Zagat Survey Discussions

Coming Soon: Le Relais de Venise l'Entrecôte

BuzzEditor — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:58:00 GMT

Hot on the heels of its second London outing, the French-based chophouse Le Relais de Venise l'Entrecôte is coming to the Big Apple. The meatery, known for its simple menu of affordable steak frites and salads, is planning to open its first stateside location in May 2009 at 590 Lexington Avenue. A Bahrain outpost is also in the works for the new year.

Tippling on Tiny Bubbles

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:23:00 GMT

It’s not too soon to start shopping around for a bottle (or three) of sparkling wine for your end-of-year festivities. Luckily, several local spots are offering fun ways to fill your flute and taste-test a range of bubblies

Tomorrow night Arlequin Wine Merchant, sibling and neighbor to Hayes Valley drinking fixture Absinthe, is hosting a champagne party featuring pours from over 30 well-known producers including Krug, Pol Roger, Bollinger, Gosset and Ruinart, plus nibbles from Arlequin’s kitchen, which is overseen by Top Chef’s Jamie Lauren (December 4; 5:30–8:30 PM; $60 per person; 415-863-1104).

Meanwhile, for the entire month of December, SoMa’s bacar, the eno-centric restaurant and lounge, is offering a special menu featuring champagnes by the glass, half glass or in flights from producers including Perrier Jouet, Krug, Salon, Gaston Chiquet and René Geoffrey. To complement all that fizzy stuff, executive chef Morgan Mueller is offering a special small-bites menu (415-904-4100).

Finally, of course, there’s always Downtown’s Bubble Lounge, where an exhaustive selection of tiny bubbles from here and across the pond are always available, along with a slate of champagne cocktails and a smattering of caviar, cheeses and cakes to soak up the bubbles.

– Meesha Halm

Coming Soon: 85/Sunny

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:08:00 GMT

What used to be the Hyatt West Hollywood is no more as the hotel is under renovation and set to open as the Andaz West Hollywood in January 2009. Following close on the heels of the reopening, a new Cal-French restaurant will open in the hotel with a moniker that's part name and part weather report, 85/Sunny, due to open "early in 2009" (8401 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood).

Cru Entices Shoppers With Lunch Deal

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:10:00 GMT

Holiday shopping is hard even in good times, and these aren't exactly good times. But this year Gold Coast shoppers have it a little easier thanks to a good lunchtime deal at Cru Café & Wine Bar. The New American restaurant noted for its extensive wine list (and two fireplaces) is running a lunch special until Christmas that offers soup, salad and a glass of organic wine for only $20. The soups and salads change weekly but recent preparations include a frisée salad with bacon and poached quail eggs in a pancetta vinaigrette, and a creamy celery root soup with chanterelles and leeks (11:30 AM–5 PM until December 25; 312-337-4001).

Nibbling With Santa Claus

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:47:00 GMT

Santa will be stopping by Mrs. K's Toll House.

As any parent knows, the line to see Santa at the mall can be the ultimate test in patience. Fortunately, many of the places where you can catch St. Nick this season are offering treats to help get you in the holiday spirit.

For the first three Saturdays in December, visitors waiting to see Santa at Mazza Gallerie (5300 Wisconsin Ave.) can purchase a breakfast from Rock Creek that includes a muffin or scone, hot chocolate or coffee and a yogurt parfait (December 6, 13, 20, 9:30–10:30 AM; $5 per person; 202-966-6114).

Mrs. K's Toll House in Silver Spring will celebrate the holidays in its beautifully decorated indoor terrace with a buffet brunch and visits from Kris Kringle, who will give each youngster a cookie during his visits (December 14, 21; 10:30 AM–2:30 PM; $29.95 per adult and $15.95 per child; 301-589-3500).

