Controversial Restaurant Policies: Should You Have to Ask For the Check? 0 comments

By James Mulcahy and Kelly Dobkin

No one should feel rushed out at the end of a restaurant meal, but those who linger at their tables can delay dinner for everyone else who is waiting. Restaurants have one key way to move things along - the check drop. Once that bill is on the table, it's only a matter of time before the diners pay and skedaddle. But, is putting the check down before it's asked for too pushy? Check out this week's installment of Controversial Restaurant Policies to see our editors debate proper check timing:

James: The other night I was dining in the West Village, and the servers totally tried to give us the rush out - they dropped the check while the desserts were being cleared, before we even asked for it.

Kelly: I mean, how long were you sitting there after finishing your desserts?

LA Restaurant Deals and Events for February 13-19 0 comments

Courtesy of Lukshon

By Merrill Shindler

Monday
Those who want to kick off Valentine's Day a day early can do it at The Cellar in Fullerton, where reservations begin tonight at 5:30 PM for a four-courser (broken into courses titled "First Date," "Engagement," "Nuptials" and "Honeymoon") that'll include options like venison carpaccio with caramelized shallots and a duck duo with buttered risotto ($79 per person, served with a long stem red rose; 714-525-5682).

Tuesday
It's Valentine's Day! If you haven't made reservations yet, we suggest frantically calling one of 25 recommended spots - we're sure you'll find something.

Eddie Huang's Cheap Bites Becomes Full Series on Cooking Channel; LA Gjelina Chef To Open NY Eatery? 0 comments

Image via Cooking Channel

By Kelly Dobkin

Gjelina's Travis Lett may be opening an eatery in NYC - score! [Eater LA]

Late on Friday it was announced that 30 Under 30 honoree Eddie Huang's Cooking Channel show, Cheap Bites, got picked up for a full series run. Congrats, Eddie! [Twitter]

McDonald's declared today that they "want to see the end of sow confinement in gestation stalls in our U.S. supply chain" meaning they're moving to reduce the level of confinement of its pigs. [HuffPo]

New York's 8 Best Ice Cream Shops 0 comments

By James Mulcahy

I scream, you scream, we all scream for...voting in the most recent New York City Food Lover's Survey! This is the last week that you can weigh in on all of your favorite bakeries, wine stores and artisanal food shops. To get you inspired, we thought it was time to make things a little colder up in here. Yeah, it may be February, but it's always time for ice cream. Which city shop gives the best scoopage? Check out he list of the Big Apple's best Ice Cream shops below - if you want to weigh in on your favorite new places to get a sundae, you can vote in the survey here.

Urban Union Starts Brunch 0 comments

By Jennifer Olvera

It may only be Monday, but if you're already looking forward to the weekend (and who isn't), you’re in luck:  three-week-old Urban Union in Little Italy has started serving brunch Saturday between 10 AM-2 PM. Whether you treat yourself to the fruits de mer platter ($88 for medium, $125 for large), pick porchetta with garlic rapini and eggs ($18) or score duck leg confit with frisée lardon and garlic aïoli ($14), there’s bound to be satisfied sighs. As for the artery-clogging pork schnitzel Benedict, here’s hoping there’s a doctor’s in the house ($15; 312-929-4302).

Foodie Time Warp: Travel Through Time With These 10 Eateries 1 comments

Austin Diner, Austin, TX

By Linnea Covington

Although we don’t literally have a time machine to experience eating in decades past, we can go back in time by visiting restaurants whose menu and decor keep certain eras of history alive. From the 1990s to Medieval Times, check out our slideshow of eateries that quite literally are like walking into a foodie time warp. What era do you long to dine in? Let us know in the comments.

Soho News: Cinnamon Soho, Vinoteca, Ceviche and Polpo 0 comments

Courtesy of whatleydude, Flickr

By Claire Coleman

As we flagged in our end of year round-up, Soho is on the up as the capital's foremost culinary quarter, and the good news continues to roll on in. Hot on the heels of the news about Cinnamon Soho comes an anouncement from Vinoteca. They already boast outposts in Farringdon and Marylebone, and, from April, will be taking over a spot on Beak Street for a new restaurant, wine bar and shop.But if you prefer your eats accompanied by Pisco rather than Pinot, you're in luck. From mid-March Ceviche hits Frith Street, bringing with it the best of Peruvian delicacies and Europe's first dedicated Pisco bar. And finally, in other exciting news, Polpo is now open continuously from midday until 11 PM Monday to Saturday, so should a craving for Venetian tapas strike at 4 PM, you know where to go.

