Culinary Classes: Fair Food, Le Virtu and Farm and Fisherman 0 comments

Le Virtu pastry chef Angela Ranalli at work

Story and Photo by Danya Henninger

Have a little time on your hands this summer? Take the opportunity to get hands on with one of several cooking classes and seminars from area chefs and experts.

Fair Food Philadelphia is teaming up with Reading Terminal Market to host a series of workshops in the new Rick Nichols Room. First up is “Fun With Fermentation” on Tuesday, June 25, in which pickle blogger Amanda Feifer will take you through basics on pickles, sauerkraut and fruit vinegar ($35; tickets). Next is a July 11 seminar on making cheese, where a Caputo Brothers Creamery cheesemaker will lead you through making fresh mozzarella with local milk, and other curds ($40; tickets). Each session includes light snacks and beer from Victory.

Clover Blossoms into Burlington 0 comments

Clover's original location in Harvard Square

By Naomi Kooker

As previously reported here, Clover Food Lab is growing all over. Their third brick-and-mortar locale is slated to open on June 28 (or thereabouts) at 100 Burlington Mall Rd. in the Burlington Marketplace plaza. It’ll be the first suburban location for the vegetarian-friendly organic-when-possible food company, whose roots started with food trucks.

Clover has more than seven food trucks, and has plans for expansion in more than four new locations throughout the surrounding Boston area, including Brookline Village. Stay tuned!

Nick San Plato por Plato 0 comments

Un maki muy especial con camarón en tempera y un divertido juego de texturas y temperaturas

Por Alejandro Zárate Vega

Tal vez valga la pena aclarar la confusión existente en torno a la marca Nick San. Este exitoso restaurante inició operaciones en Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, hace casi 20 años y desde allá generó tal fascinación que pronto su prestigio era bien conocido en la Ciudad de México. Hace ya 11 años se abrió una sucursal en Paseo de las Palmas, un local muy vanguardista para su época. Al principio todo funcionó de maravilla pero pronto, problemas de consistencia en la calidad les trajo mala fama. El lugar terminó por cerrar pero para entonces ya se conocían otras sucursales, algunas cerraron y otras siguen abriendo tanto en la Ciudad de México como en Nayarit y Los Cabos.

5 Grand Boulevards Around The World 0 comments

You know where this is, right? Photo by Elisabeth Blanchet.

By Alexis Flippin

Few expressions of urban life are more vibrant than the grand main boulevards that course through a city center. The pride of urban dwellers, these boulevards have a democratic soul, in spite of the often pricey real estate on either side. The best of the world’s grand boulevards are the work of forward-thinking urban planners who envisioned beautiful avenues that are truly transporting. Here are five grand esplanades you won’t want to miss.

Treat House to Tempt UWS with Crispy Rice Sweets 0 comments

By Simon Butler

Thought the Cronut was the be all and end all of sugary tidbits, didn’t ya? Well, there’s a new sweets maker in town that may cause you to rethink another age-old favorite: the crispy rice treat. Treat House, nestled in a small storefront on Amsterdam Avenue’s hopping “restaurant row” between 81st and 82nd streets, is expecting to specialize in just that, albeit in flavors that promise more than just the plain-vanilla, marshmallowy stylings we’ve cherished since our childhood.

According to Treat House’s website, the idea for this enterprise was engendered from the need to raise money for charity through a bake sale put on by the children of entrepreneurs Chris and Jennifer Russell. The website goes on to say that pastry chef Wendy Israel will be working the magic in the kitchen. And although it’s not known what flavors the store will specifically carry, Treat House’s Facebook page offers a peek at the creativity that may inform the product offerings: s’mores, bubble gum, birthday cake and caramel fleur de sel. Yeah, these aren’t your everyday crispy rice treats – though they might become a habit as soon as we get our hands on them.

According to its Twitter feed, its bricks-and-mortar store (located at 452 Amsterdam Ave.; 212-799-7779) is slated to open in late July of this year. Will we see cronut-type lines out the door once this new shop’s under way? Who knows – but in our opinion, this is one idea that could really stick.

Society on High Opens in Financial District 0 comments

Society on High

By Naomi Kooker

Society on High, a New American by Ian Just (Les Zygomates, Sorriso) opened in the Financial District; a grand opening is set for July 10.

