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August 2009 - Posts
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The new A Voce opens September 9. Either the restaurant industry is in severe denial, or that recession thing hasn’t hurt as much as predicted, because this fall New York is witnessing an avalanche of openings. We’re all for the idea that Read More...
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This weekend saw two high-profile closings: It's the end of an era: the Times reports that the 92-year-old Upper West Side classic Café des Artistes has closed its doors for good. Owners George and Jenifer Lang had shut down the restaurant Read More...
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– After decades of deep-dish dominance, thin crust is encroaching on Chicago. [ MSNBC ] – The Tavern on the Green name might cost $19 million. Plus, talking with the restaurant's new operator. [ NYP , Grub Street ] – French toque Read More...
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Mari Vanna Photo: courtesy of the restaurant Urban shabby-chic meets your Russian grandmother’s apartment at Mari Vanna , a transporting Flatironer where the artfully peeled wallpaper, crocheted place mats and delicate china plates shine underneath Read More...
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Right on the heels of Planet Thailand 's unexpected closing in Williamsburg, nearby health-food newcomer Green Canteen has already tossed in the towel after just a few months. Read More...
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Tavern on the Green Photo: courtesy of the restaurant Via press release (and as reported on Eater ), the City's Parks & Recreation Department has announced that the LeRoy family has lost its lease on Central Park tourist mecca Tavern on the Green Read More...
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French chefs team up with the likes of David Chang and Wylie Dufresne on September 25–26, when Le Fooding-New York comes to P.S.1. The toques will be whipping up a slew of food and drinks, with plenty of music and multimedia art to keep you entertained. Read More...
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With summer's end quickly approaching, it's time to enjoy the fruits of the harvest. And where better to do so than in a farm right in the middle of our metropolis? On September 10 the Queens County Farm Museum hosts its Harvest Dinner with toques Read More...
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– American farms are starting to feel the downturn and are expected to see profits fall 38% this year. [ WSJ ] – You don't see missing children on milk cartons anymore. [ NYT ] – With water sales down, enter coconut water. [ WSJ Read More...
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It may look like some kind of underwater sea creature, but the side that accompanies Paul Liebrandt’s duck leg in his “Flavors of Summer” dish at Corton is actually a “corn sponge.” Liebrandt wanted to pair his duck leg with Read More...
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Otto Photo: Noah Kalina <h3> Taste Saturday, August 29: Campfire Cooking Challenge in Central Park. Join chefs Tim Love (of The Love Shack and Lonesome Dove in Fort Worth), Melissa Perello (Frances, San Francisco) and Chris Santos ( Stanton Social Read More...
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Casa La Femme Photo: Hernan F. Rodriguez The grass is greener on the other side of the bar. At least at Casa La Femme it is. Who would have thought that the Village’s most pastoral spot would be an Egyptian restaurant where the barroom floor is Read More...
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La Cense Beef Burger Truck Photo: courtesy of the truck Food trucks are becoming as common a city sight as taxi cabs these days. And thanks to the Internet, they aren't that hard to find. With so many offerings, those who like to eat and run can put Read More...
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Having lost its lease, Williamsburg's Planet Thailand closed on Sunday after 10 years on N. Seventh Street. The owners hope to reopen somewhere in Brooklyn before Christmas, and sister restaurant Planetthailand 212 in the Flatiron remains open. Read More...
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Daniel Photo: Eric Laignel Rajeev Vaidya, Daniel ’s newly hired sommelier, mined the depths of the restaurant’s wine cellar and emerged with some interesting finds. “I unearthed some incredible rarities in the cellar… it was like Read More...
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Chipotle's iPhone app Photo: courtesy of Chipotle It's easy to bash restaurant chains when they make a blunder, but what about the rare instance when they get things right? This just-released free Chipotle iPhone app seems pretty handy, providing Read More...
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– Beer prices are set to rise. [ WSJ ] – In fact, it looks like grocery prices are set to rise as well. [ NYT ] – Gizmodo goes food-friendly for a week to fun results. [ Gizmodo ] – Kraft and others are very proud to be HFCS-free. Read More...
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Labor Day. The symbolic end of summer, the last three-day weekend before school starts and a perfect opportunity for a leisurely alfresco brunch. So where to go? To help you decide, we've contacted some of our Top Brunch spots to see who will be open Read More...