Cooking Classes at De Gustibus, Bouley, Ardesia 0 comments

Ardesia

By James Mulcahy

Ok, maybe you're tired of going out on the town and having dinner, but what about having a night out and cooking dinner? There a few events happening around town that promise to fill you up with food and information at the same time - not too shabby. How about a class for those who want to incorporate some Pugliese chow into their at-home repertoire? We've teamed up with the De Gustibus Cooking School at Macy's for our latest Presents event - a cooking demo from chef Laura Giordano, who will show you how to make dishes from the region. After her demonstration, guests will enjoy a four-course meal with win pairings, all for $75 a head. The demo/dinner goes down on February 29 at 6 PM, sign up by calling 212-239-1652 and mentioning the event.

Coming up next week, the Bouley Test Kitchen will play host to classes on paella and tapas, chef Roger Martinez will be on hand to guide you through the steps to make dishes that should impress the guests at your next party. Wine pairings will also be served - so if you screw things up, at least you'll be able to have a drink or two. The classes are on February 20 and 22 and cost $175 per person - get more info here.

Enter Our Valentine's Day Dinner Contest! 0 comments

By James Mulcahy

Valentine's Day is tomorrow - freak out!!! And to all you New Yorkers, if you don't have any plans yet, fear not - we're set to invite a bunch of lucky winners to a Zagat-hosted, Valentine's Day dinner party in NYC. It's the last day of the contest - by tomorrow night the winners will be pigging out while making new friends. Entering is simple - you just have to upload a picture of your favorite food or dish on your Google+ Page, and then share it with us. We'll go through the entries and pick out the best, who will win a spot at the table. You can take a look at the entry page here, and read more about the contest here. Get goin' - this sure beats sitting in your apartment and gorging on candy hearts.

Video First Look: Booker and Dax At Momofuku Ssam Bar 0 comments

By Kelly Dobkin

For this week's NY1 video, we stop by technology-driven cocktail bar, Booker and Dax at Momofuku Ssam Bar in the East Village. Mixology magician Dave Arnold explains the concept and special equipment that the watering hole uses to make their inventive cocktails including liquid nitrogen and a red hot poker. Check it out in the clip above.

New York Dining Deals and Events February 13-19 0 comments

Grub at Zengo 

By Leigh Crandall

Monday

Alias hosts their “Monday Night Dinner Party” at 7:30 PM, a pop-up event of sorts when the LES restaurant opens its kitchen to guest chefs. Polish fare is on the menu tonight, with Paulina Pobocha and Greg Olliver teaming up with Alias head chef Marcellus Coleman to prepare traditional dishes like borscht, pierogi and paprikasz. The evening costs $40 and reservations can be made by calling 212-505-5011.

Tuesday

Happy Valentine’s Day! If you’re on the hunt for couples-friendly dining, take a look at surveyors’ picks for the city’s most romantic restaurants. On your own? Here’s our list of top spots to meet other singles.

The Best Thing We Ate Last Night: The Chiang Mai Burger at Ngam 0 comments

By James Mulcahy

How much do New Yorkers love their burgers? So much that even recently opened Thai restaurants need to offer one on their menus. Located just off Union Square, Ngam specializes in "Thai comfort food" served in a stylish setting that includes an open kitchen in the front of the room and a massive communal table at the center of the space. This ain't your neighborhood take-out joint. The menu includes dishes that will surely appeal to Thai fans - gooey caramelized pork belly and a spicy whole Branzino covered in peppercorns and Thai basil. But, there's also something that may appeal to eaters looking for a little meld of cultures.

Witness the Thai burger, a meaty seven ounces that's topped with papaya kraut and some curry paste. Even better is the restaurant's answer to French fries. Their side of Chiang Mai fries (which are also available as an appetizer) are mix of pumpkin and sweet potato encased in a house-made curry batter and served with some sweet and sour peanut relish. The burger, which comes with the crunchy treats will set you back $14. If you just want the fries on their own, they are $6.

How To Survive a Restaurant on Valentine's Day; Portland's DIY Coffee Culture 0 comments

Image via Flickr/spaetz

By Kelly Dobkin

• The DIY Coffee Culture of Portland [NYT]
• What Rene Redzepi Cooks at Home [Bon App]
• Neighborhood Taverns Disappear From Chicago, Other Cities [USAT]
• How To Survive a Restaurant On Valentine's Day [Telegraph]
• Real Time Farms Make Eating Local Transparent [Fast Co]

This Week's Top Restaurant and Food News 0 comments

Conch Chowder at Oceana NYC; Image by Noah Fecks

By Kelly Dobkin

This week can be summed up in three words: "best meal ever." Yes, our epic slideshow featuring the meals of 47 chefs and notables (including our 5 contest winners) topped the list of most popular posts this week. After that, our round-up of overrated NYC food icons came in second and Philly's 10 best restaurants in third. In case you missed any of these, check out our 10 most popular posts of the week. Happy weekend!

