Hesser's Last Stand

Got a trackback this morning from The Gothamist which linked my moderate defense of Amanda Hesser since today was Hesser's last review as the NYT's interim critic The review in question is of Masa and already Hesser's bold gesture--four question marks in lieu of stars (which she invites the incoming restaurant critic, Frank Bruni, to fill in)--has caused quite a stir.I dunno. I think some people take these things too seriously. I kind of like that this spunky little woman--who resembles, in her jacket photo, something like a pixie--created such a whirlwind of discontent with her idiosyncratic style. The artist in me says: good for her! Way to shake things up! The lawyer in me says: Yes, but Adam, she soiled a sacred institution. The Mexican in me says: Ehxuse me senor, donde esta la playa?Anyway, bon voyage Amanda. I, for one, shall miss you.