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Kurt Gutenbrunner A former Village furniture shop has been transformed – except for its name and sign – into Upholstery Store , a new wine bar whose global vino list has a pronounced Austrian accent, thanks to its owner, top toque Kurt Gutenbrunner Read More...
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Standard Grill Photo: courtesy of the restaurant Aldea isn't the only newcomer ramping up lunch plans . Starting today, the Standard Grill serves lunch from 11:30 AM–4 PM. Now the hotel’s hangers-on no longer have to wait until evening Read More...
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Sue Torres Photo: courtesy of Sueños Mention the “ Zagat House Special ” when reserving at "Sueños between now until September 1 to enjoy chef Sue Torres ’ special four-course, $45 menu, focusing on the cuisine of Read More...
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Nios Photo: Evan W. Miller There’s definitely a competitive feeling in the air today. This afternoon at the Fairway headquarters, New York’s bravest will be taking a break from putting out fires to turn up the grill at the “Fairway Firefighters Read More...
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More details just came in on the next Danny Meyer project, Maialino. Without further ado, here's what Union Square Hospitality Group has to say about the project: "Danny and the Union Square Hospitality Group team are gearing up for the November Read More...
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Frank Bruni Photo: Soo-Jeong Kang In the foodie circles of New York City, Frank Bruni needs no introduction: up until last week, he was The New York Times ’ restaurant critic. Upon the occasion of the release of his memoir, Born Round: The Secret Read More...
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Back in April, Park Slope's troubled Delicious on the Slope served its last meal. A new Mexican restaurant called Jalapeño is scheduled to take its place in a couple of weeks (641 President St.). Also, spVino looks like it's finally ready Read More...
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– New Orleans now has more restaurants open than before Katrina. [ NRN ] – 48 years later, Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking is topping the best-seller list. [ NYT ] – The E.U. considers a bluefin tuna ban. [ FT ] Read More...
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The Jersey Giant is a part of Savoy's "Chicken Revolution." Photo: Ali Shav Restaurateur Peter Hoffman was one of NYC’s original locavore champions when he opened SoHo’s Savoy in 1990. Known for painstakingly sourcing farm-fresh Read More...
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Anyone planning on eating at Docks Oyster Bar tonight will have to do their slurpin' elsewhere: the restaurant will be closed all night for the shooting of a Drew Barrymore film called Going the Distance. Read More...
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The Four Seasons Hotel 's replacement for the shuttered 57 restaurant is almost here. The Garden at the Four Seasons soft opens Wednesday, September 2. Featuring more than 150 wines by the glass picked by sommelier Lacey Rozinsky (ex Le Bernardin Read More...
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Aldea Photo: Evan W. Miller Last night at MADCrush we spoke to chef George Mendes of Aldea , who revealed that the Flatiron newcomer will be starting lunch service September 8. Details are still being worked out, but Mendes told us diners can expect something Read More...
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– Food television is as hot as ever. Just ask the Food Network. [ Bloomberg ] – Is the sugar shortage real? [ Atlantic Food ] – Bruni, Bruni everywhere. [ NYer , TONY , Daily Beast , Grub Street , SE , Nightline , Metromix and more ] Read More...
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MADCrush The Museum of Arts and Design 's weekly "MADCrush" wine bar happens tonight, with Aldea 's George Mendes responsible for the food. The Buzz stopped by last week, when chef Scott Conant of Scarpetta was in the kitchen, and we Read More...
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Eleven Madison Park Photo: Noah Kalina September is California Wine Month, so Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group is celebrating with three wine dinners. On Tuesday, September 15, The Modern , Eleven Madison Park and Tabla each host a multicourse Read More...
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Barbounia Photo: courtesy of the restaurant Taste Friday August 21–Sunday August 23: Through August 30, Flatiron’s Barbounia treats customers to a special $35 three-course tomato-themed menu. Featured dishes include zebra tomato with seared Read More...
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Trattoria Cinque Photo: courtesy of the restaurant The city’s restaurant scene seems to have shaken the summertime blues with a slew of new spots this week, starting with Trattoria Cinque (363 Greenwich St., 212-965-0555), which opens its doors Read More...
