portions on the vegetarian tasting menu, or cooking flaws such as gritty scallops.

Washingtonian's 100 Best list included several notable omissions this year, including such restaurants as The Source and Blue Duck Tavern.