1. Best Meal Ever: An Epic Look at Favorite Meals
2. The 9 Most Overrated NYC Food Icons
3. Philadelphia's 10 Best Restaurants: What Are Your Favorites?
4. Best Meal Ever: And the Winners Are…
5. 9 Awesome Healthy Dishes For Foodies
6. DC's 12 Most Romantic Restaurants: Vote For Your Favorites
7. 7 Hottest Spots in the South Bay
8. Boston's 5 Best Mexican Restaurants
9. The West Loop's 5 Best Restaurants
10. Chowder Smackdown: Tasting 8 of New York's Best Bowls

Outtake of the Week 0 comments

"Excellent game dishes. Safer to eat here than hunt with Dick Cheney."

Galvin Demoiselle to open at Harrods 0 comments

Photo: Lorenzo G, Flickr

By Claire Coleman

In our interview with Hawksmoor’s Will Beckett, he flagged up Galvin Demoiselle as the 2012 opening he’s most excited about, so we thought we’d give you a bit of a rundown about the launch. With a planned March opening, Galvin Demoiselle will be the fifth London venture from the Galvin Restaurants group. Taking up residence in Harrods, one of London’s most iconic department stores, the restaurant will take over the mezzanine space that overlooks the Food Hall that was once home to the Espresso Café. With banquette seating for over 60 covers, the menu will be a lighter version of the French cuisine that the Galvin empire is known for, and in addition to featuring signature dishes from the group, such as confit pork cheeks and tarte tatin, there will be new plates, including a baked lobster fishcake. The entire project will be overseen by Chris’s wife, Sara, who will take on the role of patron, and a head chef that will be appointed from with the Galvin group. But both Sara and the new chef will be working with the existing Harrods team.

Quote of the Day: Jonathan Waxman Says Get a Business Degree Before You Get a Culinary Degree 0 comments

"There are three things I wish I had known. One - how hard it really was. And two - that I should have gotten a business degree before a cooking degree."

-Top Chef Masters star and Barbuto chef Jonathan Waxman on the things he wished he had known before becoming a chef. [FITR]

The Best Thing We Ate Last Night: Ty-Lör Boring's PEI Halibut 0 comments

Photo: Kyle Froman Photography

By Jacqueline Wasilczyk

Given the overwhelming amount of attention he gets for taking his clothes off, it's somewhat easy to forget that Top Chef contestant Ty-Lör Boring is a serious chef, but for any doubters out there, we can assure you the Spasso alum has chops. Last night we went to his pop-up at "culinary salon" City Grit and left majorly impressed. The thoughtful five-course menu showcased delicate, pronounced flavors and strong technique, and though some complained of leaving hungry, the light, Asian-inspired entrees had us comfortably full (and trust us, we can hold our own).

While the menu had a few highlights (one being the "hothouse melon" that won Boring the Nathan Myhrvold challenge on the show), the standout was the PEI halibut served with oyster coriander purée, curry leaf, corn starts and smoked maldon. The fresh fish was clean, light and refreshing, with an avocado oil blend and oyster coriander purée giving the dish a pleasant contrasting richness. The addition of a curry leaf added a bit of texture and hint of spice, and the smoked maldon rounded it all out. Tasted like summer, which at this point, we're desperately longing for.

Police Bribe Naked Man Off Ledge With McDonald's Burgers; Charlie Trotter On Closing His Famed Restaurant 0 comments

In-N-Out burger and fries; Image via Flickr/Dalboz17

By Kelly Dobkin

A naked man in downtown LA was lured off a radio tower with McDonald's hamburgers. We're loving it! [LAT]

Speaking of burgers, here's a look at the healthiest and least healthy burgers (calorie-wise) in the country. [Yahoo]

Charlie Trotter talks about his decision to shutter his famed Chicago restaurant. [Eater Chicago]

Ghost Town: A Look Back at 7 NYC Icons 0 comments

By Samantha Zalaznick

Two weeks ago, our beloved H&H bagels officially bit the dust, joining the ranks of other city institutions that we thought would last forever - gone but not forgotten. Last week we looked at New York's Nine Most Iconic Dishes, so this week we thought we'd take a look back at 7 of New York's shuttered powerhouses that that each left their own mark on the city. Here they are, in chronological order from when they opened. Try not to cry too hard, OK?

