Video of the Day: Nancy Silverton's Favorite Eats Around LA 0 comments

By Lesley Balla

Nancy Silverton, born and bred in LA, has become synonymous with the food scene here, from her start at Michael's to La Brea Bakery and Campanile, and the Mozza compound on the corner of Highland and Melrose. She shares some of her favorite places to eat in this Re:Find video - Jitlada (we love the way she pronounces it, Jit-La-DA) and Night + Market for the spicy dishes, Armenian mezze, chicken from Pollo A La Brasa, and her new find, Venice Beach Wines on Rose Avenue. She also waxes poetic on what makes LA so great, adds a little insight as to why she opened the Osteria (two words: cheese bar). Check out the full video here.

Help The Park's Finest BBQ Grow in Echo Park 0 comments

By Lesley Balla

Kickstarter and Indiegoogo are fast becoming tools for restaurateurs, budding or otherwise, to fund new and existing projects. Locally, Echo Park's Elf Cafe asked for help last year, and Red Bread has a campaign going now to open its brick-and-mortar bakery and cafe. Today we caught wind of The Park's Finest BBQ, which is looking for $20,000 to hire a slew of new team members and get the Echo Park spot ready for its inevitable onslaught after its Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives appearance in July. Heck, it worked the first time: they raised $20,000 to open the doors in the first place.

Live Blog and Video: Zagat's 30 Under 30 NYC 2013 0 comments

By Kelly Dobkin

Tonight we're coming to you live from The Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where we've gathered for a bash to celebrate the latest crop of 30 under 30 honorees. These young up-and-comers have made a huge impact on the Big Apple scene, and tonight they're scheduled to make an even bigger dent in the restaurant's booze supply. Stay tuned for live updates here, and tune in at 7:00 PM EST for our live streaming video from the event.

Photo of the Day: The Great Food Truck Race in Chicago 0 comments

By Sarah Freeman

Although, Chicago still is yet to have a truck featured on the Food Network's show “The Great Food Truck Race” with Tyler Florence (same goes for The Cooking Channel’s “Eat St.”), the city will make a guest appearance in its third season. On Sunday, one of the contestants, Tinka Tinka Taco, stopped at Fischman Liquors for a taping of an episode. Mayor Rahm Emanuel will also make a guest appearance on the episode to prove that the City of Chicago is totally against the food truck movement. Or as Rahm said, “We remain committed to creating the conditions and opportunities that will allow this industry to thrive, create jobs and support a vibrant food culture across Chicago.” Sure.

Texas Changes Beer Laws; Austin Craft Breweries Rejoice 0 comments

By Megan Giller

Now that Governor Perry has signed the Texas Craft Beer Bills into law, all of our city’s wonderful microbreweries can sell beer on premises, as well as to wholesalers and beer distributors. Jester King, for example, will begin offering its tours for free and selling beer in its tasting room on Saturday, June 29th, from 1 to 4 PM. The brewery will change its license to be a brewpub, which will allow them to sell beer to go. Meanwhile Uncle Billy’s Brew and Que plans to expand to sell 16 oz. cans of craft beer to specialty stores and kegs to other bars in Austin. We’re sure more other exciting news is in the works for small-batch breweries like Hops and Grain, Live Oak and more.

Gelateria Naia's All-You-Can-Eat Happy Hour Supports SF Food Bank 0 comments

Photo via Flickr/inju

By Tamara Palmer

If you've ever dreamed of devouring as much gelato as you can possibly handle, Gelateria Naia in North Beach will indulge your fantasy tonight (June 17) with an all-you-can eat happy four from 7-10 PM. It might be smart to come hungry but not with a totally empty stomach as special alcoholic flavors made from local ingredients (beer, whiskey, Fernet) are on the menu. All of the proceeds from the tickets ($10) benefit the San Francisco Food Bank.

