Boston

Ming Tsai Noodles Around at Blue Ginger

BuzzEditor — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:41:00 GMT

Ming Tsai

Photo: courtesy of his Facebook page

Barbara Lynch isn't the only one with a new restaurant coming soon. Ming Tsai is set to launch a mini-restaurant, Blue Ginger Noodle Bar, inside of the lounge at Blue Ginger. Aiming to open for lunch on March 30, the newcomer will offer the toque's take on classic ramen and stir-fried noodles, with three types of stir-fries and three types of ramen noodle soups all served with "pickled salad" for $12. The Noodle Bar will be open Monday–Friday, from 11:30 AM–2 PM. You can check out the menu (which is also available for take-out) right here.

COCHON 555, Bacon & Beer Hit Boston

BuzzEditor — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:28:00 GMT

Chef Tony Maws at last year's COCHON 555 in Boston

Photo: David Dedakian

Check out these two hog-heavy events coming to clog the arteries of Bostonians in the next month:

First, COCHON 555, the national competition tour featuring five chefs, five pigs and five winemakers, is coming to The Liberty Hotel next Sunday, March 28. Each chef at the event will create a series of dishes from a whole pig. The winner of each of the 10 local city events will go on to compete in the "Grand Cochon" at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. This year, the competing chefs are Tony Maws of Craigie on Main, Jamie Bissonette of Toro, reigning Boston champ Matthew Jennings of Farmstead, Barry Maiden of Hungry Mother and Joseph Margate of Clink. Not only will guests consume a total of 750 pounds of pig goodness, but they will also experience a breakdown demonstration, hold 51% of the weight in the judging (the rest goes to an esteemed panel of judges) and sip wines from local family-owned wineries ($125 for general admission, $175 for VIP; 5 PM; 215 Charles St.; buy tickets here).

If that's not enough piggin' out for you, SoWa Sundays and @eatBoston are teaming up to produce the first ever Boston Bacon and Beer Festival at the SoWa Power Station on April 24. Taste bacon-themed dishes prepared by 23 participating restaurants, including 51 Lincoln, Beacon Hill Bistro, Franklin Café, Garden at the Cellar, Myers + Chang and Rocca. There will also be plenty of beer for pairing, provided by 11 New England breweries like Cape Anne Brewing, Harpoon Brewery and Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project. Stick around for pig-butchering demos and live music from Boston's own East Coast Soul. What's more, all proceeds will go to benefit Community Servings, Share our Strength, South End Youth Baseball and The Juniper Fund ($25 per person; 2–6 PM; SoWa Power Station at 540 Harrison Ave.; buy tickets here).

– Aynsley Karps

Lynch's Menton Sets an Opening Date

BuzzEditor — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:36:00 GMT

Barbara Lynch's fine-dining Menton at 354 Congress Street in Boston's Fort Point Channel has set its opening date: April 3.

The restaurant, named for the small French village near the Italian border, will feature cuisines of both countries. Chef Colin Lynch (no relation), co-executive chef of No. 9 Park, will be the executive chef, Kevin Gravito, also from No. 9 Park, will be the pastry chef and Alec Riveros, recently from Clio and Uni, will be the general manager (671-737-0099).

Dining News Elsewhere: Free Food Fills Coffers, Florida's Freeze Fallout

BuzzEditor — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:08:00 GMT

– Why all the food giveaways lately? They're good for business. [WSJ]
– New York restaurateurs are nonplussed that the city is really going to force them to display health-score letter grades. [Eater]
– Fallout from Florida's winter freeze won't stop until mid-April. [NRN]

– Praising the restaurant critic. [Time]
– Starbucks will soon offer the ability to completely customize their Frappuccinos. [WSJ]
– Related: the Times' exclusive deal with the coffee chain is over. [AdAge]
– The potato industry is ready for America's decreasing taste for french fries. [The Star]
– Calorie counts loom in Illinois. [S-T]
– Foodies on food stamps. [Salon]
– Restaurant trends that have to go. [Eater]
– What goes into your OJ might surprise you. [Culinate]
– Top Chef's Marcel Vigneron is getting a show on SyFy. [EMD]
– Not content with a menu in Toronto, Wilco gets a beer too. [The Stew]
– One woman's dream to weigh 1,000 lbs. [Gothamist]

Joe's American Bar & Grill Reopens on Newbury

BuzzEditor — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:43:00 GMT

Joe's American Bar & Grill

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Joe's American Bar & Grill has reopened in snazzy new Back Bay digs (a block away from its old location on Dartmouth Street) complete with an exhibition kitchen behind glass, a vintage wood bar with TVs, an upscale pub-like private dining room and an expanded, midpriced menu of American classics; the real prize, however, is a glass-enclosed granite patio with a full bar and retractable roof.

181 Newbury St.; 617-536-4200

See more new restaurants in Boston

Joe's American Bar & Grill

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Mumbai Chopstix, Basho Coming Soon

BuzzEditor — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:46:00 GMT

One World Cuisine (Mela, Mantra, Kashmir) is opening Mumbai Chopsticks in the Back Bay by the end of March (254 Newbury St.). Over in the Fenway area, Basho, a Japanese restaurant, is slated to open this spring (1330 Boylston St). Finally, Stoddard's, which has been delayed in its opening numerous times, says it will open its doors within two weeks.