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Gus & Gabriels' Creamsicle Float Photo: courtesy of the restaurant With the weather outside blazin' hot, it somehow seems appropriate that today is the anniversary of the invention of that most frosty beverage, the root beer float. Legend Read More...
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Fans of TV cooking get a double shot of appointment viewing on Bravo tonight. First at 9 PM (8 Central) is the premiere of the Las Vegas season of Top Chef , which offers a whole new set of cheftestants to watch get burned by Tom, Padma, Gail and Toby. Read More...
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To a part of Park Slope light on dining options comes Provini, a corner cafe from the owner of the popular local hangouts Bar Toto and Bar Tano; its tiny, tin-ceilinged, bistrolike digs are lined in mirrors and dominated by a full dark-wood bar, and the Read More...
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– Bruni looks back on the guests he took to dinner. [ NYT ] – Related: how a food critic keeps off the pounds. [ Men's Health ] – Hong Kong looks to tea. [ Bloomberg ] – Behind the Fiji Water curtain. [ Mother Jones , via Accidental Read More...
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Four Seasons Photo: Noah Kalina Looking to train the little ones in the art of the power lunch? On Friday, August 21, as part of "Children's Day," business lunch mecca The Four Seasons is hosting an "Almost Grown Up" luncheon and Read More...
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Dig into a $30 prix fixe at Rugosa. Photo: courtesy of the restaurant When you think of Hamptons dining, visions of overpriced lobster salad and long waits for tables (if your name isn’t Steven Spielberg or Martha Stewart) come to mind. Bargain Read More...
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Writer David Mas Masumoto moderates a panel on “Harvesting Legacies from the Land” as part of the Greenmarket’s “Educated Eater” series tonight at the 92nd Street Y Tribeca. Masumoto, author of Wisdom of the Last Farmer and Read More...
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The date has been set for the opening of the long-awaited second outpost of A Voce , which opens its doors in the former Cafe Gray space in the Time Warner Center on September 16. Read More...
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Bondi Road Photo: courtesy of the restaurant Leave it to the Aussies to carry the weekend into the week. Brunch is now available weekdays at Bondi Road , where for $18, diners can enjoy grub like "Barrier Reef" Benedict or buttermilk banana Read More...
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ZPizza is coming to Bleecker Street. Photo: Hernan F. Rodriguez A plethora of pizzerias are poised for Downtown openings within the next month. California chain Zpizza will offer organic pies at 298 Bleecker Street in one of the former Burritoville spaces. Read More...
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New Midtown West option Meze Grill opened up on Friday, touting "authentic Mediterranean food meets modern flavor." The aspiring chain offers customizable sandwiches, rice platters and salad with chicken, steak and falafel fillings, along with Read More...
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– Restaurants turn to coupons... [ NRN ] – Along with myriad other options. [ MarketWatch ] – Fruit giant Dole has filed for an IPO. [ Reuters ] – Planning meals for... Mars? [ LAT ] – Move over, anorexia: orthorexia nervosa Read More...
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It's hard to describe the service, as we saw so little of it. Read More...
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Oceana Photo: Hernan F. Rodriguez The relocated Oceana (1221 Sixth Ave.; 212-759-5941) kicks off its lunch-only soft opening on Monday, August 17, but Zagat Buzz got an early peek at its new space inside the McGraw-Hill building. Decked out in white marble Read More...
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Industria Argentina's unlimited-meat brunch. Photo: courtesy of Industria Argentina Nothing cures a hangover like an Argentinean brunch of unlimited skirt steak, chorizo, blood sausage, short ribs, french fries and green salad. And starting this weekend Read More...
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Center Cut will soon be Ed's Chowder House. photo: Evan W. Miller The Chod is at it again: Replacing the short-lived Center Cut in the Empire Hotel will be Ed's Chowder House, a “comfort seafood” collaboration between Jeffrey Chodorow Read More...
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– Large agra firms are worried about the financial impact of climate-change legislation. [ WSJ ] – Ever wonder where Bernie Madoff liked to eat? [ Eater ] – Sugar prices are caught in a "perfect storm" and may climb another Read More...
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Spina has launched brunch. Photo: courtesy of the restaurant Taste Saturday, August 15–Sunday, August 16: East Village newcomer Spina is now open for brunch. Enjoy dishes like sunny-side up eggs with mozzarella and speck ($12) with wine cocktails Read More...
