Jessica Sidman Leaves WCP with Must-Read Essay

There are many common misconceptions when it comes to food writing — from the assumption of extreme anonymity (and all the intricacies that come with it) to next-level glamour and smorgasbords of delicious food 24/7. Jessica Sidman, who is leaving her post at Washington City Paper's Young & Hungry editor for Washingtonian, dispels many myths — and clears up some other things — in a poignant, must-read goodbye essay on the site.

Besides talking about choosing to forgo anonymity (she's more of a reporter than a critic, of course), Sidman lifts the curtain on other aspects of the job. While yes, the job itself does have an element of glamour, Sidman is sure to point out the less-so aspects, from dining at 5:30 on a weekday to avoid insane crowds, and the subtle sexism she's experienced in the dining room (that's her steak, not her husband's.)

Despite any gripes, she's sure to lavish the gig with praise. She ends the essay: "I wouldn’t trade the past four years of cursing chefs, internet trolls, and calories for anything."