5 Best Indian Restaurants in the Philadelphia Region 0 comments

With the recent openings of Indeblue in Midtown Village and Tiffin Bistro on South 11th Street, Philadelphia is finally getting a decent variety of Indian options. Up to now, choices for the Southeast Asian cuisine have been relatively few - three out of the five best Indian restaurants in our area (as voted by you in our Survey) are in the suburbs! Click through to find out which two city spots made the list, as well as which Indian dining rooms are worth the trip.

Quote of the Day: Kelly Liken on What She Looks for in a Chef 0 comments

"Passion, #1. 100% passion, desire, hard work. I can teach you to chop something perfectly or to sauté perfectly, but I can’t teach you the passion, I can’t teach you the work ethic."

-Vail chef Kelly Liken on what she looks for when hiring a chef. [Food GPS]

14 Hottest Rooftop Restaurants and Bars Around LA 0 comments

See the sun set from Suite 700

By Lesley Balla

What goes best with a cool beverage and happy-hour snacks? An unobstructed view of the Downtown skyline, ocean or Hollywood sign. Fantastic rooftop bars and restaurants pepper the landscape around LA, from the beach to the Financial District skyscrapers. Here are 14 we think are tops. Check out our slide show of where and when to go, and let us know if we missed your favorite.

5 of the Most Experimental Restaurants in London 0 comments

Viajante

If you're looking for a different dining experience, we rounded up five of the most experimental restaurants in London. From a gastronomic pop-up in Marylebone to the eclectic and theatrical gastronomical restaurant in Town Hall, check out our picks for innovative delicacies and the most creative presentations in town. 

First Look: Eating in the Pantry, Also Known as Mott St 0 comments

By Sarah Freeman

The idea is genius in its simplicity. With diners’ desire to eat closer and closer to where their food is produced and prepared, why not seat them where it’s stored? Can’t get much closer than that, without putting a table in the kitchen (which has been done before). That is just what Mott St did, the second restaurant from Vicki Kim, Jenny Kim and Nate Chung of Ruxbin that is based on night markets.

The words utilitarian and transparent are used to describe the rustic dining room, with woven wood lanterns, serving casual, shared plates. However, get seated in the back of the dining room and you will actually be eating in the pantry – two walls have built-in cabinets filled with cans, bottles and produces while third windowed-covered wall keeps the space from feeling claustrophobic. This sort of culinary seclusion is welcomed, because the menu requires getting a little messy.

6 Great Outdoor Happy Hours in Chelsea 0 comments

Warm weather is here, so no better time to take up residence on a patio over some discounted drinks and eats. Check out our list of six great outdoor happy hours in Chelsea where you can do just that.

Best Thing We Ate: Shrimp Taco Dorados From Mariscos Jalisco 0 comments

By Lesley Balla

Sometimes the only way to sate a craving is to fully yield to it, which is what we did when we couldn't get Mariscos Jalisco's shrimp tacos out of our heads. We blame news of the Tacolandia event selling out, or that we're counting the days until the LA Street Food Fest; the taco stand will be at both. So we hopped over to the truck for a couple $1.75 shrimp tacos. The crunchy shell, the shrimp that gets brown and crisp on the edges, the salsa roja and fresh avocado on top - these are worth every penny and then some. We sat on the brick wall in the shade to eat, while a guy strummed his guitar and serenaded the crowd, with another unsuccessfully hawking long strands of blinged-out rosarios. What a delicious moment in time.

Watch Vedge’s Rich Landau on Chopped This Tuesday 0 comments

You won't find tempeh at Vedge

Story and Photo by Danya Henninger

Rich Landau regularly wows diners with the animal-free cuisine he cooks at Locust Street’s Vedge, and on June 18, we’ll have a chance to see if he similarly impressed Ted Allen and the judges on the Food Network’s Chopped. Landau might have an edge on the three other chefs he’s up against for the night, since The Insider tells us the secret ingredient for the night turned out to be that vegan standard tempeh.