Santa will also be landing his sled at the Kennedy Center's Roof Terrace. Look for him to touch down at brunch to listen to wish lists and present children with a souvenir gift (December 14, 21; seatings from 11:00–11:45 AM or 1:00–1:45 PM; $39.95 per adult, includes a glass of champagne or a mimosa; $20 per child; 202-416-8555).

Mr. Claus will arrive for a storytelling, tea and photo session at Old Town's The Grille, where young guests will learn to make their own holiday ornaments and a frame for their photo with Santa. They'll also enjoy a reading of The Polar Express and will receive a gift bell (like the children in the story), and munchies include themed cookies and desserts, hot chocolate, warm cider, organic teas, freshly baked scones and biscuits and a selection of gourmet sandwiches (December 20; 2 PM; $38 per adult, $28 per child).

What's New in the East Village?

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:35:00 GMT

Mr. Jones

photo: Evan W. Miller

The East Village offers a world of dining options, but with restaurants opening fast and furious in the neighborhood, it can be hard to keep track of what’s new. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of some of the more noteworthy arrivals in the last few months, from yakitori specialist Mr. Jones to veggie purveyor Dirt Candy:

Dining News Elsewhere: Missing Acorns, Hot-Air Advertising

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:37:00 GMT

– Where have all the acorns gone this year? No, seriously, where? [Washington Post]
– Food advertising in Chicago is literally hot air these days. [NYT]
– Copia, the food, wine and art museum in Napa, has filed for Chapter 11. [Diner's Journal]

– Ikea is getting some heat for serving reindeer. [Independent]
– The embattled Cipriani family wants to have the Rainbow Room made into a landmark. [NYO]
– Burger King is returning to the world of sliders. [AHT]
– Meanwhile, McDonald's is testing a new, laid-back, building design. [S J-R]
– Restarting the Oak Room and Palm Court in New York's Plaza was a tricky affair. [Vanity Fair]
– Is there a new female Iron Chef on the horizon? [Broadcasting & Cable]
– What do you do if a restaurant loses your credit card? Cancel it to start. [Between Meals]
– The world's largest sugar castle is coming to the Bay Area on Friday. [NBC]
– Or maybe you prefer your castles made of cans? [Serious Eats]
– As good a pitch to eat ceviche as we've seen in awhile. [Eater]

Dining News Elsewhere: Missing Acorns, Hot-Air Advertising

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:37:00 GMT

– Where have all the acorns gone this year? No, seriously, where? [Washington Post]
– Food advertising in Chicago is literally hot air these days. [NYT]
– Copia, the food, wine and art museum in Napa, has filed for Chapter 11. [Diner's Journal]

– Ikea is getting some heat for serving reindeer. [Independent]
– The embattled Cipriani family wants to have the Rainbow Room made into a landmark. [NYO]
– Burger King is returning to the world of sliders. [AHT]
– Meanwhile, McDonald's is testing a new, laid-back, building design. [S J-R]
– Restarting the Oak Room and Palm Court in New York's Plaza was a tricky affair. [Vanity Fair]
– Is there a new female Iron Chef on the horizon? [Broadcasting & Cable]
– What do you do if a restaurant loses your credit card? Cancel it to start. [Between Meals]
– The world's largest sugar castle is coming to the Bay Area on Friday. [NBC]
– Or maybe you prefer your castles made of cans? [Serious Eats]
– As good a pitch to eat ceviche as we've seen in awhile. [Eater]

Dining News Elsewhere: Missing Acorns, Hot-Air Advertising

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:36:00 GMT

– Where have all the acorns gone this year? No, seriously, where? [Washington Post]
– Food advertising in Chicago is literally hot air these days. [NYT]
– Copia, the food, wine and art museum in Napa, has filed for Chapter 11. [Diner's Journal]