Just focuses on New American cuisine, offering the local bounty of seafood like mussels and lobster, and pan-seared scallops. There’s a bone-in grilled pork chop, 16-ounce rib eye, clam linguini and a barley risotto dish. Entree prices range $22 to $44. As for dessert, apparently the “Elvis” peanut butter cheesecake is already a winner, according to FB fans.

Philly’s Ultimate Summer Guide: Iconic Treats, Festivals, Markets and More 0 comments

By Danya Henninger

Summer officially begins this week with the solstice on June 21, and there is plenty to get excited about. Let the college students return home and the shore birds head to Jersey, we’ve got a great time planned right here in the city. Where can you find edible and drinkable fun in Philadelphia this season? Click through to find out.

Where to Buy Coffee on the Internet; Cali Bar Requires Heels to Enter 0 comments

By Kelly Dobkin

• Why Food Aversions Occur and How to Tackle Them [Eatocracy]
• California Bar Requires Heels and Annoys Customers [HuffPo]
• Bacon and Red Meat Tied to Diabetes Risk [NPR]
• Where to Buy Coffee on the Internet [SE]

El Restaurante Tíos llega a San Ángel 0 comments

Para abrir el apetito; Foto: Tíos

Por Marisol Rueda

Los comensales del sur de la Ciudad de México ya pueden disfrutar de la cocina de barrio de Tíos con la apertura de una nueva sucursal que sobresale por su gran terraza, súper recomendable para pasar una de estas tardes veraniegas tapeando y tomando un vinito.

La carta es básicamente la misma que en el resto de las sucursales, pero en Tíos San Ángel se ha agregado una hamburguesa de atún que vale la pena probar. Pretextos no faltarán para visitar este nuevo lugar.

Av. de la Paz 57, San Ángel; 55 5550-0000

Biz and First Class LA Fliers Get Donuts on Singapore Airlines 0 comments

Photo by Ryan Dickey via Flickr

By Colleen Clark

Coffee? Tea? Donut? That’s what some passengers flying out of Los Angeles on Singapore Airlines hear, the Los Angeles Times reports. The carrier changes its onboard menu by departure city to include local dishes and drinks. Fliers on San Francisco to Hong Kong or South Korea can sip Napa Valley wines. But we think LA departures have it best. They get deep-fried donut deliciousness courtesy of landmark bakery Randy’s Donuts. The bakery makes the pastries fresh daily for passengers in the business- and first-class cabins. That would definitely make us consider an upgrade.

The Scene at Serpico, Opening This Week 0 comments

Story and Photo by Danya Henninger

The highly anticipated South Street collaboration from former Momofuku chef Peter Serpico and Stephen Starr looks ready to launch. We passed by Tuesday evening and the sign was lit, the paper was down from the windows and a crowd of “friends and family” was enjoying a pre-opening dinner service. A glimpse inside Serpico revealed a large open kitchen with a line of chef’s counter seats, fronted by an array of stand-alone tables. We hear there is also seating at booths and a small bar.

Mission Chinese Food Closing for Two-Week Holiday 0 comments

Photo by Tamara Palmer

By Tamara Palmer

Mission Chinese Food is taking a summer siesta. The restaurant will close after tonight's (June 18) dinner service and will reopen for lunch on July 5. The sister restaurant in New York recently added a number of new items to the menu, and San Francisco is expected to do the same.

Photo of the Day: Paletas + Cocktails 0 comments

By Lesley Balla

The temperature is starting to rise - we can tell by the sweat beading on our brow while typing at our un-air conditioned desk - and summer officially starts this week. Which means one thing: boozy frozen treats. It was a big trend last year, and we like the creative limits our local bartenders are going to to quench both our alcohol and ice cream/shake/popsicle cravings when it's hot outside. The Paleta En Su Jugo at Corazon y Miel, which we hit last week, should most definitely be added to the list. A fruity Mexican ice pop soaking in a rum, coconut and tequila on an 80+ degree day? Yes, please.

Freebie Alert: Coolhaus Doles Out Dexter Sammies This Week 0 comments

By Lesley Balla

What happens when a TV show is produced in Los Angeles, home of one of the country's premier ice cream sandwich companies? You get custom frozen treats like the Killer Combo, a new Coolhaus Shop creation to honor the final season of Showtime's Dexter. The sammie consists of a double chocolate cookie, a Snickerdoodle, Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream and a "bloody" cherry swirl, and is available this month at the Coolhaus shop in Culver City, on the trucks, in grocery stores and available online as Dexter swag.