12 Hot Outdoor Places to Dine and Drink in the East Bay Right Now 3 comments

Off The Grid at Oakland Museum (photo by Gamma Nine)

By Tamara Palmer

At any given time, the ideal local weather is usually to be found in the 510 area code. And for the next four months or so, the East Bay is serving up some of the best alfresco spaces, including recently debuted waterfront hot spots. Check out our picks for where you should be dining and imbibing outdoors right now, and feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments.

Milano Pizzeria Temporarily Closed for Major Facelift 0 comments

Photo by Mike Battaglia

By Tamara Palmer

Big changes are afoot at Milano Pizzeria in the Inner Sunset. The restaurant is temporarily closed and a sign on the door says it will return at an unspecified date after a renovation with a new look and menu. A peek inside the window reveals that the large space, which had the feel of a classic red-sauce joint, has already been gutted.

New Cafe Heartbaker Opens in Richmond District 0 comments

Photo by Tamara Palmer

By Tamara Palmer

Heartbaker (1408 Clement St.) debuted on June 15 with free cupcakes and champagne for customers, and despite not being in the most foot-traffic-heavy part of Clement Street, it appeared as though owner Sybil Johnson didn't need those enticements to get people in the door. By the time we checked it out mid-afternoon, sugar rations (which include torched-to-order creme brulee, financiers and brownie bites) were low and we snapped up the last apple, brie and pecan baguette, offered alongside other creative sandwiches and salads. This is the first brick-and-mortar operation for Johnson, whose resume includes pastry stints at Kokkari Estiatorio and the defunct Aqua before starting her own cake business.

10 Hottest Rooftop Restaurants and Bars Around Philadelphia 0 comments

By Danya Henninger

Elevate your drinking and dining experience this summer - literally. Escape from the hazy, hot hustle of the city’s streets by taking your party up and out to one of these 10 bars and restaurants with rooftop seating. Philadelphia is a great place to spend the warmer months, you just have to know where to go. And now, you do.

NYC Rooftops: 8 New and Improved Offerings for Summer 0 comments

Upper Elm

By James Mulcahy

If you can't beat the heat this summer - you might as well rise right along with it. New York City is home to some of the country's best rooftop lounges, and the sky-high real estate boom just keeps getting better. This summer has seen a slew of new top-floor openings, along with some improvements to your old favorites. Click through the slide show to see where you can hop in an elevator to drink up more than just the views.

Lunch Alert: Top Round Roast Beef, ShopHouse Start Serving Today 0 comments

Come to mama

By Lesley Balla

Here's a lunch tease for you: the new roast beef mecca Top Round is up and running, as of yesterday. Now serving regional roast beef sandwiches like Beef on Weck, a staple from Buffalo, New York, with meat and hot horseradish sauce on a caraway bun; the beef and cheese with homemade "wizz" sauce, a la the Philly cheesesteak; one with barbecue sauce and fried onion and jalapeno straws; and another with black pepper, blue cheese and caramelized onion. The sandwiches are all made with a slow-roasted beef and go for less than $7 a pop. There's also fries, and frozen custard served in a cone, in floats or as "concrete," basically a super thick shake. Top Round serves daily from 11 AM to 11 PM Check out the full menu here (1000 S. La Brea Ave.; 323-549-9445).

Amazing Journeys: Mt. Kilimanjaro 0 comments

Majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Photo by Erik Cleves Kristensen/Flickr.com

By Emma Levine

Many get misty-eyed when they dream of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. In fact, at 19,341 feet, it’s actually the world’s highest freestanding mountain. The surprising thing is that you don’t need intense climbing experience or equipment to scale ‘Kili’, which means that around 25,000 people each year attempt to reach its snowy peak; around two thirds are successful. There are six different ascent routes to the top of its highest summit, and just one to descend. Everyone must travel with official guides and porters, with accommodation (ranging from simple huts to campsites) organized for you. Here are five interesting facts to further whet your appetite about the summit of Africa.

