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October 2008 - Posts
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Very polite staff – when a guest fell asleep they served his food as if nothing had happened. Read More...
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Zenkichi's new winter garden photo: Courtesy of Zenkichi It’s not often that we get to write about a restaurant opening a garden in November, but then Zenkichi in Williamsburg never does things the usual way – what other eatery in New Read More...
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By Liz Borod Wright, ZAGAT.com senior web editor Marathon spectators get hungry, too. Here are 26 eateries along the 26.2-mile course. Courtesy of New York Road Runners The 39,000 runners who will compete in the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday get Read More...
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Happy Halloween from Bob Zagatie! photo: Andrea Joffe – This year, the Beaujolais comes with biker chefs. [ Grub Street ] – Some chefs are flat out teaming up with local farmers. [ USA Today ] – Revenue is up for Kraft and Kellog's Read More...
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A pizza at Joe & Pat's photo: Garth Johnston Staten Island has long had an image problem. Though Fresh Kills has been closed for years, the dump is still what most folks associate with this forgotten borough. But the times, they are a changin'. Read More...
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By Nina Zagat and Tim Zagat Many restaurants will weather a bad economy just fine. In the last few weeks, a lot of people have asked us how the current economic meltdown will affect America's restaurants. The short-term answer is that the crisis is Read More...
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Old Homestead , one of the oldest steakhouses in the city (it opened in 1868), is about to shake up its dining rooms. According to owner Marc Sherry, the restaurant is about to undergo a $2.2 million renovation which will be finished by January 1st, and Read More...
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photo: Luis Yax With Halloween falling on a Friday this year (and with warmer weather projected for tomorrow), debauchery all around town – especially near the Village's infamous parade – is pretty much guarranteed. If you're still Read More...
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– The oft-delayed restaurant 10 Downing Street, which we mentioned in our story on delayed and non-existent restaurants , is finally opening! At least for friends and family. [ Insatiable Critic ] – Neil Ferguson is out at Allen & Delancey Read More...
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Fiamma With the economy the way it is these days, even the more expensive spots are looking for ways to give diners a break. SoHo's extravagant Italian Fiamma , for instance, is enticing diners with that old-school Florida fallback, the early bird Read More...
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– NYC's Nello , a Madison Avenue spot popular among socialites, was seized by the IRS yesterday for owing over $1.5 million in back taxes. [ NYP ] – Why are more and more restaurants making you ask for salt? [ Between Meals ] – At Read More...
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Steak from A.J. Maxwell. Courtesy of A.J. Maxwell With the market going up and down faster than a yo-yo these days, ultra pricey business lunches may get more than a frown from your supervisor come expense-filing day. But there are lots of options that Read More...
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Todd English Todd English ( Olives ) just can't get enough of New York City. Though the celebrity chef just opened The Libertine on Gold Street in September, we have it on good authority that he is already sniffing around town for another restaurant. Read More...
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Almond photo: Ryan Charles Almond , an offshoot of the lively Bridgehampton eatery of the same name , is the latest dweller in a seemingly jinxed Flatiron space; retaining the summer cottage vibe – and pool table – of its most recent predecessor, Read More...
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BarBao Evan W. Miller Michael ‘Bao’ Huynh ( Bún ) ventures to the UWS with BarBao, the new arrival in the former Rain space, where he offers his signature – and, in this case, pricey – innovative Vietnamese cuisine in both Read More...
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As we previously reported , Park Slope's short-lived Lookout Hill Smokehouse has made way for Playa and Cabana Bar. But now we have an opening date for Playa – it's set to open three weeks with a South American menu that focuses on seafood Read More...
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TKO Bat Cookies Courtesy of Bouchon Bakery Halloween may be a few days away, but if grocery aisle treats no longer intrigue, Thomas Keller has created some sweet options that are worth checking out. His Bouchon Bakery has started offering special items Read More...
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– The international credit crisis is affecting the whole food chain. [ Washington Post ] – So some scientists are trying to push farming potatoes over grains. [ NYT ] – At least European mushrooms are having a bumper crop this year. Read More...
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Madam Geneva photo: Ryan Charles Adjacent to the restaurant Double Crown , the new Bowery bar/lounge Madam Geneva is a cool, sexy nexus from the AvroKO design team, decorated in a vaguely British Raj style; the simple drinks list offers some interesting Read More...
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Can't wait to eat your Halloween candy? Get a head start on your chocolate intake at Greenwich Village's Las Ramblas . Starting on Monday, October 27th, and lasting through Friday, October 31st, this little tapas joint will offer chocolate-and-wine Read More...
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– Friend of the Buzz Dr. Brian Wansink and the USDA are releasing a new food pyramid for preschoolers. [ Chicago Tribune ] – If you vote on November 4th (and you should!) then Ben & Jerry's would like to offer you a free scoop of ice Read More...