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ZAGAT.com has just gotten a whole lot more Facebook -friendly. Facebook Connect allows members of the social site to register for a Zagat account in one simple step. Already registered with us? Merge your Zagat and Facebook accounts, and the reviews you Read More...
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Goose Island brewmaster Greg Hall Photo: courtesy of the brewery Before he became Goose Island Beer Company ’s award-winning brewmaster, Greg Hall toured breweries around the world to hone his beer knowledge. We chatted with Hall about the ascendance Read More...
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Bill Clinton teamed up with the Zagats to release the new Spotlight on Harlem guide. This morning, former President Bill Clinton joined our own Nina and TIm Zagat to unveil the first-ever Zagat Spotlight on Harlem guide, produced in partnership with the Read More...
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Chef Cesar Ramirez prepares an intimate dinner at Brooklyn Fare. Photo: courtesy of the restaurant Go behind the scenes at the gourmet market Brooklyn Fare on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights when in-house chef Cesar Ramirez (ex Bouley , Bar Blanc Read More...
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Midtown finhouse Oceana is coming back into the water this fall. The restaurant is aiming to reopen for lunch on August 17 with dinner service to follow shortly (55 E. 54th St.; 212-759-5941). Read More...
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– Labor disputes at the Bel-Air and Disneyland. [ LAT ] – Five Italian wineries are being accused of making fraudulent brunellos. [ NYT ] – Julia Child's book sales are soaring. [ Crain's ] – Even Martha Stewart's tomatoes Read More...
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Restaurateur Gabe Stulman (ex Little Owl , Market Table ) does it again with Joseph Leonard, a bite-size Villager centered around a zinc bar and sporting a homey-but-hip look featuring lots of antiques and old portraits (including those of the place’s Read More...
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The Village outpost of Pan-Asian Aja at 432 Sixth Ave. has shut its doors. It will be replaced at the end of the month with a fourth branch of another Pan-Asian, Amber . Read More...
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Ribstock at Virgil's Photo: courtesy of the restaurant Celebrate Ribstock tomorrow at Virgil’s Real Barbecue , where in addition to live music by the French Cookin’ Blues Band and Ellen Foley and the Dirty Old Men, free love, in the form Read More...
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Our unique Zagat nru phone application – which acts like a radar to find the nearest restaurants, nightspots and shops in over 75 cities around the world – has been nominated for an Android Network Award (it's up for Best Location-Based Read More...
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Scuderia Photo: courtesy of the restaurant Villagers have a new alternative for pasta pangs when feeling particularly lazy – Scuderia (212-206-9111) now delivers. The serviceable swath goes from Spring Street to 10th Street, Hudson to West Broadway. Read More...
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Hot dogs seem to be man's best friend this summer, with a slew of spots unleashing their signature breeds (see our recent round-up ). Add this one to the litter: Bark Hot Dogs, opening Wednesday in Park Slope and serving 10 varieties of local, sustainable Read More...
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– Forget box wine: how about wine in a plastic bottle? [ LAT ] – Sugar prices are up 40%. [ Bloomberg ] – Dan Barber talks tomato blight. [ NYT ] – How to start your own NYC food truck. [ Grub Street ] – DIY butchering is Read More...
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The owner said the lamb was from New Zealand. Must've walked. Read More...
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Marfa Photo: Evan W. Miller Creative types don’t have to go hungry now that Marfa offers three days worth of “Starving Artist” specials. On Sunday nights the East Village Southwestern offers $4 tequila shots and “Big Bend” Read More...
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How to eat a crayfish. Photo: courtesy of Aquavit Craving crayfish? Then head to Aquavit starting August 10 to take advantage of its annual two-week crayfish festival. Lunch and dinner deals include one pound of the tiny crustaceans, plus a special smorgasbord Read More...
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Highbar photo: Ryan Charles Labor Day is less than a month away, so it’s time to get as much use of your “summer whites" as possible. Rooftop watering hole Highbar will help. Today all patrons donning white receive a complimentary glass Read More...
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– Let the Scots keep their haggis. [ NYT ] – The changing definition of a "food snob." [ NYDN ] – Seeing a slip in sales, Whole Foods pushes for healthier eating. [ WSJ ] – Related: the Whole Foods in London's Kensington Read More...
