Before Ruth Reichl was the editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine, she held a six year stint as the restaurant critic for the New York Times. That period of her life is detailed in her third memoir, Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise, which is a fun and enjoyable read. Reichl had what some considered to be the best gig in town, but instead of just allowing herself to be wined and dined, she took her job quite seriously and would often create elaborate disguises to ensure anonymity. Her disguises often included wigs, makeup, thiftstore duds, glasses and even credit cards in other names. Sometimes she was Brenda, an auburn aging hippie, other times she was Chloe, a blonde divorcée. Her writing is hilarious and refreshing, and always mouth-watering — you'll put the book down only to realize your belly is fully rumbilng.

If you'd rather know a bit more about Reichl, you can always begin with Tender at the Bone or Comfort Me with Apples.

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