La Côte Basque

When: 1958- 2004
Where: E. 55th St. ('58-'94); W. 55th St. ('95-'04)
La Côte Basque was the epitome of the four-star French back in the day. The traditional French was served alongside murals of the eponymous Basque coast and the high society see-and-be-seen scene included regulars like Frank Sinatra, Babe Paley and Jackie Onassis. Truman Capote notoriously published a gossipy excerpt called "La Cote Basque 1965" from Answered Prayers: The Unfinished Novel, which outted the secrets of thinly veiled versions of his society friends and ousted him from the inner circle.

Zagat Stat: Your Table is Not Waiting 0 comments

Good luck getting a table at The Breslin

15 out of 30

-The score for table availability in NYC in our 2012 New York City Restaurants Survey. Turns out you're not just imagining things when you think you can never get a reservation. If you don't mind waiting, you can always try hitting an eatery that doesn't take reservations - check out our handy guide here.

A Mini-Guide To Valentine's Day Dining At Chain Restaurants 4 comments

Valentine's Day Meal at White Castle; Image via Flickr/Couche Tard

By Kelly Dobkin

Not sure what to do for Valentine's Day? Not to worry, chain restaurants are offering a variety of Valentine's Day specials perfect for just about any relationship status. Check out each scenario below to find the experience that's right for you.

Scenario 1: Single, broke and despondent.

Celebrate at: Hooters 
Nothing soothes a damaged soul like boneless wings, cheap beer and cheery scantily-clad waitresses. Grab a friend and enjoy 20 boneless wings for 2 for only $9.99. Added bonus: You can get drunk on their $5 margaritas and bad-mouth your exes.

Bowery Diner Launches Breakfast and Lunch, But Will They Serve Pie? 1 comments

By James Mulcahy

The Bowery Diner impressed us when we recently dropped by for a dinner. Well, now they are getting into full diner mode with the launch of breakfast and lunch service. Patrons in the AM can enjoy standards like pancakes and French toast, while lunchtime visitors can scarf down snacks like French onion soup and burgers.  Brunch is also being introduced to the restaurant, which will offer fare like confit duck hash to weekend diners.

The big question on everyone's mind? Will they serve pie before 5 PM. Black Book writer Steve Lewis recently dropped by at 4:30 PM, and was refused pie because it technically wasn't available until 5. He had to settle for donuts, which will in fact be on the lunch menu (212-388-0052).

Fujimar Hits Downtown DC With Late-Night Sushi and Ceviche 0 comments

By Olga Boikess

Fujimar, the high-glam, redo of Lima's second floor slated to open Downtown on Valentine's Day, will offer small dishes - think sushi and ceviche - with Asian-Latin twists. Chef Raynold Mendizabal says that fish will be shipped from Hawaiian Pacific waters the same day he’s inspected it via videophone. Even better, you'll be able to get  your fin-fare fix until 1 AM (2 AM on Friday and Saturday - is late-night sushi a trend?).

Ombra Opens in Andersonville 0 comments

By Jennifer Olvera

Marty Fosse and Tim Rasmussen (Anteprima) have turned part of sibling restaurant Acre into cicchetti bar Ombra in Andersonville, serving small, interactive Italian plates that are meant to be shared, like bagna cauda ($9), salumi and bruschetta topped with spicy peperonata and herbed goat cheese. As for the interior, expect a clever amalgamation of salvaged materials like rustic wood and leather, tin ceiling, vintage Italian newspapers, decoupage light fixtures and an aerial view of Florence suspended from the ceiling in panels. It may not be Italy, but it at least captures the feel (5310 N. Clark St.; 773-506-8600).

Check out the menu below.

9 Fashionable Restaurants for Fashion Week 2 comments

By James Mulcahy

Myth: Models in town for the bi-annual NYC Fashion Week don't eat. Fact: OK, they might not scarf themselves silly, but they can sure throw back a vodka soda or two. The tents are up at Lincoln Center and pretty young things are strutting their stuff on the catwalk, and sceney hotspots around town are playing host to the well-clad for parties and dinners post fashion show. Whether you're in town because you're in the industry, or if you just want to hang out with some fashiony folks, here are our nine choices for restaurants to hit during the hoopla.

How's Le Bec-Fin Holding Up? Let Us Know by Voting 0 comments

By Danya Henninger

Four decades ago, Georges Perrier introduced fine dining to Philadelphia - and indeed, to the Mid-Atlantic region - with Walnut Street’s white tablecloth Le Bec-Fin. For most of its reign, the gilt-edged, crystal chandelier bedecked dining room enjoyed critical acclaim, garnering diamonds and stars galore. The traditional French cuisine, professional service and beautiful interior led to its current 27-27-27 Zagat rating.

