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Food Critic Grilled Over Steak Review

Steamed chef may force Philly writer to reveal identity in court

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 3, 2007 4:00 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A miffed chef is suing the restaurant critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer after he reviewed a $15 slab of steak as "miserably tough and fatty." But the suit could be even more of a raw deal than expected for writer Craig LaBan, who was ordered to give a video deposition that could jeopardize his cover.

Cooks who learn LaBan's identity may dish out special treatment, undercutting his ability to review. The writers says it's his First Amendment right to express opinions but the chef claims it's libel because the review was based on a falsehood: He beefs that LaBan didn't order a strip steak at all, but a steak sandwich without bread.

Chops restaurant in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., is shown on Wednesday, June 20, 2007. In a lawsuit filed by Chops that involves issues as lofty as the First Amendment and as mundane as which cut of meat was actually eaten, Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan is being sued over a...
Chops restaurant in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., is shown on Wednesday, June 20, 2007. In a lawsuit filed by Chops that involves issues as lofty as the First Amendment and as mundane as which cut of meat was actually...   (Associated Press)
A porterhouse steak is displayed at Jeffrey's meat market on Friday, June 15, 2007 in New York. The Labor Department reported that its closely watched Consumer Price Index registered a 0.7 percent increase in May. Food costs were up 0.3 percent for the month as vegetable prices fell...
A porterhouse steak is displayed at Jeffrey's meat market on Friday, June 15, 2007 in New York. The Labor Department reported that its closely watched Consumer Price Index registered a 0.7 percent increase...   (Associated Press)
Ponderosa Steakhouse and Bonanza Steakhouse are now featuring entree platters, including the new half-pound steak entree platter made with U.S.D.A. Choice Sirloin and served with choice of potato, hot vegetable, garden salad and fresh-baked roll. (Photo
Ponderosa Steakhouse and Bonanza Steakhouse are now featuring entree platters, including the new half-pound steak entree platter made with U.S.D.A. Choice Sirloin and served with choice of potato, hot...   (Associated Press)
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Recipe for critic's order of 'steak frites'
Gourmet

More on the ongoing beef
CulinaryColorado.com

Intensive legal summary
PhilaFoodie

...though he has no problem announcing a speaking engagement at the library
PhillyBlog.com

 
free speech • libel • First Amendment • restaurant • Craig LaBan • Philadelphia Inquirer • deposition • chef • lawsuit • critic

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