– Ikea is getting some heat for serving reindeer. [Independent]
– The embattled Cipriani family wants to have the Rainbow Room made into a landmark. [NYO]
– Burger King is returning to the world of sliders. [AHT]
– Meanwhile, McDonald's is testing a new, laid-back, building design. [S J-R]
– Restarting the Oak Room and Palm Court in New York's Plaza was a tricky affair. [Vanity Fair]
– Is there a new female Iron Chef on the horizon? [Broadcasting & Cable]
– What do you do if a restaurant loses your credit card? Cancel it to start. [Between Meals]
– The world's largest sugar castle is coming to the Bay Area on Friday. [NBC]
– Or maybe you prefer your castles made of cans? [Serious Eats]
– As good a pitch to eat ceviche as we've seen in awhile. [Eater]

Dining News Elsewhere: Missing Acorns, Hot-Air Advertising

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:36:00 GMT

– Where have all the acorns gone this year? No, seriously, where? [Washington Post]
– Food advertising in Chicago is literally hot air these days. [NYT]
– Copia, the food, wine and art museum in Napa, has filed for Chapter 11. [Diner's Journal]

– Ikea is getting some heat for serving reindeer. [Independent]
– The embattled Cipriani family wants to have the Rainbow Room made into a landmark. [NYO]
– Burger King is returning to the world of sliders. [AHT]
– Meanwhile, McDonald's is testing a new, laid-back, building design. [S J-R]
– Restarting the Oak Room and Palm Court in New York's Plaza was a tricky affair. [Vanity Fair]
– Is there a new female Iron Chef on the horizon? [Broadcasting & Cable]
– What do you do if a restaurant loses your credit card? Cancel it to start. [Between Meals]
– The world's largest sugar castle is coming to the Bay Area on Friday. [NBC]
– Or maybe you prefer your castles made of cans? [Serious Eats]
– As good a pitch to eat ceviche as we've seen in awhile. [Eater]

Dining News Elsewhere: Missing Acorns, Hot-Air Advertising

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:35:00 GMT

– Where have all the acorns gone this year? No, seriously, where? [Washington Post]
– Food advertising in Chicago is literally hot air these days. [NYT]
– Copia, the food, wine and art museum in Napa, has filed for Chapter 11. [Diner's Journal]

– Ikea is getting some heat for serving reindeer. [Independent]
– The embattled Cipriani family wants to have the Rainbow Room made into a landmark. [NYO]
– Burger King is returning to the world of sliders. [AHT]
– Meanwhile, McDonald's is testing a new, laid-back, building design. [S J-R]
– Restarting the Oak Room and Palm Court in New York's Plaza was a tricky affair. [Vanity Fair]
– Is there a new female Iron Chef on the horizon? [Broadcasting & Cable]
– What do you do if a restaurant loses your credit card? Cancel it to start. [Between Meals]
– The world's largest sugar castle is coming to the Bay Area on Friday. [NBC]
– Or maybe you prefer your castles made of cans? [Serious Eats]
– As good a pitch to eat ceviche as we've seen in awhile. [Eater]

Dining News Elsewhere: Missing Acorns, Hot-Air Advertising

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:35:00 GMT

– Where have all the acorns gone this year? No, seriously, where? [Washington Post]
– Food advertising in Chicago is literally hot air these days. [NYT]
– Copia, the food, wine and art museum in Napa, has filed for Chapter 11. [Diner's Journal]

– Ikea is getting some heat for serving reindeer. [Independent]
– The embattled Cipriani family wants to have the Rainbow Room made into a landmark. [NYO]
– Burger King is returning to the world of sliders. [AHT]
– Meanwhile, McDonald's is testing a new, laid-back, building design. [S J-R]
– Restarting the Oak Room and Palm Court in New York's Plaza was a tricky affair. [Vanity Fair]
– Is there a new female Iron Chef on the horizon? [Broadcasting & Cable]
– What do you do if a restaurant loses your credit card? Cancel it to start. [Between Meals]
– The world's largest sugar castle is coming to the Bay Area on Friday. [NBC]
– Or maybe you prefer your castles made of cans? [Serious Eats]
– As good a pitch to eat ceviche as we've seen in awhile. [Eater]

