Food Reviewer Marilyn Hagerty (Anthony Bourdain-Approved) has passed away at 99

Marilyn Hagerty’s voice may now be silent, but her words and legacy will resonate forever.

The iconic food critic, who became an unlikely internet star with her earnest review of an Olive Garden in 2012, passed away on September 16th at the age of 99.

Her life was a testament to the power of authenticity, kindness, and an unwavering curiosity about the world around her.

Born in Pierre, South Dakota, Marilyn grew up with a passion for storytelling.

As a teenager, she began her writing career at the Pierre Capital Journal and later earned a journalism degree from the University of South Dakota.

Her journey through the world of media took her across various newsrooms and radio stations in the Midwest before she finally found her home at the Grand Forks Herald in North Dakota.

For nearly 70 years, Marilyn wrote for the Herald, becoming a cherished voice in the community.

Her column, Eatbeat, celebrated the magic of everyday dining experiences, from local diners to mom-and-pop cafes.

She had a unique ability to find joy in the ordinary, capturing the essence of meals that brought people together.

But it was in 2012 that Marilyn’s name became known far beyond Grand Forks.

Her glowing review of a newly opened Olive Garden, praising its “welcoming decor” and “comforting chicken Alfredo,” went viral overnight.

While many on the internet initially chuckled at the sincerity of her review, legendary chef Anthony Bourdain saw something deeper.

Bourdain came to Marilyn’s defense, describing her work as “a history of dining” and commending her sharp sense of humor and keen observational skills.

He later published a collection of her columns in the book Grand Forks: A History of American Dining in 100 Reviews.

Bourdain’s endorsement not only validated Marilyn’s work but also introduced her to a global audience that admired her unpretentious approach to food writing.

Marilyn’s impact extended beyond her professional achievements.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend who touched countless lives with her infectious laugh and genuine kindness.

Even in her later years, she carried a notepad everywhere, always ready to capture a story.

Her life was not without its share of heartbreak.

Marilyn lost her husband, Jack, in 1997 and her daughter, Carol, in 2011.

Despite these losses, she remained the steadfast center of her family’s world.

Her children, Gail and James Bob Hagerty, shared that she passed peacefully from complications related to a stroke, surrounded by love and gratitude for a life well-lived.

Tributes have poured in from fans and friends alike, flooding social media with memories of Marilyn’s columns and, of course, her iconic Olive Garden review.

The Grand Forks Herald plans to republish some of her most memorable pieces, while the community prepares a memorial to honor her legacy.

Marilyn Hagerty’s story is a reminder that honesty and kindness never go out of style.

She showed us that food writing doesn’t need to be pretentious or exclusive—it can be about celebrating the simple pleasures that bring people together.

Whether she was reviewing a local diner or a chain restaurant, Marilyn approached her work with sincerity and a deep appreciation for the human connections forged over a meal.

As fans reflect on her life, many are raising a forkful of chicken Alfredo in her honor—a fitting tribute to a woman who found beauty in the everyday and shared it with the world.

Marilyn Hagerty may be gone, but her legacy will continue to inspire generations of writers, food lovers, and anyone who values the power of authenticity.