But starting on Wednesday, June 19, the trucks will dole out free Killer Combos, making stops around Studio City, The Grove, Culver City, Venice, FIDM in Downtown LA, Hollywood and LACMA. At one of the stops, a Dexter cast member will make a guest appearance, too. Bloody good. Follow Coolhaus on Twitter for updates.

Photo of the Day: Carriage House's New Lunch Menu 0 comments

By Sarah Freeman

Our second fried chicken photo of the day comes from chef Mark Steuer at Carriage House. The southern restaurant launched a new lunch menu this week. In addition to this tasty fried chicken sandwich, Steuer serves a fried green tomato BLT, baby back ribs with pepper jelly glaze and an individual portion of the lowcountry boil. Lighter options include a grilled asparagus salad and Charleston she-crab soup. Lunch is served from 11 AM to 2 PM on Tuesdays though Fridays.

Quote of the Day: Jacques Torres Tastes Cronuts for the First Time 0 comments

"I am not a Cronut virgin anymore. So good it's almost better than sex! Bravo, @DominiqueAnsel."

-Pastry chef Jacques Torres tweeted the above after tasting cronuts this AM for the first time. [Twitter]

Kosher Paella, Whole Pig Feast, Lobster Rolls: 3 LA Pop-Ups This Week 0 comments

By Lesley Balla

Even if the pop-up king (Ludovic Lefebvre) has found a much-heralded permanent home at Trois Mec, pop-ups will never wane. Here are three taking place this week worth checking out.

Mexikosher chef Katsuji Tanabe teams up with chef Carmen Ruiz de Huidobro, whose Espanolita Foods stand is a fixture at the Studio City Farmers Market, for Esto Es Realmente Real No Es Un Pop Up (This Is Really, Really Not a Pop Up) tonight, Tuesday, June 18. The 14-course kosher menu will feature gazpacho, croquetas de bacalo, tortilla de patatas, paella and more, plus unlimited sangria and Spanish wine. $90 per person. Seating is extremely limited; buy tickets here (8832 W. Pico Blvd.; 310-271-0900).

Underdogs Pulls Out of South Philly, Medium Rare Out on Sansom? 0 comments

Underdogs is still riding high in Rittenhouse

By Danya Henninger

We’ve been looking forward to the forthcoming arrival of DC’s Medium Rare since the steak frites operation announced its expansion to Philly in February, but we just got a tip that it may not happen. We asked partner Mark Bucher if the deal to open across from Federal Donuts in a new development on Sansom Street had fallen through, and he gave us a “no comment.” Hopefully, talks are just stalled and will pick back up, because all-you-can-eat steak and fries for $19.50 sounds pretty good.

Charlie Palmer and Alex Stupak Both Scouting for New NYC Venues 0 comments

Empellon Cocina

By Beth Landman

At the 25th annual Citymeals-On-Wheels Chefs Tribute this year, which showcased dishes made by top toques from the east and west coasts, some of the talent was relaxed enough to candidly discuss future plans. Charlie Palmer revealed that he is scouting for another New York location. "I'm looking in the Times Square area," said the chef, who explained he was still deliberating about what concept would work best in that neighborhood.

Meanwhile, Alex Stupak has his eye on a third restaurant downtown. "I am looking south of 14th Street," said the chef, who has Empellon Taqueria on West 4th St, and Empellon Cocina at 105 First Ave. "It will be Mexican, but I want to do something focused more on masa, with a price point of about $45 per person."

30 Under 30: Scope Out Zagat at NASDAQ 0 comments

By James Mulcahy

Our current group of 30 Under 30 honorees got a special treat this morning, and in doing so impressed us by showing up after all of those pickle backs at last night's after-party (Whiskey Brooklyn, we blame you). The entire crew was invited to ring the opening bell at NASDAQ, and they showed up bright and early to open the market along with Tim and Nina Zagat and head honcho Gannon Hall. It was worth the early call for most of the honorees - after all, it's not every young food world star that winds up on the big display in Times Square. "That's how every morning should start," said one attendee. We firmly agree. Another photo below.

6 Permanent Places for Pop-Ups in San Francisco 0 comments

Naked Kitchen

By Tamara Palmer

While the temporary nature of a pop-up meal holds a certain charm and allure, it's also good when you don't have to work too hard to find a good one. Look to these reliable permanent spots (some in unexpected places) for a regular rotation of different chefs trying out fresh ideas in pop-up situations and you might just discover the next great restaurant concept before it happens.

