Introducing. . . .

THE FOUR QUARTER FOOD CRITICS

Once upon a time one evening, while enjoying each other’s company, four friends with four very different sets of taste buds came up with a wonderful idea. Why not become a collective food critic for the wonderful city of Winnipeg? After all, they thought, Winnipeg reputedly has the most restaurants per capita - and some of the very best.

And so "The Four Quarter Food Critics" were born - each friend constituting one quarter of a well-rounded whole, representing the diverse human palate. Let us introduce ourselves.

First we have "Mr. Picky." He can usually be found inspecting the cutlery, while his eagle eye has a bead on the glassware. If the appetizers are not to his liking, he will badger a flustered server into having something prepared "at whatever cost," as the server leaves mumbling, "but it's not on the menu. . ." Mr. Picky has a superb taste bud for picking out all the members of the wonderful world of herbs and knowing just how they should be wedded to create the most harmonious dishes and sauces.

Next we have "Miss Perfect." She can tell you exactly how many sit-ups you'll have to do to burn the calories you've just consumed. She is extremely fit, active, beautiful and (by her own admission) perfect. She is a connoisseur of salads and dressings, having eaten a mountain's worth herself. A free, but generally health-conscious eater, Miss Perfect has about 11 percent body fat.

"The Veggie" makes number three. The Veggie has been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for 10 years and a vegan for the last six - though he or she has recently added fish to his or her diet. The Veggie is spontaneous and opinionated, with a tongue as sharp as a knife to match a keen wit. "The Veggie" has probably the most experience in the taste offerings of Winnipeg, with Mr. Picky running a close second.

Last to round out the quartet is "The Meat-eater." The Meat-eater will try anything once: things with teeth, things with antennae - animal, vegetable, or mineral. The Meat-eater does not discriminate and believes all life forms should be given the same opportunity to quench The Meat-eater's hunger.

So you see, for the Four Quarter Food Critics life is a box of chocolates - and they are determined to and taste each and every one of them.