Dining News Elsewhere: Missing Acorns, Hot-Air Advertising

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:34:00 GMT

– Where have all the acorns gone this year? No, seriously, where? [Washington Post]
– Food advertising in Chicago is literally hot air these days. [NYT]
– Copia, the food, wine and art museum in Napa, has filed for Chapter 11. [Diner's Journal]

– Ikea is getting some heat for serving reindeer. [Independent]
– The embattled Cipriani family wants to have the Rainbow Room made into a landmark. [NYO]
– Burger King is returning to the world of sliders. [AHT]
– Meanwhile, McDonald's is testing a new, laid-back, building design. [S J-R]
– Restarting the Oak Room and Palm Court in New York's Plaza was a tricky affair. [Vanity Fair]
– Is there a new female Iron Chef on the horizon? [Broadcasting & Cable]
– What do you do if a restaurant loses your credit card? Cancel it to start. [Between Meals]
– The world's largest sugar castle is coming to the Bay Area on Friday. [NBC]
– Or maybe you prefer your castles made of cans? [Serious Eats]
– As good a pitch to eat ceviche as we've seen in awhile. [Eater]

Dining News Elsewhere: Missing Acorns, Hot-Air Advertising

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:33:00 GMT

– Where have all the acorns gone this year? No, seriously, where? [Washington Post]
– Food advertising in Chicago is literally hot air these days. [NYT]
– Copia, the food, wine and art museum in Napa, has filed for Chapter 11. [Diner's Journal]

– Ikea is getting some heat for serving reindeer. [Independent]
– The embattled Cipriani family wants to have the Rainbow Room made into a landmark. [NYO]
– Burger King is returning to the world of sliders. [AHT]
– Meanwhile, McDonald's is testing a new, laid-back, building design. [S J-R]
– Restarting the Oak Room and Palm Court in New York's Plaza was a tricky affair. [Vanity Fair]
– Is there a new female Iron Chef on the horizon? [Broadcasting & Cable]
– What do you do if a restaurant loses your credit card? Cancel it to start. [Between Meals]
– The world's largest sugar castle is coming to the Bay Area on Friday. [NBC]
– Or maybe you prefer your castles made of cans? [Serious Eats]
– As good a pitch to eat ceviche as we've seen in awhile. [Eater]

Unlimited Spaghetti Noshing at Nonna

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:18:00 GMT

Nonna

photo: Noah Kalina

Now that it's official, the recession deals keep on coming: For those looking to stuff themselves silly on Tuesdays, the Upper West Side Italian Nonna is there for you. Each week the family-friendly four-year-old is offering unlimited refills of spaghetti and meatballs with a Caesar salad and an almond zeppole for only $14.95 for grown-ups and $9.95 for kids 11 and under (212-579-3194).

Dining News Elsewhere: Missing Acorns, Hot-Air Advertising

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:23:00 GMT

– Where have all the acorns gone this year? No, seriously, where? [Washington Post]
– Food advertising in Chicago is literally hot air these days. [NYT]
– Copia, the food, wine and art museum in Napa, has filed for Chapter 11. [Diner's Journal]

– Ikea is getting some heat for serving reindeer. [Independent]
– The embattled Cipriani family wants to have the Rainbow Room made into a landmark. [NYO]
– Burger King is returning to the world of sliders. [AHT]
– Meanwhile, McDonald's is testing a new, laid-back, building design. [S J-R]
– Restarting the Oak Room and Palm Court in New York's Plaza was a tricky affair. [Vanity Fair]
– Is there a new female Iron Chef on the horizon? [Broadcasting & Cable]
– What do you do if a restaurant loses your credit card? Cancel it to start. [Between Meals]
– The world's largest sugar castle is coming to the Bay Area on Friday. [NBC]
– Or maybe you prefer your castles made of cans? [Serious Eats]
– As good a pitch to eat ceviche as we've seen in awhile. [Eater]

Holiday Gifts for the Literary Foodie

BuzzEditor — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:07:00 GMT

Looking for gift ideas for the gourmand readers in your life (other than, naturally, all the latest Zagat guides)? Fret not, here are some recent books about cooking, dining and food that will the bill.

