Marilyn Hagerty's book, "Grand Forks," debuts

The 86-year-old food critic -- infamous for her Olive Garden online review -- has a book of past reviews, published by Anthony Bourdain's imprint.

August 9, 2013 at 5:20PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Marilyn Hagerty's book hits bookstores in two weeks (the end of August). The 86-year-old food critic from Grand Forks, N.D., whose review of the Olive Garden went viral in 2012 and captured the attention of Anthony Bourdain, has compiled more than 100 restaurant reviews that reflect the changing tastes of diners.

(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The book is published by Bourdain's own imprint at Ecco Books. Bourdain calls the book "a history of American dining -- in the vast spaces between the jaded palates and professional snarkologists of the privileged coasts -- as told by one hard working small city journalist," according to the press release. The list price is $14.99; it's available on Kindle at $9.78.

Or you can read her reviews in "Best of the Eatbeat," an e-book that the Grand Forks Herald produced after her review went viral (99 cents, Kindle). She has also written "Echos: A Selection of Stories and Columns," published in 1994.

After Marilyn's review went viral -- and she went to hobnob in New York City -- Marilyn received the Al Neuharth Award for Excellence in Media.

about the writer

about the writer

lee dean