We’re seeking a dynamic, authoritative food critic with impeccable journalism chops who will go beyond restaurant reviews and find stories that reflect the exploding food scene in Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay has come out of its culinary shell, hailed as a food destination everywhere from Forbes to Food and Wine. We’ve welcomed three major food halls, a slew of celebrity restaurants, a stream of specialty grocery stores and dozens of craft breweries. Our coverage area is more than cool restaurants, though. The region looks out to strawberry fields and agricultural land in one direction and the seafood-rich Gulf of Mexico in the other. And Tampa Bay is diverse, a multicultural population with important food stories to tell.

This food critic will indeed write restaurant reviews and be a personality, willing to appear at public events and open to podcasting, newsletters and more. They’re a vivid writer and a skilled reporter who can unearth facts and react to news with smart commentary, writing on anything from food contamination to the president serving Big Macs. They will pivot from major story to small story, report on trends and business and approach food with an open mind. While candidates don’t have to be from Tampa Bay, once here they will become acquainted with local chefs, restaurant owners and major players. And they will be unafraid to report honestly about these sources, even if it means fracturing a relationship.

This job has great possibility for the right person. Our last critic was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and James Beard awards, and we want someone who will carry that standard.

Interested applicants should send a resume and clips to deputy editor for features Stephanie Hayes at shayes@tampabay.com by Feb. 28.