A Deliciously Bad Review of Per Se

When the New York Times reviews something, a lot of people pay attention.

And Wednesday, it was restaurant critic Pete Wells and his take down of one the city's best (and priciest), establishments, Per Se in Columbus Circle.

In his scathing review, he downgraded Thomas Keller's restaurant from four stars to two stars. But it's not just the rating, it's how he described his time spending $3,000 on a party of four. Does mushroom bouillon sound tasty if it reminds you of bong water?

WNYC's Ilya Marritz got reactions from another restaurant owner recently skewered by Wells, Amass Fakahany. And he spoke to former New York Times critic Mimi Sheraton for her review of Wells' review.

On Twitter, reactions ranged from anger to delight. 

NYTimes readers express themselves. # of comments on Obama's #SOTU: 553 # of comments on Pete Wells review of restaurant Per Se: 626

— Chris Daly (@profdaly) January 13, 2016

NYT pulls Per Se’s card https://t.co/Zhp15r8iqVpic.twitter.com/hjpIQcZnTO

— Anthony De Rosa (@AntDeRosa) January 12, 2016

Much respect to Per Se if tonight, in a glorious lighthearted bout of self awareness, presents their "famous bong water soup" to the table.

— josh groban (@joshgroban) January 12, 2016

never thought i'd read the words "bong water" in a review of per se — https://t.co/EpE11zMyXX via @nytimes

— Jane Bruce (@janeebruce) January 13, 2016

Somewhere Guy Fieri is being dethroned for worst #NewYorkTimes restaurant review ever. For shame, Per Se.

— alisdair parkinsmack (@whoopsy__daisy) January 13, 2016

Per Se staff this morning. @pete_wells@nytfood⭐️⭐️ https://t.co/5Lola54BIQpic.twitter.com/0nO7eGG5Z4

— Mÿkl (@ChezWu) January 12, 2016