Photo by: Deb Lindsey Photography
Photo by: Deb Lindsey Photography
Last year was all about big changes for me. I traded a big home for a small apartment and said so long to my job as a food critic for The Washington Post after almost 26 years. No more dining out 10 meals a week; more time to cook, travel, and follow all my passions, which I now share with readers in “Next Course with Tom Sietsema,” my online newsletter on beehiiv.
Before my tenure at The Post, where I won various honors including a 2016 James Beard Award, I wrote for Microsoft (yep, as a critic), the San Francisco Chronicle, and publications nationwide. My byline has appeared in Gourmet, GQ, Travel and Leisure, and elsewhere.
I’m a proud Minnesota native, a graduate of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, and a resident of D.C., ensconced with my partner and a Whippet named Henry.
A collection of some of my best-read stories in the Washington Post
Highlight reels from my travels
Four days away from home reminded me there’s no place quite like New Orleans, where some of the best eating unfolds at Jewel of the South, MaMou and the venerable Galatoire’s.
Oklahoma City for dinner and drinks? So glad I did, thanks to the tiny and imaginative Sedalia’s — best meal in town!
Every trip to SF, I fit a few icons into my itinerary. This time: Tadich Grill, the Palace of Fine Arts, roast chicken at Zuni Cafe.
Dishes I make again and again at home
Podcast, radio and TV appearances
Have a question? Want to share some news? Feel free to reach out to me.
