The Maine Sunday Telegram is looking for a freelance restaurant critic to write our weekly Dine Out Maine reviews. Is that you?

You need to know about food, dining and restaurants. You need a sophisticated palate. (Do you also know wine? Even better.) Just as important, you can tell a good story. Your reviews will critique a restaurant’s food and service (and to a lesser extent design), of course, but in the process will tell an engaging story.

We are looking for reviews that have beginnings and ends, themes and ideas, and a strong point of view. You also can describe food in interesting ways, and you must be able to explain clearly why a dish was outstanding or disappointing. (“It was flavorful” is not a critique.)

Beyond these, you must meet deadlines, write accurately and fairly, and be familiar with the restaurant scene in the Greater Portland area and Maine. We won’t be assigning restaurants to review each week – we expect you to keep track of openings and new chefs and to propose restaurants yourself.

We also expect you to dine anonymously. As a restaurant critic, you cannot attend industry events and meet and befriend chefs – this job requires that you remain an outsider.

Finally, you will need a thick skin. Reviewing restaurants inspires passions, especially in a town like Portland, so you should expect strong responses from readers who disagree with you – and, when necessary, be willing to defend your opinions.

If you are interested, please send your resume and writing samples to Peggy Grodinsky, food editor, at pgrodinsky@pressherald.com by Feb. 12.

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