Week In Food TV: Top Chef Texas Winds Down; Annoying Trends On The Today Show 1 comments

Image via Bravo

By Kelly Dobkin

In case you missed any of these stories (or in case your TiVo is broken), here's a handy run-down of what went down in the food TV world this week. From some surprise guests on Top Chef Texas to Kathie Lee and Hoda discussing our Annoying Trends piece on The Today Show, we were there to document it all. Stay tuned for more tube-related coverage next week.

1. Top Chef Texas Episode 14: There's No Crying in Fine Dining
2. Quote of the Day: Sandra Lee Is a Maverick For Making Cocktails On Food Network
3. The 10 Most Annoying Trends Discussed On The Today Show 

Burger Bistro Bringing Patties to Park Slope 1 comments

By James Mulcahy

Park Slope carnivores will get some meaty new options when The Burger Bistro opens on March 1st. The area recently got an outpost of Bare Burger as well, so the competition is heating up in the fast-casual department. This will be the Bistro's second location - coming over from Bay Ridge, where the flagship was opened by two Morton's Steakhouse vets. The new haunt will be a pretty close replica to the original location - it's 1,000 square feet and will serve standards alongside less traditional options like ostrich and elk burgers (a weekly special highlights these unique choices). If you really want to go down the gut-bomb highway, keep an eye out for the donut burger, which features a giant beef burger stuffed between two halves of a glazed donut. Yep. The new location will be at 177 Fifth Avenue in Park Slope.

Eating Sushi Like a Pro With Morimoto; Chipotle Is Revolutionizing Food Industry 0 comments

Image via Flickr/joanna8555

By Kelly Dobkin

• Arby's Planning a Total Relaunch [BI]
• Eating Sushi Like a Pro With Morimoto [WSJ]
• Moving Beyond Factory: Pastured Poultry [Wired]
• How Top Chef Texas Misrepresents the Lone Star State [HuffPo]
• Chipotle Revolutionizing Food Industry [Slate]

Deano's Deli: Food Truck of the Week 3 comments

By Merrill Shindler

It's a sandwich that's almost never referred to as a sandwich. Depending on where you grew up, you know it as a hero, a grinder, a sub, a torpedo, a zep, a bomber, a blimpie, a filled roll - or in the case of the sandwich served from Deano's Deli Truck, a hoagie.

There are five daily ones on the menu at Deano's - turkey and provolone; a three-meat Italian; roast beef and cheddar (with fried green tomatoes and horseradish mayo!; provolone and veggies; and a PLT with fried prosciutto and cilantro mayo. There are five more that rotate throughout the week - roast pork, chicken cutlet, meatball, hot pastrami with Swiss, and a breakfast hoagie with cheddar and salami (why that's a breakfast sandwich is beyond us). There's potato salad, cole slaw, tortellini salad and potato chips flavored with garlic, curry and chili peppers on the side. They serve Intelligentsia Coffee. They may have roots on the East Coast, but these hoagies are pure LA (for proof, visit their very cinematic website). For where they are visit Facebook or Twitter.

Quote of the Day: Sandra Lee Is a Maverick For Making Cocktails 1 comments

"They told me I needed to be different and I wanted to make a cocktail. I'm from Wisconsin - and the Food Network told me I couldn't do that and we can't put alcohol on TV - you can't wake up at 10 AM saying 'here's a cocktail."

-Food Network personality Sandra Lee on her rise to stardom and how her Wisconsin heritage is somehow behind her gutsy move to include cocktails on her show. [HuffPo]

Win a Seat at a Valentine's Day Dinner Party! 1 comments

Dinner Party!

By James Mulcahy

Not going out with a honey on Valentine's Day? No problem there - plenty of people don't want to deal with the crowds and expensive fixed-price menus, not to mention the naked little cherubs everywhere (put some clothes on, Cupid!). Well, we're giving you the chance to attend a Valentine's Day alternative - a dinner party, hosted by Zagat, attended by nine other food-savvy diners who don't have plans for V-day. Sounds pretty sweet, right? To enter, you have to submit a photo of your favorite dish, dessert or cocktail on your Google+ Account, along with a few sentences saying why you love it so. We'll go through and pick the best entries, and the winners can join us at the par-tay.

All you need to do is post that photo on your Google Plus page, and then hit this page and fill out the entry form. The contest will be open through February 13, and winners will be notified about the details of the dinner party that day (it's in NYC, natch). You can scope out the full rules on the bottom of the contest page - good luck!