Boston Kreme Shunned From Chicago Dunkin’ Dounuts Locations 0 comments

By Sarah Freeman

Craving a Boston Kreme in Chicago? Tough cookies, or doughnuts, because all of the Chicago Dunkin’ Donuts locations renamed the pastry  the Chicago Kreme while the Blackhawks take on the Bruins in the Stanley Cup finals. The custard filled doughnut also got a fresh coat of red and black frosting. “It's just our way of celebrating with our fans in Chicago,” Carrie Reckert, manager of public relations and social media, told Redeye. “We replaced the Boston Kreme tag in participating stores with the attached Chicago Kreme tag. Same donut, different name and Blackhawk colors.” The irony of this whole situation is that Dunkin’ Donuts, the company, is based out of Canton, MA, twenty miles southwest of Boston.

New Marc Vetri Restaurant Docking at the Navy Yard 0 comments

Marc Vetri, Jeff Benjamin and Jeff Michaud at the Navy Yard for the Great Chefs Event

Story and Photo by Danya Henninger

Big news in Vetri-land today, and it’s not a firm opening date for Pizzeria Vetri. Via Twitter, Marc Vetri announced he and partners have signed a deal to open a new restaurant just inside the Navy Yard. The complex at the very south end of Broad Street is home to the Urban Outfitters headquarters and is a growing corporate park, with plenty of hungry workers to feed (a food truck pod assembles there weekly). The location is also relatively close to the sports complex, though you’d have a tough time navigating across the busy roadways on foot.

Video: 30 Under 30 Honoree Kyle Knall Impresses at Maysville 0 comments

By James Mulcahy

Tonight Zagat is celebrating our third annual 30 under 30 list, which recognizes young industry up and comers throughout New York City. This year chef Kyle Knall of his Flatiron District spot Maysville was honored on the list, and in this video we stop by the eatery to learn about his elegant interpretation of American cuisine. Stay tuned for the full list tomorrow and subscribe to our YouTube page for more food and restaurant videos:

Sunday Dinners Are the New Supper Club 1 comments

A set table before Sunday dinner at Olive and June

By Megan Giller

You can’t swing a fork in this town without hitting a supper club. But for most Austinites, that’s old news. The new hip trend is to offer Sunday suppers. Like a club meets family time, the meal is served prix fixe, either family style or with a few options.

Alison Spiegel at the Huffington Post recently highlighted a few of the best choices in New York City, saying that “Sunday Supper is traditionally a family meal. Its origins can be traced back to the Sunday Roast, a British or Irish meal eaten on Sundays. My favorite version is the Italian-American Sunday Gravy, a meat-heavy red sauce that gets better with time and makes great dinners all week.”

But Austin’s restaurants can give them a run for their money.

Chennai Garden Closes in Murray Hill 0 comments

By James Mulcahy

Chennai Garden has been serving vegetarian fare to folks on Curry Hill, but a tipster sent this photo in with news of the Indian joint's shutter. A call to a neighboring shop confirms that the store closed up about three weeks ago. Not sure if another Indial eatery will end up setting up shop but we will bring news as as soon as we have it.

Austin's 8 Hottest Rooftops for Dining and Drinking 0 comments

Parkside's secret patio

By Megan Giller

Heat rises, but the food, drinks and cooling mist on these rooftop patios make it worth your while to sit on the second story. Sure, you could always head out to the Oasis and catch the sunset and a touristy burger, but we have a feeling you’ll prefer these eight hot places to cool down.