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By Nina and Tim Zagat Tim and Nina Zagat share their thoughts on the film . So just how good is Meryl Streep as Julia Child in Julie & Julia, the Nora Ephron film that's had the food world salivating for months? Last Thursday we attended the movie's Read More...
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Sora Lella Photo: Ryan Charles Taste Saturday, August 8–Sunday, August 9: August celebrates British beer and pub grub with special dishes such as bangers & mash ($9), fish 'n' chips ($26) and lamb shoulder pie ($24). Six imported brews Read More...
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Counter Photo: courtesy of the restaurant Seven-year-old East Village vegetarian Counter debuted its revamped menu this week. Now green eaters can look forward to local, sustainable and organic additions such as grilled portobello sliders ($7), edamame Read More...
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You never know who you’ll meet at Bottlerocket Wine & Spirit ’s singles series, occurring every Thursday night in August. Tonight, salsa lessons and a rum tasting encourage mingling. During subsequent weeks, expect Nerf gun target practice Read More...
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Matsuri's duck breast with watercress sauce Photo: Courtesy of the restaurant Matsuri in the Maritime Hotel has launched an affordable “sakana” menu designed to pair with sake. Dishes on the menu include roasted duck breast with watercress Read More...
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As we previously mentioned , Joseph Leonard, the solo debut of Gabriel Stulman (after leaving Little Owl and Market Table ), bursts onto the West Village scene tonight. The small New American, which currently does not take reservations, features food Read More...
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Michael Psilakis Photo: courtesy of Gus & Gabriel Michael Psilakis says he looks at being extremely busy as a positive thing. Good thing because in addition to overseeing four restaurants – Mia Dona , Kefi , Anthos and his latest, Gus & Read More...
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Umi Nom Photo: Evan W. Miller The Lower Eastsider Kuma Inn (‘to eat’) gets a like-minded Clinton Hill outpost called Umi Nom (‘to drink’), a narrow, modern arrival situated on an otherwise restaurant-free block; its Filipino small-plates Read More...
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– Detroit is close to becoming a fresh food desert. [ Guernica ] – The price of sugar is soaring, and many Indian farmers are hurting for it. [ NYT ] – Inside the booming Cook's Illustrated empire. [ Boston Globe ] – Is Walmart Read More...
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A Voce may not be continuing its Restaurant Week discount , but it is offering a different lunch deal, three courses for $29, with a menu that changes every two weeks to focus on a different Italian region. Sicily begins today, followed by Sardinia, Tuscany Read More...
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Crema's "cold" taco Photo: courtesy of the restaurant While August may not be the cruelest month, it certainly is the hottest here in NYC. That’s why Chelsea Mexican Crema is rolling out its “cold prix fixe” tasting menu Read More...
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Skeaks to go from Smith & Wollensky Photo: courtesy of the restaurant Thanks to two Midtown restaurants, a trip to the supermarket or butcher isn’t necessary for summertime grillables. Smith & Wollensky ’s “Steaks to Go” Read More...
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Path Café is coming to the West Village. Photo: Kathleen Squires With all of the vacant restaurant spaces in the West Village lately , it’s heartening to see some openings looming. We reported last week that Gabriel Stulman’s Joseph Read More...
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Double Crown's daikon fries Photo: courtesy of the restaurant Who says you need a potato to make a good fry? Not Brad Farmerie of Double Crown , whose “lap cheong” (dried sausage) daikon fries ($6) come with a side of chili sambal mayonnaise Read More...
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Meryl Streep in Julie & Julia Photo: copyright Columbia Pictures The stars were out last week for the red-carpet premiere of Julie & Julia , opening this Friday, August 7. Zagat Buzz was also there , and we scored some tasty quips from the likes Read More...
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Didn't make it to any Restaurant Week meals this go-round? Never fear. A hefty 210 of this year's participants have extended their deals through Labor Day. And even though some big names have dropped out, the deals haven't necessarily disappeared Read More...
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– The House voted to give the FDA more authority to prevent food-borne illnesses. [ WSJ , WP ] – Trying to fix the Australian wine industry. [ WSJ ] – So organic food isn't more nutritious than normal food. And? [ The Atlantic ] Read More...
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