Open Call: Are There "Signs" That You May Be In Bad Restaurant? 15 comments

Where did that staple gun come from? Image via Flickr/Steve Snodgrass

By Kelly Dobkin

As any good restaurateur will tell you - details matter. From ice to music to decor, sometimes it's the little things that can make a bad first impression with diners (and others may really annoy them). Some will tell you that an empty restaurant (at peak hours) may say something about the quality of the food. While for many a food snob, paper napkins or the opening line of "hi, I'm ____ and I'll be your server tonight," may signal disaster as well. What are the "red flags" of a bad restaurant? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Best Meal Ever: An Epic Look At Favorite Meals 22 comments

Coi Restaurant, San Francisco, Image via Coi Website

By James Mulcahy and Kelly Dobkin

The three words "best meal ever" bring back a flood of memories - the mind starts paging through the index of dinners at fancy restaurants, impromptu meals prepared by the family in the kitchen, first bites of a food that changed the trajectory of a life. Is it the cuisine that makes a meal the best ever? The company? A combination of the two? Our Best Meal Ever contest garnered hundreds of such stories, and we decided to expand the call to chefs, food world celebrities and other notables. After a lot of agonizing on the part of participants, we collected some of the most evocative Best Meal Ever tales into the slideshow below - if you have a Best Meal Ever to share, please make us drool in the comments.

Max Brenner Loses Its Bald Man 2 comments

By Jacqueline Wasilczyk

Max Brenner may be looking to expand, but it seems it'll do so without Oded Brenner, one of the two original founders. We've heard from trusted sources that he's left the company, which means the name - originally a mash up of partners Max Fichtman and Brenner - is now even more confusing. A new revamped website stresses its online shop, and features a quote from the quasi-fictional founder on its "About Us" page. Got that? Max Brenner isn't real, but apparently he still manages to pontificate on how chocolate is a symbol in our lives of sensuality (...okay, sure).

As for what's next for Brenner, he's still with his Upper East Side bakery Little Brown, which will be opening its second location in Chelsea mid-March. Dessert mastermind Pichet Ong (Coppelia, La Esquina, Qi) is consulting, creating offerings such as apricot cake with pistachio, blueberry white chocolate muffins and more.

301 West 17th St.; 212-627-1491

New York's 8 Best Delis 1 comments

Sausage from Schaller & Weber 

By James Mulcahy

Delis in New York are not just places to go for a pound of bologna - many of them carry heritage meat, house-cured charcuterie, specialty sausage and plenty of other goodies that are a far cry from what you brown-bagged for lunch when you were a kid. Check out the list below to see the best delis, as per our 2011/12 Food Lover's Guide. Voting for the next version of the guide is now open, head to this website if you want to weigh in on your favorite delis, bagels, ice cream, candy stores and more.

Pizza Hut Offers $10K Proposal Package for V-Day; Americans Eating Less Trans Fats 0 comments

Image via Pizza Hut

By Kelly Dobkin

Pizza Hut is offering a $10,000 Engagement Party Package just in time for Valentine's Day that includes a ruby engagement ring, fireworks, a bouquet of flowers, a limo and of course, a $10 Dinner Box with pizza, breadsticks and cinnamon sticks. You can't make this stuff up. [Eater National]

Good news - Americans are now eating less trans fats. Woohoo! Wow, trans fasts, how "aughts" is that? [USAT]

And Pizza Hut isn't the only one offering pricey engagement treats for V-Day, a Philadelphia-based cupcakery is making a $55,000 cupcake complete with engagement ring. [HuffPo]

Obsession of the Week: Flaming the Garnish 0 comments

By James Mulcahy

High-end cocktail bar Booker and Dax just opened in the back of New York's Momofuku Ssam Bar, and if you haven't heard, they take a flaming hot poker and dip it into the cocktails to caramelize the sugars and add a little char to the libations. But, what if you don't have a 1,500 degree metal rod lying around?

The other night, we dropped by perennially popular Flatiron Lounge and were reminded that you don't need fancy bells and whistles to add a little smoke to your beverage. All you need is a citrus peel and a match. The tenders at Flatiron hold a lit match slightly above the cocktail, take the peel, and squeeze that oil right into the flame. There is a little burst of fire and a bit of smoky citrus added to the drink. For the full effect, you can take the burnt section of the garnish and rim the glass with it.

The DC Survey: Michel Richard's Thoughts on the Democratization of Food 0 comments

By Olga Boikess

The DC Restaurants survey is underway, and we’d love to hear your views on the area dining scene. To start your creative juices flowing, we’re also asking some of the Capital’s high-profile chefs and restaurateurs for their views.