Aspen F&W 2013: Geoffrey Zakarian on Expanding Nationally and the Return of French Cuisine 0 comments

Geoffrey Zakarian puffs a cigar before his radio show in Aspen

By Kelly Dobkin

Chopped judge and chef/restaurateur Geoffrey Zakarian hosted a Sirius Food Talk as part of the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, in which he interviewed big-name chefs and friends like Daniel Boulud, Jose Andres and Marcus Samuelsson. We caught up with him right before he hit the airwaves to talk about his plans for national expansion, his steakhouse dreams for NYC, why some people didn't realize he was a chef and why "tricky" restaurants don't make any money. Also, he's going to start making chef's jackets. Here's the lowdown on all of the above.

Zagat: Is hosting a radio talk show a gig you could see yourself doing more of in the future? 

GZ: Absolutely. I love this because it sort of allows me to get into someone's life. I know all these people and they're all friends and I've known most of them almost 30 years. The chef industry is very unusual, we don't have accountants and lawyers that do this. Food Talk is about hospitality, it's about...

Night Market Takes Over West Oak Lane on Thursday 0 comments

Photo: Dave Tavani

By Danya Henninger

The next edition of The Food Trust’s late night food truck festival lands in West Oak Lane at the intersection of 72nd and Ogontz Avenues this Thursday. The Northwest Philly neighborhood will get the biggest Night Market yet. Nearly 60 trucks and restaurants will be vending, serving all kinds of food - Hawaiian, Thai, Korean, Native American, Indian and Caribbean are just a few of the cuisines being teased.

Hotel Seeks Court Jester 0 comments

Living art work on the grounds of Rogner Bad Blumau; photo courtesy of Rogner Bad Blumau

By Colleen Clark

One Austrian hotel is looking for a real fool to add to its staff, The Australian reports. The whimsical Rogner Bad Blumau art hotel in the country's Styria province is a playful, multicolored wonderland by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. And now they're looking for a court jester to add to the fun. The job requirements? Colorful costumes, musical ability and general silliness. Hotel director Melanie Franke says that jesters were once a fixture in royal courts and that the property wants to add a similar form of entertainment. What do you think?  Will hotel jesters and performers become the next big travel perk?

Aspen F&W Classic Hangover: Best New Chefs Dinner and More 0 comments

By Kelly Dobkin, Photos by Hernan F. Rodriguez

We finally made it back from Aspen late last night (with some minor travel snafus) after three days of eating at drinking at the F&W Classic. Check out the rest of the action in the slide show above including Saturday night's Best New Chefs party on top of Aspen Mountain featuring food by Boulud, Chang, Keller and more. Plus bonus: a selfie of us and Ted Allen!

7 One-of-a-Kind Restaurants Around LA 0 comments

Photo via Flickr

From a Thai restaurant with a crooning Elvis impersonator to the purported inventor of the French dip sandwich, LA boasts some seriously unique culinary concepts. Check out our list of seven great one-of-a-kind restaurants that call this town home.

Los Angeles Dining Deals and Events, June 17-23 0 comments

By Lesley Balla

Monday, June 17
Tonight at Golden State, the Free Range fried chicken outfit pops up with its chicken sandwiches, house-made chips and coffee egg creams from 5-10 PM. No reservations necessary, just show up and be ready to chow down (426 N. Fairfax Ave.; 323-782-8331).

Tuesday, June 18
Every Tuesday starting tonight, get a Golden Road Heal the Bay IPA tall boy and three crispy carnitas tacos for $10 at Simmzy's Long Beach. Simmzy's and Golden Road will donate $20 from each keg of the IPA to the namesake organization, which works to restore Santa Monica Bay. The deal starts at 4 PM and is available while supplies last (5271 E. 2nd St.; 562-439-5590).

Are Urban Farms a “White Movement”? 0 comments

By Megan Giller

In April HausBar Farms, an urban farm in East Austin owned by Dorsey Barger (formerly of Eastside Café) and partner Susan Hausmann, was shut down by the City of Austin due to complaints from neighbors about odors from the chickens. Barger founded the farm in 2009 to provide vegetables and eggs to Eastside Café, but after splitting from the restaurant, HausBar now services local restaurants and chefs, as well as runs a delivery service.