Guide to Unusual Herbs: A Mini-Primer on 6 Unique Flavors 0 comments

By Kelly Dobkin

With the foraging trend on the rise, chefs are messing around with a whole bevy of lesser-known herbs that go far beyond parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Here's a quick primer on a few that you may not have tasted and how chefs are using them in dishes around the U.S.

Graham Elliot, Gale Gand and Food Trucks at Lollapalooza’s Chow Town 0 comments

By Sarah Freeman

Last year, 15,000 lobster corn dogs were consumed at Lollapalooza, the three-day musical festival to be held this year August 2-4 in Grant Park. Chef and festival culinary director Graham Elliot is back for the fourth year, with more Parmesan-truffle popcorn and chef friends at Chow Town. Old favorites such as Edzo’s, Franks ‘n’ Dawgs, The Smoke Daddy and Glazed and Infused are back, while Elliot welcomes new vendors including pastry chef Gale Gand, who will serve up root beer floats, as well as chef Tony Mantuano with pizza from Bar Toma.

Starbucks Will Now Post Calorie Counts at All Locations 0 comments

Image via Flickr/Ivana Di Carlo

By Kelly Dobkin

Gourmet coffee chain Starbucks has announced it will now post calorie counts for all items at all locations around the U.S. on menu boards beginning June 25. Starbucks spokeswoman Mary Wagner said in a press statement, "Menu labeling is yet another step to extend our commitment to wellness, ensuring our customers and partners (employees) have the information they need to make informed decisions and understand all the ways that they can customize their Starbucks® beverages to be within their desired calorie range." [via PR]

Taste Tour: Three Must-Visit Rooftop Bars in the U.S. 0 comments

By James Mulcahy

For today's Taste Tour, things are looking up. Up to the roof, to be precise. It's summer drinking season, and we're spotlighting three of the East Coast's coolest new rooftop watering holes. Watch the video above to see a penthouse with some of the best views in Manhattan, a joint in Philly that runs with a sexy vibe and a really cool and casual roof in DC where you can chill after a round of mini golf (yes, really). For more Taste Tour videos, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube page:

Oyster Bar, Special Tastings on Tap for Wednesday 0 comments

Matthew Gaudet, executive chef of West Bridge at the James Beard House in April 2013

By Naomi Kooker

This Wednesday, June 19, check out the Renaissance Boston Waterfront’s pop-up Oyster Bar at Capiz Lounge. There’ll be live music, a raw bar area where folks can witness the ins-and-outs of shucking oysters, Cape Cod blood clam shooters, Westport Rivers sparkling wine, specialty cocktails and more. Folks are welcome to come by for the music. Pricing varies, and can be paid with cash (7-9 PM; 617-338-4111).

Somerville American restaurant Foundry on Elm is featuring special beer-tasting menus on Wednesday nights. The menus feature two courses along with two 12-ounce brews (a different brewer each week) so you can get an idea of what goes with what. The special menus are available along with the regular offerings. Get creative, go nuts ($25 per person for the special beer-tasting menus; 617-628-9999).

Looking ahead to July, West Bridge in Cambridge is celebrating executive chef Matthew Gaudet’s win of Food & Wine Best New Chef. Gaudet is crafting special eight-course tasting menus that will showcase his innovative French cooking using the best of New England bounty. The special menus will be available on Wednesday evenings beginning July 3 through July 31. The tasting menus will be $110 per person, $165 to include wine or cocktail pairings, excluding tax and gratuity (617-945-0221).

First Taste: Brangelina's Miraval Rosé Wine 0 comments

By Lesley Balla

Having been whipped by a case of the Mondays, we almost forgot that one of the most interesting things we drank this past weekend was the Miraval rosé from Jolie-Pitt. That's right, we sipped some chilled pink wine from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who released their first vintage this year. The wine is from Chateau Miraval, the duo's 1,000 acre estate in Correns, France, made with the help of Famille Perrin, which owns Chateau Beaucastel. We can't say this about a lot of other celebrity-labeled wines (*cough*Fergie*cough*), but this was actually a very nice rosé.