Michel Richard is known for his whimsical, creative cooking. He’s also a prolific restaurateur with his high-end Modern French Citronelle in Georgetown, his New American/French brasserie Central in the Penn Quarter and in Las Vegas, his New American/French Michel in the Ritz Carlton/Tysons Corner, and the fast-food concept Meatballs, which his recipes helped inspire. Rumors are flying about his possible new ventures in Atlantic City and New York - but that’s another story.

Top Chef Texas Episode 14: There's No Crying In Fine Dining 1 comments

Image via Bravo

By Kelly Dobkin

She's baaaaack! At the beginning of last night's episode the winner of Last Chance Kitchen (Bravo's online-only show in which eliminated chefs fight it out to re-enter the competition) was revealed to be Beverly, to the chagrin of Lindsay and Sarah (who thought they had seen the last of her whiny-ass antics). Sarah doesn't waste time sharing her feelings on Bev's return: "I'm not happy to see Bev. She is off in her own Bev land, and I'm not buying a ticket there anytime soon." Hiyo! Tell us how you really feel, girl.

Anyway, last night's quickfire challenge is revealed to have crazy twist - the winner gets to choose between a new Prius and or a guaranteed spot in the finale. The challenge is to hunt for ingredients while blindfolded which makes for some pretty amusing television. There are obvious snafus as the contestants are unable to see what ingredients they are selecting (and must use every selected item in their basket). Beverly accidentally grabs avocado and more tragically, Ed accidentally grabs pork casings thinking the package is pancetta. Yikes. Sarah's dish is declared the winner and goes for the guaranteed spot in the finale, despite what the other chefs might think. Ed equates it with a lack of confidence and the other chefs vow that they would gone with the car because they want to "earn their spot" by competing in the elimination challenge. Yeah yeah whateves...

Join Us at an Exclusive Wine Tasting at Anfora! 0 comments

By Jacqueline Wasilczyk

As we hope you know, your opinion matters to us, and to show our appreciation, we're hosting an exclusive wine tasting at Anfora for Top Surveyors in our NYC Shopping survey. To receive two invitations, simply visit this website, register by February 20 and start voting on the shops you frequent in the city. Each review will be considered as a new entry, and 20 winners will be named based on the quality of submissions. Come March 1, it's party time, and if you're chosen, you and a friend will get to sip and nibble some prized wines and snacks. So stop reading - it's time to start voting.

Evanston Welcomes Soulwich and Todoroki Hibachi and Sushi 0 comments

By Alice Van Housen

Get the lowdown on two Asian arrivals offering the likes of Singapore-inspired sandwiches, Japanese hibachi and all-you-can-eat sushi.

Inexpensive sandwiches of mixed Asian influence (predominantly Singapore and Burma - not your typical banh mi) tickle Evanston tastebuds with traditional curries, spices, organic local produce and housemade sauces at contemporary contender Soulwich, which also offers various vegetarian/vegan options, a few ‘salad boxes’ and exotic soft drinks; the counter-service setting is casual, decorated with brightly colored with space-age seating and framed posters (1634 Orrington Ave., Evanston; 847-382-2222).

Catalyst Begins Brunch 0 comments

By Naomi Kooker

New American Catalyst in Cambridge has started serving brunch on Sundays, featuring dishes such as lobster, spinach, white corn grits, poached egg and brioche; peppercorn buttermilk biscuits, soft scrambled eggs and spicy onion marmalade; and Panko French toast with maple syrup. Beats reheating leftovers when you wake up... (11 AM-2:30 PM; prices range from $11-$15; 617-576-3000).

Di Bruno Bros. Plans Full-Service Restaurant for Rittenhouse Square 0 comments

Di Bruno in the Italian market

By Danya Henninger

One thing Philadelphia culinary icon Di Bruno Bros. has never had is a full-service restaurant. That may change as soon as this summer, when the upstairs cafe at its 18th Street emporium is transformed into an à la carte dining room.

The family-run business has been on an expansion tear of late. The Italian Market cheese cave, started by brothers Danny and Joe Di Bruno in 1939, is still the hottest stop on any foodie tour of the city (ask the cheesemongers behind the cramped counter to show you their fromage-inspired tattoos next time you squeeze through the door).

After the brothers’ grandchildren - Billy Jr., Emilio and Bill - took the reins in the early '90s, they expanded the business to include importing and wholesale transactions, and in 2005 the Rittenhouse gourmet super-deli opened to great acclaim.

