After giving the Olive Garden a good review in a local paper, critic Marilyn Hagerty became an overnight sensation and even landed a book deal. INSIDE EDITION took her to New York City's Le Cirque for her review.
One 87-year-old woman is a famous restaurant reviewer with a unique twist—she's almost never had a meal she didn't like.
Marilyn Hagerty got nationwide attention last year when she had the audacity to write a glowing review for the Olive Garden restaurant in her native Grand Forks, North Dakota, calling it, "The largest and most beautiful restaurant" in town, adding that, "The chicken alfredo ($10.95) was warm and comforting on a cold day."
The internet exploded with snobby people making fun of her positive review for what they consider a run-of-the-mill restaurant chain.
Hagerty told INSIDE EDITION, "I got an email from someone, somewhere, who said, 'Your column, pathetic.'"
Enter celebrity chef and author Anthony Bourdain, who really stirred the pot by sticking up for her. He boldly tweeted: "Very much enjoying watching internet sensation Marilyn Hagerty triumph over the snarkologists (myself included).”
And now, Bourdain is the proud publisher of her new book, entitled, Grand Forks: A History of American Dining in 128 Reviews.
INSIDE EDITION took Hagerty to New York City's Le Cirque for a meal, one of the world's most highly regarded restaurants.
Watch Marilyn's trip to Le Cirque.
INSIDE EDITION's Paul Boyd asked, "What do you think about your experience at Le Cirque in New York City?"
Hagerty laughed and said, "Well, it is a lot different than the truck stop in Grand Forks."
Boyd asked, "You like caviar?"
"Yes, I don't eat it everyday," said Hagerty.
Le Cirque's spinach fettuccine got five stars.
"Kind of like a work of art, isn't it?," she said.
So, what is Hagerty's recipe for restaurant reviewing success? A dash of honesty and a pinch of compassion.
Boyd asked, "How does this compare to the Olive Garden?"
She replied, "Well, this and The Olive Garden are two different things."