Where to Eat Near the Boston Opera House

BuzzEditor — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:03:00 GMT

Bina Osteria & Alimentari

Photo: Mike Ritter

The Lion King wraps up its run at the Boston Opera House this week. For those lucky enough to have scored tickets and who need a pre- or post-theater dinner nearby, check out the reviews below of spots located right in the Theater District.

Bina Osteria & Alimentari

571-581 Washington St. (Avery St.)

Phone: 617-956-0888

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
-	-	-	M

A frosted glass wall separates the duel concepts at this midpriced Italian in Downtown Crossing from the team behind Lala Rokh and Bin 26; one side is a full-service restaurant with mother-of-pearl–specked terrazzo floors, a bar and a communal table, and the other is an upscale gourmet food and wine shop (the alimentari), which serves breakfast fare, panini and homemade gelato for takeout.

Key to Zagat Ratings

Jer-Ne

Ritz-Carlton Boston Common | 10 Avery St. (Tremont St.)

Phone: 617-574-7176; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
20	22	20	$54

"Pretty laid-back" for the upscale Ritz-Carlton Boston Common, this stylish, loungey eatery – in which "modern art" hangs below "soaring ceilings" – is a place to go "if you want to sit quietly at a bar and enjoy" "great drinks and snacks" in the Theater District; as for the New American meals, though "elegant", they're too "uninspired" to command checks for which "you need to jer-ne for more money."

Key to Zagat Ratings

Kingston Station

25 Kingston St. (bet. Bedford & Summer Sts.)

Phone: 617-482-6282; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
20	18	19	$29

"Short money" gets Downtown Crossing lunch-goers and after-workers "solid" American fare, "inventive drinks" and "unpretentious wines" from a "focused list" ("love that it serves by the glass, half-carafe, full-carafe" or bottle) at this "laid-back" bistro; though the "cool" decor's tiled surfaces make a "noisy" first impression, the "personable" staff engenders the intended "cozy atmosphere."

Key to Zagat Ratings

Max & Dylans Kitchen & Bar

15 West St. (bet. Tremont & Washington Sts.)

Phone: 617-423-3600

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
-	-	-	M

Downtown Crossing welcomes this "awesome little place" (named after the owners' sons) serving upscale yet moderately priced American bar food in sleek environs that incorporate two bars – upstairs and down – TVs, hardwood floors and glowing faux votives on the tables; the Charlestown sibling is a similar neighborhood spot.

Key to Zagat Ratings

Teatro

177 Tremont St. (bet. Avery & West Sts.)

Phone: 617-542-6418; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
24	21	21	$44

A Theater District "hit", this renovated synagogue–***–"urban trattoria" presents a "scrumptious", "fresh approach to Italian food with a wonderfully light touch" (and "the price is right" too); "crowded tables", "a narrow room" and "unique arched" ceilings instigate "impossible noise levels" (it's "too loud to converse"), but if you "go after" curtain time, you may discover the more "comfortable setting" the "subdued" lighting and "courteous", "attentive" staff intended.

Key to Zagat Ratings

UNICEF's Tap Project Returns!

BuzzEditor — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:47:00 GMT

From March 12–27 (aka World Water Week), the UNICEF Tap Project is coming to a restaurant near you, offering diners a chance to give water to children in need while enjoying a nice meal. Here's how to get involved: during that time, donate $1 (or more) for the tap water you normally drink for free at hundreds of participating restaurants. By doing so, you'll be helping provide children around the world with safe, clean water. You can also donate online or by texting "TAP" to UNICEF (864233) to contribute $5. Before you head out, be sure to peruse our handy guide to participating restaurants, complete with ratings and reviews. To learn more about the Tap Project, click here.

Dining News Elsewhere: Gordo Owes, Chile's Wine Woes

BuzzEditor — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:38:00 GMT

– Gordon Ramsay, always in the news, is picking up the pieces of a bad year – and owing the taxman. [Guardian, DR]
– The Chilean wine industry continues to take stock. [WSJ]
– Oh, no! Gloucestershire's annual cheese rolling has been canceled due to health and safety fears. [Guardian, via EMD]

– The anti-HFCS campaign hits success with the return of sugar in products like ketchup and Gatorade. [Ad Age]
– It isn't just about making healthy foods cheaper – you have to make the junk more expensive. [NPR]
– NYC restaurants are turning their expansions toward DC. [WBJ]
– For love of shad roe. [WSJ]
– Bobby Flay heads to prime time. [Eater]
– Gross: 13,780 lbs. of spaghetti. [KTLA]
– How to annoy your server. [CNN]
– A McDonald's that doesn't serve food? [Jaunted]

Outtake of the Week

BuzzEditor — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:30:00 GMT

Horrible waitress, awesome nachos!