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The UWS Shake Shack photo: Justin Hartung After months of waiting , the city's food bloggers rejoiced across the Internet this week when Danny Meyer's beloved Madison Square Park burger joint, Shake Shack , opened a second outpost on the Upper Read More...
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Time was when Lincoln Center seemed caught in a time warp. True, the neighborhood did contain some classic, even beloved, NYC eateries – but therein lay the rub: nothing much new in the way of dining or drinking ever seemed to be happening around Read More...
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– Cereal makers are reducing the amount of sugar in their products by jacking up the salt. [ WSJ ] – More reports of a rough restaurant scene out there. [ NYT ] – A judge awarded a group of 36 New York deliverymen $4.6 million in back Read More...
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In these turbulent economic times, a trip to Paris is out of the question for most of us. Even going out for dinner at a French restaurant can feel like an unwarranted splurge. But some French bistros offer prix fixe dinner deals that are such great bargains Read More...
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Braeburn Photo: Ryan Charles Chef Brian Bistrong (ex The Harrison ) strikes out on his own with Braeburn , a seasonal New American arrival set on a quiet West Village corner; its wood-heavy decor (floors, tables, chairs) and a large painting of the Bistrong Read More...
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Tom Colicchio Top Chef star/toque extraordinaire Tom Colicchio will cook for you in person at Tom: Tuesday Dinner , a bimonthly dinner (on alternate Tuesdays) featuring impromptu New American tasting menus crafted from seasonal, artisanal items straight Read More...
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Only open since May, Park Slope barbecue's Lookout Hill Smokehouse has burned out. In its place comes Playa Cabana Bar, which already seems to be moving into its new home. No word yet on an opening date. Read More...
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– Applebee's/IHOP is in the midst of some tricky times. [ NYP ] – Restaurant PR flacks are turning economic lemons into lemonade. [ Diner's Journal ] – Uh oh. Alaskan pollock are swimming in Russian waters! [ LAT ] – The Read More...
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In 1979 Tim and Nina Zagat compiled their friends' opinions on New York restaurants into a single-sheet mimeographed guide. Thirty years later, Zagat Survey publishes more than 50 books covering everything from dining to movies to golf courses. And Read More...
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Restaurants love to celebrate their birthdays – not surprising considering how rough a business it can be. Some celebrate with drastic price roll-backs (especially when they are turning 100 or so ), some celebrate by roasting a whole cow on the Read More...
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– The fish you are eat might very well be mislabeled. [ Chow ] – Those who don't get enough gratification from their food often overcompensate by overeating. [ AP ] – Maybe having Gordon Ramsay and his Kitchen Nightmares crew film Read More...
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Vegetarians, look away! While at this point New Yorkers have gotten used to the idea of a restaurant roasting a whole pig in the street to celebrate an event, are we ready for a whole cow? On Saturday and Sunday, October 25th–26th, the East Village's Read More...
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Butter's Alex Guarnaschelli (right) Photo: Michael Tulipan Last night the Buzz attended At the Table , a fund-raiser thrown by Women Chefs & Restaurateurs in support of the education and advancement of women in culinary fields. In her opening Read More...
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For the second year running , the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) is holding its Taste of Fall junior benefit (for guests ages 21–35) to support its scholarship fund. C-CAP, an organization that Zagat sponsors, is a non-profit that Read More...
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– As we've noted , restaurants are adding hours to boost their bottom lines. [ NYT ] – Food stamp usage is on the rise. [ AFP ] – Bad news for soda companies like Pepsi: Tap water is popular again. [ NYT ] – With a world-wide Read More...
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photo: korafotomorgana New York is quickly becoming a beer-lovers paradise. Last month brough the epic Craft Beer Festival , and on Saturday, October 25th, you'll get a chance to sample more boutique beers at Counter 's second annual Organic Beer Read More...
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Diners order via touch-screens at Philippe Chow Express . photo: Courtesy of Philippe Chow Express Following the example of the ATM machine and the self-serve gas pump, restaurateurs around the world have increasingly been incorporating automated components Read More...
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David Bouley’s initial step in rearranging his culinary empire is Secession , a new TriBeCan that offers a wide-ranging menu of simply executed French-Italian classics, running the gamut from terrines to risottos (not to mention the chef’s Read More...
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Yesterday, a hungry crowd showed up to listen to a discussion of food criticism in the age of blogging at the NYC Wine and Food Festival. Our very own Nina Zagat moderated a lively exchange between New York Magazine's Insatiable Food critic Gael Greene Read More...
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– The discussion of gender roles in restaurants continues with many thoughts on the single female diner. [ Diner's Journal ] – On the job with a Chicago health inspector. [ Chicago Tribune ] – A Lebanese group is suing Israel over Read More...
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The music's so loud it's like they're asking you to leave. Read More...
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We recently heard about an event in Boston that left us wondering. UpStairs on the Square , a popular restaurant in Cambridge, is hosting a dinner with vegan wine pairings . What is vegan wine? Being made from grapes, wine seems like it would be an acceptable Read More...