As Austin Woman magazine discusses in a feature this month, the city shut down the farm, saying it had mistakenly issued a permit. Unfortunately the debate had already turned to race, with groups like People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources saying that urban farming is a “white movement” and accusing farms of using space that could have homes on it.

Braz B.Q. Truck Brings Brazilian Churrasco to the Streets 0 comments

By Danya Henninger

Philly’s first Brazilian food truck is now rolling through the streets, outfitted with a custom rotisserie grill - a churrasco - imported from Brazil. We haven’t had an opportunity to try Braz. B.Q. yet, but the response from those who have has been good. We caught up with owner Adriano Redante for a quick Q&A on what to expect (and the description of that amazing-looking sandwich above).

Grand Cochon in Aspen: And the Golden Piggie Goes to... 0 comments

By Kathleen Squires

While most of the chefs and the people who love them sadly said goodbye to the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen on Sunday, the real die-hards stayed on for the fest’s finale, Grand Cochon. 10 chefs from 10 cities celebrated all piggy parts by strutting their whole-animal stuff in a quest for the crown and title of “Prince” or “Princess of Porc.” We were enamored of Missy Robbins’ spicy meatballs with crispy breadcrumbs and chef Raymond Garcia’s (Santa Monica’s Fig) chicharron ice cream sundae with organ cherry syrup and head cheese brittle. But Adam Sobel of RN74 in San Francisco bested them for his creative dishes such as the “Fat Elvis” - peanut butter, chocolate and pork.

Those on hand to enjoy the porcine party: Jose Andres, Andrew Zimmern, Sissy Biggers, Johnny Iuzzini and David Burke, who told us his Aspen branch of David Burke Kitchen will be open just in time for ski season. 

Portland Oregon’s Jenn Louis served as a judge, and she gave us her criteria for the ultimate oinker: “It is all in the balance - how all the pieces are utilized, what cuts are utilized, how creative you are with it and letting that awesome product show through. And that is what Cochon is - how do you take the flavor and the style that you work with as a chef and how do you balance that to show off the product? Pig is rich, so how do you make it not a gut bomb? How do you make it elegant? And how is it fun?” 

The fun was certainly in the “Fat Elvis,” and in cocktails such as Hudson Baby Bourbon mixed with sour cherries and shaken to order in a little mason jar, a great way to say so long to Cochon until next year.

10 Garden-to-Table Restaurants in Chicago 0 comments

By Sarah Freeman

Chicago may not exactly be an agricultural mecca, but the city pulls from its Midwestern roots when it comes to the farm-to-table. Actually, make that garden-to-table at these 10 restaurants pulling ingredients from rooftop gardens, herb walls and indoor hydroponic garden (if you're looking to drink or dine on a rooftop, check out our suggestions here). It takes local to another level when diners can watch food grow while eating it.

6 One-of-a-Kind Restaurants Around Austin 0 comments

From rattlesnake cakes to a mini-chain of food trailers, Austin boasts some seriously unique culinary concepts. Check out our list of six great one-of-a-kind restaurants that call this town home. 

9 Hottest Rooftops for Dining and Drinking Around DC 0 comments

Perry's roof deck

By Olga Boikess

There’s nothing like great cocktails and a killer view atop an outdoor terrace on a balmy summer night. It doesn’t hurt if there’s something good to nibble on and some walking scenery too. Check out what’s cooking at some of the top view spots around town.