The Best Thing We Ate Last Night: Indochine's Steamed Vietnamese Ravioli 0 comments

By James Mulcahy

How on earth does a restaurant stay open for more than 25 years? Let's go a little deeper in Indochine's case. After dining there last night, we have to ask: how does a decades-old restaurant not only manage to stay open, but pack the house with a fashionable crowd on a Wednesday night when most other new eateries can barely fill 8 seats? Well, if we could answer that question, it's likely that we would have opened a place long ago. The menu has been remarkably consistent over the years, and with the bustling vibe it seems that sharing a bunch of items is really the way to go. We liked the steamed Vietnamese ravioli, which are presented on a bed of bean sprouts in a bamboo steamer and stuffed with chicken, shrimp, shallots and shiitake mushrooms.

The dish is served with a sweet dipping sauce, and we suggest pairing it with the ginger-spiked Gin Gin cocktail, which was recently added to the list for Fashion Week. Oh, and one secret to this place's success. In the realm of $20 apps and $30 entrees, these suckers are only $11. Suh-weet (212-505-5111).

First Look: Son Cubano Reopens With "No Jeans" Policy in West Chelsea 0 comments

By Anna Hyclak

Good news for people who love mojitos – Latin-themed restaurant/nightclub Son Cubano has finally reopened 13 blocks north of its original location, in the former Cain space at 544 W. 27th St. The new place has an old-school Havana supper-club vibe, with white-clothed tables circling a black-and-white checkerboard dance floor and large, glitzy chandeliers catching light from the blue neon palm trees on the walls behind the bar.

Those who used to dance on tables at Cain will find a much different atmosphere at Son Cubano – while there are some nightclub-y elements (including a strict no-jeans policy for guys and a $20-30 weekend cover charge if you show up just for the dancing), it’s got a much more low-key, laid-back feel. Guests are encouraged to come for dinner (hopefully snagging one of the tables right on the dance floor), then stay and get their Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights on afterward. A (very loud) live band will perform six nights a week, with DJs spinning Latin beats after 11. This area has seen a lot of nightlife-centric destinations come and go, so it will be interesting to see if the late-night crowds turn out.

Empanada Mama Headed to LES, Ellabess Closes 1 comments

Empanada Mama

By James Mulcahy

It's going to be empanada time in a few more neighborhoods when Hell's Kitchen eatery Empanada Mama expands. The teeny restaurant already announced that they would be opening an outpost in the East Village - that one is still planned for 513 Sixth Avenue and will be rolled out this Spring. But, there's also third location in the works that will debut even earlier than that on the Lower East Side. Diners will be able to enjoy an empanada or two along with pitchers of sangria at 189 Houston Street (between Ludlow and Orchard) when that location opens this March. While that operation is going full swing, turns out news isn't so good down at the NoLitan Hotel.

Short-lived Ellabess, from the team behind West Village gems L'Artusi and Dell'Anima has shuttered after less than a year in business. The news comes after a recent spruce up, which apparently couldn't save the space. The hotel plans to launch a new eatery in a few months time.

Savoy's Replacement Will Be Dubbed Back Forty West 1 comments

Hopefully Pacifico will bring her burger... 

By James Mulcahy

Thinks are shaping up at Peter Hoffman's redo of the SoHo Savoy space, which he has promoted as a more casual eatery in the vein of his popular Alphabet City restaurant, Back Forty. A couple weeks ago, we broke news that Back Forty chef Shanna Pacifico had left the kitchen at that restaurant to helm the new project. Well, today we have word that the new digs should be at least somewhat familiar to her, as Hoffman has dubbed the project Back Forty West. While the menu won't be exactly the same as the one at the current Forty, it will be similar - we can't imagine a place like this would be complete with a kick-butt burger designed by Pacifico. The opening is still a few weeks off, so stay tuned for more developments. Over in Alphabet City, chef Michael Laarhoven has been promoted from within the kitchen to the new head chef (70 Prince St.).

Coming Soon: Chef's Night Off To Move Into New Space 0 comments

Founders Evan and Sarah Rich

By Meesha Halm

Looks like soon there'll be a lot fewer nights off for Chefs’ Night Off pop-up founders Evan and Sarah Rich. According to the Inside Scoop,the husband-and-wife team - whose bona fides include Coi, Quince and Michael Mina between them - have signed a lease to open a brick-and-mortar location of their own in Hayes Valley. Based on reports,they’ve snagged the space at 199 Gough, which is currently home to thestill operational Paul K restaurant. The still to be named restaurant willoffer accessible San Francisco-style food and a full liquor license. ETA islater this year, and no word yet on when Paul K is closing. The duo plan to hostseveral more Chefs’ Night Off pop-ups until they open formally. Followthe Rich’s progress on their Facebook page.