30 Under 30 NYC: The Restaurants 0 comments

By James Mulcahy

You've scoped out our 2013 list of young culinary talent, and now it's time to see these food world stars in action. The slide show below is your tasting tour to our list - hit up these restaurants, bars and stands and surely you'll agree why these folks deserve the spotlight.

PYT Does a Potato Skins Burger 1 comments

By Danya Henninger

We couldn’t possibly cover every single PYT burger of the week (and some of them are just too far out there), but this one looks like another knock-out by Tommy Up and chef Kim Malcolm. You've had meat on potato skins before, but have you ever had potato skins on your meat? Yes, the bun for this week’s patty is a pair of loaded potato skins.

Iconic Summer Dishes in Austin: Chilled Fruit Soup at Eastside Cafe 0 comments

By Megan Giller

As the weather heats up, this week we're highlighting iconic summer dishes in our city. Today it's Eastside Cafe's unique fruit soups. A longtime Austin staple, the East Manor Road restaurant prides itself on using organic produce and making a commitment to health as well as taste. Don’t believe us? Check out the garden behind the cute refurbished house as well as the chicken coop, where the restaurant procures most of its eggs.

On the menu each day is a different chilled fruit soup. One of the most satisfying summer dishes around, the soups (think dewberry orange, strawberry and more) are kind of like a smoothie but better, especially when eaten with a spoon. We guarantee you’ll feel 10 degrees cooler and much happier.

9 Hotels Catering to Foodies Right Now 0 comments

The Ocean House, Rhode Island

By Chris Walsh

While in-room dining might soon be a thing of the past, hotels have long been diversifying their culinary fare to meet increasing traveler demands and expectations. Consider the now-normal dining options at many hotels: celebrity-chef restaurants, farm-to-table menus, on-site artisanal mixologists, bee foraging experiments and about a million other unique alternatives that have been embraced. We know no one has to look far these days for stellar hotel dining options in the states, but here we wanted to round up hotels and resorts with something new and interesting to try right now (or very soon) for those of us who travel, in part, to eat and drink. Here are nine hotels with something extra for gourmand guests.

Now Open: American BBQ and Asian Comfort Food at Smalls 0 comments

By Sarah Freeman

More fried chicken is here - we warned you that it was trending. Joaquin Soler, the chef/owner of the Brown Bag Lunch Truck, has opened up Smalls, a tiny, five-seat BBQ shack in Irving Park. The  professionally trained chef (who has roots in Asian cuisine) first opened up a food truck in 2011 to serve classic American BBQ with an ethnic twist. Now, he's parked the truck to focus on this new operation serving smoked pork shoulder or hickory smoked brisket. The restaurant, focusing on carryout, is open all week for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as weekend brunch.

WeHo's Iconic Irv's Burgers on the Chopping Block - Again 0 comments

By Lesley Balla

Development plans have threatened Irv's Burgers on Santa Monica Boulevard, one of LA's classic burger stands, around since 1950, for years. Back in 2005, a group called the Burger Brigade helped Sonia Hong and her family get the iconic Route 66 shack designated as a cultural landmark by the city of West Hollywood, allowing it to stand so we can all get a great cheeseburger on a paper plate scribbled with a friendly message.

Now a new club is planned for the property next door, which may or may not be the reason the landlord decided to evict the Hongs, who've owned and operated the stand since 2000. There was a significant rent increase, a number of deliberations but the notice officially came down, according to Route 66 News, and Irv's Burgers may close as early as June 29. Hong filed for extensions, according Squid Ink, but this might really be it. Go get your burger and a taste of nostalgia while you can. [Via WeHoVille]

(Photo: Waltrrrr/Flickr)

Distrito Launches Taco Tuesdays and New Tasting Menus 0 comments

Story and Photo by Danya Henninger

For the first four and a half years of its existence, Distrito was pretty much Taco-Tuesday-free. Not anymore. Now you can hit up the Jose Garces cantina in West Philly each Tuesday from 5-7 PM to score $2 tacos along with other new happy hour deals. It’s all part of a revamp that also brings a handful of new dishes and two new tasting menu options.

Uchi’s 86’d Finale Competition Heats Up the Night 0 comments

By Megan Giller

Last night some very talented back-of-house staff from restaurants Sway, Congress and Foreign & Domestic cooked some tasty-looking appetizers, entrees and desserts for a panel of intimidating chef judges. It was the final round of 86’d, Uchi’s version of Chopped. We covered the fourth semifinal round in depth, from the first ingredient bag ripped open to the last word from the judges.