For the Foodie on the Cutting Edge

A Day at el Bulli, Ferran Adrià (Phaidon Press, $49.95): In hundreds of pages and photos, a day in the life of one of the most influential restaurants in the world is vividly captured. Though recipes are few and far between, the sheer scope of the book reflects el Bulli's reputation as a mecca for culinary innovation, and helps explain why it's virtually impossible to get a reservation there.

Alinea, Grant Achatz (Ten Speed Press, $50): Re-create otherworldly dishes from Achatz's Chicago hot spot with this gorgeously photographed cookbook that offers recipes that come directly from the restaurant's kitchen. It's the ideal gift for the aspiring molecular gastronomist in your life.

Under Pressure: Cooking Sous Vide, Thomas Keller (Artisan, $75): The art of sous vide – cooking food in airtight bags – is explained to the home cook with beautiful photographs and careful instructions from the chef behind The French Laundry.

For the Foodie in Search of Something Different

Eat Me: The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin, Kenny Shopsin and Carolynn Carreno (Knopf, $24.95): Kenny Shopsin runs one of NYC's most unique restaurants, and his famous 900-item menu is reproduced here in a 12-page spread. In this surprisingly touching book, the chef dishes not only on his business and world philosophy but also reveals recipes for some of his most famous dishes, including Blisters on My Sisters, his take on huevos rancheros.

The Hungry Scientist Handbook: Electric Birthday Cakes, Edible Origami, and Other DIY Projects for Techies, Tinkerers, and Foodies, Patrick Buckley and Laura Bins (Collins, $16.99): For creative chefs who are bored with the same old dishes, this romp of a cookbook should spark inspiration with recipes for dishes like edible origami, glowing lollipops, cryogenic martinis and more.

For the Know-It-All Foodie

Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba: The Biography of a Cause, Tom Gjelten (Viking Adult, $27.95): In this intriguing new tome, NPR correspondent Gjelten explores the rich history of Cuba through the lens of the politically active rum maker.

The Bagel: A Cultural History, Maria Balinska (Yale, $25): The journey of the bagel from Jewish bakeries in Poland to the American breakfast table is one full of surprising anecdotes, not to mention cameos from the likes of Shirley Temple and 17th-century king of Poland Jan Sobieski.

The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food, Jennifer 8. Lee (Twelve, $24.99): The New York Times' Lee takes a journey through the cultural and culinary history of one of the most enduring cuisines in America with side ruminations on topics like the enduring relationship between Jews and Chinese food.

A Geography of Oysters: The Connoisseur's Guide to Oyster Eating in North America, Rowan Jacobsen (Bloomsbury, $16): This exhaustive history of the mollusk covers everything from cultivating pearls to the art of shucking with plenty of historical detours.

For the Francophile Foodie

The Complete Robuchon, Joël Robuchon (Knopf, $35): The world-famous chef brings his entire philosophy to the table in this dense but not daunting guide to cooking French food well.

French Milk, Lucy Knisley (Touchstone, $15): To celebrate her and her mother's birthdays, the author traveled to Paris for a month to eat and explore. The resulting graphic novel brings to life the joys of a Parisian adventure – and the sweetness of the eponymous drink.

For the Bad-Tipper Foodie

Service Included: Four-Star Secrets of an Eavesdropping Waiter, Phoebe Damrosch (Harper, $13.95): From learning how to politely interrupt diners at Per Se to dealing with "anonymous" restaurant critics, this book casually invites you into the intimidating world of four-star service.

Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip–Confessions of a Cynical Waiter, Steve Dublanica (Ecc, $24.95): After three years of blogging anonymously, Dublanica has come out into the open to tell diners what your servers really think of you.

For the Media-Junkie Foodie

Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously, Julie Powell (Back Bay Books, $13.99): In one year Powell cooked every one of the 524 recipes in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and the resulting blog and book have proved so charming and popular that a movie with Meryl Streep as Julia and Amy Adams as Julie is coming to theaters next year.

Top Chef: The Cookbook, The Creators of Top Chef (Chronicle, $29.95): For the loved one who just can't get enough of Tom, Padma and the gang comes a cookbook with 100 recipes from the first three seasons of the popular cooking competition.

For the Nostalgic Foodie

Amarcord: Marcella Remembers, Marcella Hazan (Gotham, $27.50): Known as the "Italian Julia Child" thanks to her wildly influential cookbooks, Hazan has written a memoir that reflects upon her childhood in Cesenatico, her marriage and, of course, her rise in the gastronomic world.

Dining at Delmonico's: The Story of America's Oldest Restaurant, Judith Choate (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, $45): Choate provides the history of NYC's 1837 landmark restaurant, from major culinary innovations like eggs Benedict to its revolutionary dining practices like using tablecloths.

Eat, Memory: Great Writers at the Table: A Collection of Essays from the New York Times: Edited by Amanda Hesser (W. W. Norton, $24.95): Conventional but well-written descriptions of meals mix with idiosyncratic tales in this collection of 26 stories that will both entertain and enlighten.

Holiday Gifts for the Literary Foodie

BuzzEditor — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:06:00 GMT

For the Foodie on the Cutting Edge

For the Foodie in Search of Something Different

For the Know-It-All Foodie

For the Francophile Foodie

The Complete Robuchon, Joël Robuchon (Knopf, $35): The world-famous chef brings his entire philosophy to the table in this dense but not daunting guide to cooking French food well.

For the Bad-Tipper Foodie

For the Media-Junkie Foodie

For the Nostalgic Foodie

Holiday Gifts for the Literary Foodie

BuzzEditor — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:06:00 GMT

For the Foodie on the Cutting Edge

For the Foodie in Search of Something Different

For the Know-It-All Foodie

For the Francophile Foodie

The Complete Robuchon, Joël Robuchon (Knopf, $35): The world-famous chef brings his entire philosophy to the table in this dense but not daunting guide to cooking French food well.

For the Bad-Tipper Foodie

For the Media-Junkie Foodie

For the Nostalgic Foodie

Holiday Gifts for the Literary Foodie

BuzzEditor — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:05:00 GMT

For the Foodie on the Cutting Edge

For the Foodie in Search of Something Different

For the Know-It-All Foodie

For the Francophile Foodie

The Complete Robuchon, Joël Robuchon (Knopf, $35): The world-famous chef brings his entire philosophy to the table in this dense but not daunting guide to cooking French food well.

For the Bad-Tipper Foodie

For the Media-Junkie Foodie

For the Nostalgic Foodie

Holiday Gifts for the Literary Foodie

BuzzEditor — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:05:00 GMT

For the Foodie on the Cutting Edge

For the Foodie in Search of Something Different

For the Know-It-All Foodie

For the Francophile Foodie

The Complete Robuchon, Joël Robuchon (Knopf, $35): The world-famous chef brings his entire philosophy to the table in this dense but not daunting guide to cooking French food well.

For the Bad-Tipper Foodie

For the Media-Junkie Foodie

For the Nostalgic Foodie

Holiday Gifts for the Literary Foodie

BuzzEditor — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:05:00 GMT

For the Foodie on the Cutting Edge

For the Foodie in Search of Something Different

For the Know-It-All Foodie

For the Francophile Foodie

The Complete Robuchon, Joël Robuchon (Knopf, $35): The world-famous chef brings his entire philosophy to the table in this dense but not daunting guide to cooking French food well.