Quatre saisons gourmet au Wanderlust 0 comments

Crédits photo : Ivy Chang

By Ivy Chang

Un an après son lancement, le Wanderlust continue d'affirmer sa place d'endroit le plus hype de Paris. Des activités à la fois éclectiques et branchés fleurissent à la Cité de la Mode et du Design : l'installation du Nüba -club ultra hype géré par l'équipe du Baron-, les séances de yoga du dimanche matin, les ateliers enfants pour parents bobo, les soirées de lancement toutes plus "select" les unes que les autres... Maintenant, le Wanderlust s'attaque aussi à la gastronomie et ne fait pas dans la demi-mesure. Tout au long de l'année, quatre chefs renommés se relayent pour prendre la commande de la cuisine : Bertrand Grébaut (Printemps), Christophe Pelé (Été), Arnaud Daguin (Automne) et Alexandre Gauthier (Hiver).

US Open Winner Picks Gypsy Saloon for Celebratory Dinner 0 comments

By Danya Henninger

Over the weekend, the Merion Golf Club hosted the US Open and British pro golfer Justin Rose took the top spot. Despite national news announcers’ insistence on referring to the tournament as being held in “Philadelphia,” we know it wasn’t actually in the restaurant-dense city, but on the more sparsely studded Main Line. So where did the champion go for his celebration dinner? To Gypsy Saloon in West Conshohocken.

Video: Watch Grant Achatz and Pavarroti’s Canned Soup Taste Test 0 comments

By Sarah Freeman

Maybe all that vegan food is making Next and Alinea’s Grant Achatz a little loopy. The chef posted a video this weekend of a trip to Whole Foods, where he purchased three varieties of canned minestrone soup while posing the question, “Who do you think is the better chef: Wolfgang Puck, Amy (Amy’s Organics) or Elmo (Earth’s Best Organics)?” He returned home, put on Luciano Pavarotti’s Nessun Dorma while opening each can using a set of can openers that doubled as nunchucks. After tasting each cold soup with a large wooden spoon, he declared Puck the champion as Pavarotti reached the climax of the song. Can someone please go check on chef and make sure he’s OK? We really don't want to see Next Boyardee in 2014.

Paul Qui Wins Awards at San Pellegrino Cooking Cup 0 comments

By Megan Giller

Congrats to Austin’s favorite chef! Qui just won the San Pellegrino Cooking Cup’s Young Chef of the Year award and the Inside the Cooking Award. This time Qui had to cook on a boat as the sailors raced from Malamocco to San Giorgio Island, in Italy.

As we wrote before the competition, Qui already earned his stripes on Top Chef, when he prepared a winning dish while riding a gondola lift. We’re happy to know his skills translate to the motion of the ocean too.

His new restaurant, qui, is slated to open on Thursday in East Austin, and given that it’s on dry land, seems the food will be even better. (Photo by Jennifer Day)

Garden Alert: Montmartre's Charming Backyard Bar Now Open 0 comments

By James Mulcahy, Photo by Alden Gewirtz

When we heard that Gabe Stulman was taking over the Chelsea space that formerly housed Gascogne, our minds immediately went to the backyard. The garden was easily the former French eatery's most winning feature, and we knew Stulman would have something good in store (and he had to, seeing how the miniscule eatery just needs more seating, regardless of the concept). Well the garden is up and running and while it adds some alfresco tables our favorite part is the eight seat bar that was tucked into the corner.

It makes a fitting perch for brunch, when a must try dish is the Hong Kong Style french toast with peaut butter, cherry jam and condensed milk (pictured below). If you're looking for cocktails our choice du jour is the Paris Campari and soda, which is a do it yourself take on the classic cocktail, with the ingredients laid out on a silver tray. The restaurant just scored a glowing two-star review in the NY Times, so the additional seating comes an an opportune time.

9 Hot Rooftops for Dining and Drinking in Boston 0 comments

Sip and snack under the sun at Avenue One

By Scott Kearnan

Want your entree with a side of sunshine? Care for a cocktail infused with fresh air? Rooftop restaurants and bars are at a premium in Boston, but here are some of the top spots (literally) in town.

