Star Tribune Restaurant Critic Rick Nelson Unmasked

Inside yesterday's Sunday edition of the Star Tribune, readers were finally afforded a glimpse of the long-time restaurant critic Rick Nelson. In his article, Nelson noted the trend toward unveiling critics identity in other markets such as Dallas, Los Angeles and New York.

In the age of selfies and Instagram, keeping an identity under wraps is nearly impossible. Also, as Nelson conceeds, most in the restaurant industry already knew who he was. (A simple Google search also turns up this image.) Keeping up the cover became a detriment to his job, requiring all conversations with restaurateurs and chefs to happen by phone, never face to face. He was the last fully anonymous critic in town (although Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl of Mpls. St. Paul Magazine never appears in public without disguising her appearance at least a little bit.)

Nelson is hosting a coming out party of sorts at the new Star Tribune headquarters on Thursday appropriately, over lunch at 11:30 to 12:30. Here is the opportunity to get to know Nelson better.