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With so much ink and television time devoted to food and restaurants these days, who do you trust? While we're partial to the wisdom of the crowds, there is obviously much to be said for the opinions of institutional restaurant critics and food bloggers. Read More...
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photo: Christina Livadiotis Unless you don't eat meat, it's hard not to love the hamburger. A perfectly made combination of tender ground beef and just-right bun is one of life's great pleasures – especially when paired with crisp french Read More...
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– Before the election, a long look at the future of food policy. [ NYT Magazine ] – In Boston, restaurateurs are teaming up to cut costs. [ Boston Herald ] – There are more varieties of cacao than previously thought. [ Serious Eats ] Read More...
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Inside Park at St. Bart's photo:Evan W. Miller Formerly the alfresco Cafe St. Bart's, this Midtowner has changed its name to Inside Park at St. Bart's and expanded into St. Bartholomew’s historic Great Hall, where chef Matthew Weingarten Read More...
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As the markets continue to fluctuate wildly around the world, a person could be excused for really wanting a drink. But just because you're tippling doesn't mean you can't be helping out a good cause too. So it's nice to see that West Read More...
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More than 20 chefs and sommeliers are teaming up for At the Table, a night of tastings and fund-raising for the Women Chefs & Restaurateurs organization, which supports the education, advancement and connection of women in culinary fields. Happening Read More...
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The 2nd Ave. Deli is one of many Kosher restaurants in New York. photo: Ryan Charles With the Jewish high holidays in full swing – Yom Kippur , the Day of Atonement, begins at sundown – it seems as good a time as any to talk Kosher. So if Read More...
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– Gender still matters when dining out. [ NYT ] – Starbucks is reportedly wasting water around the world. [ The Sun ] – Country of origin label laws have lots of loopholes. [ NYT ] – Diners are moving from luxe lunches to cheaper Read More...
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The release of our 2009 New York City Restaurants guide brings with it the results of our Wittiest Surveyor Contest. While combing through comments from the 38,128 diners who participated, Zagat editors selected contenders for the funniest quote as well Read More...
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Fulton Photo: Evan W. Miller The owners of the gourmet supermarket mini-chain Citarella have opened Fulton , a seafood-focused New American eatery around the corner from their original Upper East Side store; the warmly lit setting of exposed brick and Read More...
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We’re always flattered when satirists find inspiration in our concise, quote-filled style – it’s even been translated into spoof reviews of life itself . And now it’s turned up in an analysis of last week's Biden-Palin debate. Read More...
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Per Se Photo: Courtesy of Per Se Despite these tough economic times, the über-pricey Per Se came in first for Top Food in the just-released 2009 New York City Restaurants guide, followed by Le Bernardin , Daniel (last year’s victor), Jean Georges Read More...
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Tim and Nina Zagat If you've ever wanted to hear the story behind Zagat Survey from the Zagats themselves, then head down to Columbus Circle tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. Tim and Nina Zagat, who put out the first Zagat Survey 30 years ago, will be signing Read More...
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Café Select Photo: Ryan Charles Modern Swiss fare paired with Alpine wines arrives in SoHo at Café Select , a reasonably priced newcomer serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; boho chic design – an artfully distressed paint job, posters Read More...
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After chef David Burke and restaurateur Donatella Arpaia split up last August, it seemed likely that the restaurant that shared the duo's names, davidburke & donatella , was probably not much longer for this world (at least by that name). So it Read More...
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– A rough economy means a return of that old staple: the food club. [ Chicago Tribune ] – China's tainted milk scandal continues to cause trouble. [ Washington Post ] – Burger Kings nationwide are going trans fat free. [ Marketwatch Read More...
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Daniel's recently renovated dining room Photo: Eric Laignel What do you think of Daniel's renovation? Let us know on the Zagat Discussion boards! The leaves may just be beginning to turns colors, but Daniel has already changed its look for fall. Read More...
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Rendering of Terrazza Toscana Restaurant renderings aren’t usually publicly displayed, because the finished product often ends up looking worlds apart from the planned design. Apparently, Terrazza Toscana, coming to Hell’s Kitchen, has no Read More...
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Kobe Club now offers a prix fixe dinner. Photo: Noah Kalina With the economy in question, restaurants are looking to prix fixe meals to entice diners along with added breakfast, brunch and lunch service . Most recently getting into the act are the Midtown Read More...
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Steven Kaplan in France, where he investigated collective bread poisoning for his latest book Photo: courtesy of Steven Kaplan Good bread can be hard to find. At least it is if you've got the lofty standards of leading bread historian Steven Laurence Read More...
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– Tom Colicchio is coming back into the kitchen. But only on Tuesdays. [ Diner's Journal ] – Marco Pierre White thinks it is a great time to invest in a restaurant. [ LAT ] – Paul Newman 's legacy in the world of organic food Read More...
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