RUTLAND, VT—Simultaneously renowned and feared for his often harsh reviews of local chefs' culinary creations, the young food critic, Hunter Gunderson, 2, surprised all when he gave his highest rating to a relatively unknown cuisiner.
After the first course of leftover rottini noodles with butter and salt, microwaved briefly, was wholly rejected by the infamous perfectionist, Chef Arielle Gunderson, 35, could feel the pressure to deliver something amazing.
"I was wracking my brain trying to think of something that he might like," she shared. "I thought through all of my specialties—even oatmeal with a little bit of honey."
Chef Gunderson, who has reportedly cooked for the young Gunderson on multiple occasions before, revealed to The Colon that she is, in fact, related to the formidable giant among the toddler food authority. However, she made clear that, if anything, their relationship has been tumultuous, especially around food.
"He can be such a joy sometimes, but when it comes to food, well, he certainly knows what he hates," she explained of the young connoisseur.
As she struggled to come up with an idea for the master's second course, Chef Gunderson had the idea to attempt a dish that had worked for her only once approximately 2 weeks prior: a squeeze packet of unsweetened applesauce.
"I was so nervous," she related. "I was so tense when I took off the cap for him, I was almost sure he could see it."
To her surprise, although the younger Gunderson observed the squeeze packet with some trepidation, he placed the opening in his mouth and squoze some of the bland smashed apples that were imported from Argentina into his mouth. Gunderson, whose other interests include coloring and playing in sand, then smiled and gave an audible "MMmm!"
Chef Gunderson was elated. "I couldn't believe it!" she exclaimed, tearing up as she spoke. "He slurped down the whole [2.3 oz] packet right there, and even said that he liked it!"
This is, by all reports, the highest rating the 2-year-old has given to any dish by any chef, which is very good news for Chef Gunderson, who can rely on the positive review in the future. "This changes everything. Maybe he'll finally try other things, like pizza, or chicken nuggets!" fantasized the elated chef. She did exercise caution, however, as the critic has been known to change his tastes after some time. Still, she remained hopeful that her reputation had improved in the culinary world.
When reached for comment, Hunter Gunderson said of the meal, "Huh? Who are you guys? You wanna play dinosaurs?"