Was Review a Personal Vendetta?

Virginia,
    Re: “Annies: Day & Night” [Food, Sept. 25]: Your friend Mark Schmidt walked out on Annies just before a weekend. Although you were anxious to post this on a blog and quickly publish a vengeful review, one thing you did not do was talk to Annies' owners for their side. They attempted to call you, and you would not take their call.
    The restaurant is three months old, is a real contribution to Downtown Austin, and fully expects to support local sources for years to come. That effort deserves patient, diligent, and responsible reporting. I wish Mark the best in proving himself as the owner of his own business.
    As policy, the Chronicle should follow the six-month rule before critically reviewing a restaurant.

   [Food Editor Virginia Wood responds: There are indeed several sides to any story. With the proliferation of social media and blog sites, information moves very quickly these days, and we no longer have the luxury of waiting six months to review new restaurants. The review of Annies had been on our editorial calendar since July and was not rushed into print to "avenge" the chef or held back in response to pressure from your client or her publicist. Although I was a fan of his former restaurant, chef Schmidt is not a personal friend but rather a business acquaintance of mine, much the same as you are. I have nothing to avenge on his behalf. I had two lengthy conversations with your client's publicist before the review ran, and she made the restaurant's position very clear on several issues. I told her that when Annies has a new chef in place who is using verifiable local and regional sources, we will consider an update on its dinner service.]