Zagat To Go, Now on Palm webOS

BuzzEditor — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:32:00 GMT

Zagat To Go for the Palm webOS

Zagat released its mobile application, Zagat To Go (ZTG), for the Palm webOS. Similar to ZTG for the iPhone, Android and BlackBerry, the webOS application works with the Palm Pre, Pixi and Pre Plus and includes the ability to use GPS to find nearby restaurants; sorting by food, decor, service and cost; instant reservations; and browsing top-rated lists. Zagat To Go is available through the webOS app catalog for $9.99.

Taste of the Back Bay 2010

BuzzEditor — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:31:00 GMT

On Thursday, April 8, the Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory will play host to the 15th annual "Taste of the Back Bay," featuring signature dishes and drinks from restaurants like Asana, Haru, L'Espalier and Via Matta. Organized by the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB), the event raises money for the Clarendon Street Playground Maintenance Fund (6:30–9:30 PM; $75 for members, $86 for nonmembers; purchase tickets here).

Dining News Elsewhere: Making a Food Celebrity, Whale Tasting

BuzzEditor — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:14:00 GMT

– Another week, another story on how to make a food celebrity. In this case, Katie Lee. [NYT]
– It isn't just tomatoes suffering – the cold in Florida means OJ prices are about to rise. [Reuters]
– The LA restaurant accused of serving whale meat admits to the charge. [LAT]

– Related: ever wonder what whale tastes like? [Slate]
– The next season of Top Chef will shoot in Washington, DC. [WP]
– Related: Bravo has another cooking show up its sleeve, Around the World in 80 Plates. [Bravo]
– Just like New York, Paris has fancy restaurants popping into its museums. [NYT]
– A Boston bar is selling the right to sit during Red Sox games. [Deadspin]
– Is the butcher backlash on? [Salon]
– Make a sandwich with Lady Gaga in her latest video. [GS: B]
– Breathable chocolate. Want a hit? [BH]
– Top Chef gets the porn treatment. [Eater]

Sweet Weekend Treats

BuzzEditor — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:39:00 GMT

Viennese dessert buffet at Bristol Lounge

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Do you suffer from weekend sugar addiction? Then stop reading, because these two oldie-but-goodie deals are certainly not going to help.

Every Friday and Saturday night, from 9 PM–midnight, the Bristol Lounge in the Four Seasons Boston offers its updated take on a classic old-fashioned sweet treat: the Viennese dessert buffet. For $24 per person, you can indulge in an outrageous assortment of cakes, cookies, crêpes, bread puddings and more (617-351-2053).

Or, on any Saturday afternoon until June 26, you can head to Café Fleuri in the Langham Hotel, where the Chocolate Bar is in full swing. The $38 per adult ($25 per child aged 5–12) all-you-can-eat buffet includes everything from chocolate pizza to fresh cider doughnuts. Seriously, check out the menu. Do make a reservation though, as this event can understandably get quite popular (seatings at 11, 11:30 AM, 1 and 1:30 PM; 617-451-1900; reserve online).

Gerard Butler Inspires OMG Press Release of the Week

BuzzEditor — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:29:00 GMT

Like most journalists, we get a lot of press releases here at Zagat Buzz. Every once in a while we get one that just, well, needs to be shared:

What do Gerard Butler and the Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City have in common? Big packages! And an undying love for one another. In fact, Butler and leading lady Jennifer Aniston filmed several scenes of their new comedy, The Bounty Hunter, at the Borgata and “got to know each other” off-camera while frequenting the hotel’s restaurants and hot spots.

Really, that's how the release started. Want more? The whole thing is after the jump.

What do Gerard Butler and the Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City have in common? Big packages! And an undying love for one another. In fact, Butler and leading lady Jennifer Aniston filmed several scenes of their new comedy, The Bounty Hunter, at the Borgata and “got to know each other” off-camera while frequenting the hotel’s restaurants and hot spots.

In celebration of the film’s release and the couple’s budding romance, The Borgata incorporates Butler and Aniston’s favorite accommodations, spa treatments and dining experiences into one bang-up package so guests can experience the hotel just as these A-listers did (paparazzi free!).

The ‘Follow the Bounty to Borgata’ Package is available from March 12 through April 10 and includes:

Accommodations in a spectacular Hideaway Suite at The Water Club at Borgata

Spa treatment from Immersion Spa’s Bounty-Inspired menu, including the Ultimate Oxygenating Facial by Intraceuticals (Jennifer Aniston is reportedly a fan) or a Men’s Deluxe Facial
$200 Food & Beverage Credit redeemable at any of Borgata’s fine restaurants, including Bobby Flay Steak or Seablue by Michael Mina where Jennifer Aniston and crew dined while filming
$100 Retail Credit for any Borgata boutique - perhaps to buy sunglasses for those staying incognito to escape their own bounty hunters?
VIP Entry and Complimentary Admission to MIXX and mur.mur nightclubs to glide pass the velvet rope like any A-lister
Complimentary use of the Fitness Center during stay to keep guests buff and toned Hollywood-style

Package price is $1,499/night and is available weekends only (Friday through Sunday) at The Water Club. For more information about packages at Borgata, visit www.theborgata.com or call 609.317.7555.