Desayunos Cumplidores en La Zentral 0 comments

Huevos estrellados con tocino, muy buenos frijoles y como decorado comestible lechuga y jitomate

Por Alejandro Zárate Vega

A veces pasa que sólo se quiere un sencillo desayuno sin mayor complicación. Existe un local especializado en comida y cenas con música en vivo llamado La Zentral y que, a pesar de no tener una gran concurrencia en las mañanas, continúa abriendo para los desayunos. Es un misterio sin resolver. Los cocineros parecen estar ocupados con la preparación de los platos de la comida y, sólo el mesero más novato y amable está disponible.

La situación es que éste resulta el lugar perfecto para estar tranquilo leyendo o trabajando durante las primeras horas del día sin esperar más sofisticación que unos cuantos desayunos con base de huevo. Platos sencillos como pueden ser un par de huevos estrellados con tocino o jamón, o revueltos a la mexicana con tocino o jamón. Hay una variante con bresaola y, si acaso, en omelete con los mismos ingredientes.

Daytime Emmy Award Winners Announced: Guy, Martha, Trisha All Snag Statues 0 comments

By Kelly Dobkin

The 40th Annual Daytime Emmys went down last night and here's what food TV celebs scored their own statues: Lidia Bastianich won for Outstanding Culinary Host, The Food Network's Best Thing I Ever Made tied with Trisha's Southern Kitchen for Outstanding Culinary Program, the now-canned Martha Stewart Show won for Outstanding Lifestyle Program and Guy's Family Reunion won for Outstanding Special Class Special. Scope out all the winners here.

Hell’s Kitchen Casting in Philly Next Week 0 comments

By Danya Henninger

It appears there’s no shortage of chefs willing to submit to Gordon Ramsay’s sharp tongue for a chance at fame, and Hell’s Kitchen is gearing up for a twelfth season on Fox. If you’re one of those aspiring cooks, or know someone that is, find a way to get to the Westin Hotel in Center City next Monday, June 24.

Chicago Dining Deals and Events, June 17-23 0 comments

Brunch at Tavernita

By Sarah Freeman

Monday
Fade into a cloud of smoke at the brewmasters cigar social at Fountainhead. Hosted by Stone Brewing Company’s president and brewmaster, Steve Wagner, the evening includes rare beers and small bites. It is free and starts at 6 PM (773-697-8204).

Tuesday
This week, Publican Quality Meats welcomes Nellcote’s sous chef Sieger Bayer for Burger, Bourbon & Beer Night. The burger showdown pegs the PQM burger for $10 against the challenger's burger for $11 from 6 to 9 PM (312-445-8977).

Wednesday
One Wednesday a month, Pastoral takes to the water on a Wendella boat. The tow-hour Lake Michigan and Chicago River cruise begins at 5:45 and includes cheese, wine and a souvenir Wendella wine glass for $54. Purchase tickets online.

Daikoku: Sushi para la Cena 0 comments

En Daikoku no todo es sushi, el caldo con tallarines más sencillo encierra sabores espectaculares

Por Alejandro Zárate Vega

Salida tarde de la oficina con tráfico al tope; bajo este escenario lo mejor es cenar ligero y delicioso en un ambiente sencillo y pacífico.

Desde la década de los 70's, el grupo Daikoku está presente en la ciudad con una cocina japonesa auténtica, con algunas concesiones y con un enfoque sencillo en sabor y calidad. El grupo restaurantero ha crecido y cuenta ya con una nueva sucursal en el sur, pero si lo que se busca es una sensación acogedora, como para sentirse en casa, el restaurante Daikoku de la colonia Cuauhtémoc es el indicado. Por unas escaleras se entra al sótano de la construcción, dentro hay mesas y una barra de sushi donde se puede ver trabajar a los cocineros. La carta es amplia, tan amplia como muchas cartas japonesas que resultan abrumadoras, por ello, conoce esta selección infalible de platos perfectos para cenar rico y ligero.

Río Pánuco No. 170 esq. Río Nilo, Cuauhtémoc; 55 5525 6520