An Interview with the Jersey Shadow - the Phantom Food Critic of New Jersey Spin

New Jersey is a state with a culture all its own. Immortalized by Hoboken, as the birthplace of Sinatra - and most of all because of the Sopranos, this bedroom community for many of New York's finest is also the capital of an establishment that few outside of Jersey would think to guess. That's right; New Jersey is the diner capital of the world.

There roams an entity that can put fear and relief into the hearts and souls of diner owners and customers. There strolls the Jersey Shadow. The Jersey Shadow has a code all his (or) her own. He got tired of reading pumped up advertisement like food reviews. He perceived these as dishonest reviews. So, he decided to don an anonymous mask and review them under the guise of secrecy. This placed diners and their customers, under advisement. The Jersey Shadow can't be bought.

For the purposes of this interview, the Shadow did release answers to questions asked, but as will become apparent, the answers are cloaked in honesty and in - your - face statements.

ABS) How did the idea of the Jersey Shadow develop?

JS) How do any of these things start?

I was looking for a new place to eat and everything I was reading was very incomplete. I would read a review and show up at the restaurant only to be disappointed. You know, I'm not real interested in reading some namby pamby fluff or a marketing piece in disguise. If a writer doesn't like a place, I want to know exactly why. If he or she likes a place, I want to know why too. The Jersey Shadow doesn't owe any place it visits anything other than a good honest review.

Sometimes my words may seem harsh, but they're true and could well be a catalyst for positive change. I like writing for Jersey Spin because I'm not told what to write, what places to write about and I'm given the flexibility and environment to deliver a first-rate product for my readers. Jersey Shadow was developed to provide Jersey Spin readers with honest, unbiased reviews that can be enjoyable and helpful.

ABS) Does anyone know your true identity?

JS) It would be next to impossible to keep it a total secret.

ABS) Have your ever been spotted while doing a review? Were any suspicions raised?

JS) That's a tough question. While I have never been addressed as the Jersey Shadow in public, I suppose that some places I've reviewed might have an idea or may remember me after reading my review.
ABS) What made you decide to do reviews anonymously?

JS) Showing up to a place "under the radar" is quite good both for the establishment and my readers. I don't need, nor do I want any special treatment. My readers deserve to know my experience free from any potential bias.

No establishment has ever gotten into the pages of Jersey Spin through advertising there. While it's perfectly fine for an establishment to advertise on Jersey Spin, it is by no means required, and it has no bearing on my review. I like to look at my anonymity this way - While my face may be a mystery my presence will be felt.

ABS) Do you truly believe that New Jersey is the diner capital of the world?

JS) Without a doubt, New Jersey is the diner capital of the world; in fact, many of our old steel diners leave the State and even the country to places trying to capture the New Jersey diner experience. Unless the diners leaving the sate come with New Jersey people to work them or eat in them, the experience can never be truly replicated.

ABS) What diner would you list as NO. 1 in New Jersey?

JS) My favorite diner is, or more correctly, was the Clairmont in Verona. It made a comeback of a sort appearing on Rt 3 in Clifton before being replaced with a car dealer just as the original had been. The one in Cifton is immortalized on film in the Soprano's with a great shot of Tony standing out in front shortly before it was torn down. Everyone going to diners in New Jersey has their favorites and it's a very personal thing. The great thing about New Jersey is that we have so many; a memorable local diner is most likely within reach of every New Jersey community.

ABS) Is there any way you would reveal your true identity?

JS) I don't know... why would I reveal my identity? Who cares who I am? If I found the Jersey Shadow on Jersey Spin the only thing I would care about is a good honest review of a place and something concrete to encourage or discourage a visit, not some silly Star Rating. Star ratings are not very helpful to readers, they're too vague giving very little actual information, and are often potentially harmful to an eating establishment. I just lay it all out there, and let my readers decide; so for me at least, for now, I'm not planning on revealing my true identity. My work is my identity and I'm here to serve my readers.

ABS) Most critics make more than one visit to an establishment; when doing a review. Is that your strategy, as well? Why or why not?

JS) In a word... No. A place gets one shot with me, and while I would return to a place where I've had an acceptable experience I can't conceive of a scenario where I would give a poor place another shot. Now, having said that, there is one exception. When an establishment reads its review, and writes to me (as many have done) with specific improvements they have made, I would consider a return visit.

ABS) What do you enjoy most about being the Jersey Shadow?

JS) New Jersey is a tremendous place to live and for me an experience each and every day. New Jersey food is an extension of our diverse culture. I understand that not everyone can live and thrive in a place like New Jersey, thus the negative stereotypes. I was born in Jersey and am not planning on leaving. Many who aren't born here arrive here and just love it, and from my perspective, what's not to love. Being the Jersey Shadow I focus on what's to love in New Jersey and a good meal in a good New Jersey neighborhood is something to be celebrated. What I enjoy most is New Jersey and being the Jersey Shadow is just icing on the cake and a rewarding experience.

ABS) Is there anything else you would like to add about the Jersey Shadow, that hasn't been addressed?

JS) I want to thank you for this most enjoyable interview and for honoring the Jersey Shadow in this way. - Jersey Shadow -

Next time you find yourself in a New Jersey diner, take a look around. There might be a rather nondescript fellow, or a well-dressed woman sitting alone, sipping on water, waiting for their order to arrive. He could be a resident of Jersey on his way to work.

She could be someone from around the neighborhood waiting for a friend to join them. Or it could be the Jersey Shadow. When all is said and done, only the Shadow knows.