How to Become a Food Judge
Being a food judge is a great racket for people who love to eat. Not only do you get food for free, you're also asked (and sometimes paid) for your opinion. Of course, food judges need to know their stuff, so it's best to have food judge certification when necessary, a tie to the cooking world, or at least a good public profile. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Be a local leader. Food judges often start on the local level, and it's common for town festivals, church fairs and other gatherings to ask outgoing local dignitaries to govern the food contest. If you're a restauranteur, be a philanthropist and community activist as well. It's good for your public profile and great for your business.
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Have a tie to the cooking world. Serious or even semi-serious food contests need expert judges--discriminating people who will give insight beyond "this is delicious" or "I don't like it." Examples of ties to the cooking world include employment at a popular local restaurant, or published restaurant reviews in local newspapers or cooking blogs. Thoughtful food writers are well known in local restaurant communities.
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Volunteer. Contact the organizations that hold food contests in your area, ask whether they need judges, and ask how you would go about serving as a judge. People who judge at local contests have a better chance of being invited to judge at state fairs and larger, higher-profile competitions.
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Get certified. Certain specialty foods, such as barbecue, have local expert certification classes. Find one near you, study up, and walk proud as an expert.
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Have something to say. Good judges give a careful critique about the food, and great judges do that in a colorful and entertaining way. A good rule for criticism is this: Go in wanting to love it. If you do, say why you loved it. If you don't, say what would make you love it.
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