Here are the highlights from last night. Judge Aaron Franklin from Franklin Barbecue poked his fork at judge Josh Watkins from the Carillon, who was sharing his dish, and joked, “Get out of my way.” Judge Jason Dady of Jason Dady Restaurants ate all of the pork belly off the top of Congress’s John Hajash’s dish in the appetizer round, leaving judge Mat Clouser of Swift’s Attic in the cold. Sway’s Joaquin Ceballas stabbed himself with an errant pheasant bone in the entrée round and had to resort to wearing a glove, a la Michael Jackson. Sway’s pastry chef Laura Sawicki shouted “Waka waka waka” for Joaquin as he presented his dishes to the judges.

Holograms Greet Fliers at Airport Security 0 comments

A hologram at Edinburgh Airport; photo courtesy of Tensator

By Colleen Clark

The future is here folks. And her name is Carla. The reportedly $26,000 holographic avatar instructs travelers in line at Boston Logan International Airport in how to prepare for security screenings. Similar "virtual assistants" work 24-7 at airports in Istanbul, Long Beach, Dubai, Washington Dulles and Macau. Art and design magazine Domus explores the future of these holograms in their latest issue. By next year companies hope to produce interactive holograms that can answer questions about flight times, gate locations and rental car info via touch screen interfaces or voice recognition a la Siri. What do you think? Can holograms improve the airport experience? Or do you prefer live assistance when flying?

Davio's Whips Up Lucky Charms Ice Cream 0 comments

Lucky Charms ice cream at Davio's

By Naomi Kooker

File this under crazy marketing (and timely) schemes, but if you were lucky enough to catch the double rainbow yesterday, it’ll all make sense: Davio’s is featuring a Lucky Charms ice cream today, made in-house, to celebrate the rainbow. Yes, the poor pastry chef has sorted out the marshmallow charms from the cereal, inspired by a not-so-distant Bon Appetit blog. We're hoping the rainbow/ice cream is a good omen. Since the Bruins play game three of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Chicago Blackhawks tomorrow, here’s to luck all around (617-357-4810).

il Buco Alimentari Launches Houseware Line, Will Debut Custom Travel Service 0 comments

By James Mulcahy

Sounds like il Buco is pulling a Martha. Whenever we visit il Buco Alimentari we totally want to take a little piece home with us, which we do in the form of the goods in the commissary in the front of the space. Well, now you'll have a bowl to serve it in - as the venue will curate a line of housewares dubbed il Buco Vita.

The offerings will be handcrafted in Italy and include Tchotchke like candles, textiles, dishes and pottery as chosen by Donna Lennard, the restaurant's owner. The eatery is going full lifestyle brand, and plans to roll out a custom travel service for trips to Tuscany, which will tie together food and design visits curated by Lennard and her team.

15 Hot Rooftops and Patios for Summer Around the U.S. 0 comments

High at Hotel Erwin, LA

By Zagat Staff

With temperatures heating up around the nation, the time for outdoor eating and drinking is upon us! We've picked out some of the best spots to do just that, whether it's high up on a rooftop overlooking the city or a few stories up on a perched patio. Check out alfresco selections from our eight blog cities in the slide show.

14 Picnic Boxes for Summer Movies and Music Around LA 0 comments

Get provisions for the Bowl

By Lesley Balla

There are many reasons why you'll need a great picnic spread this season - concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theatre, screenings at Cinespia and Hollywood Forever Cemetery, days at the beach or an afternoon at the park, to name a few - and we know just where you should go for all your provisions. Check out any one of these 14 great spots for picnic boxes, pizza, wine, antipasti, cheese and all sorts of snacks and finger foods.

15 Soft-Shell Crab Dishes to Try Now Around DC 0 comments

Mintwood Place's chickpea stuffed soft shell crab

By Olga Boikess

Soft-shell crabs are at their peak right now, and restaurants are making the most of it. Chefs are finding imaginative ways to showcase their delicate, sweet meat and crackly, paper-thin shell and claws. Look for them on pizza, in sandwiches and dressed up in Southern, Chesapeake, Asian and European styles. Check out some of the mouthwatering possibilities in the slide show.

Potito’s Bakery Brings South Philly Treats to Center City 0 comments

Story and Photos by Danya Henninger

One of South Philly’s favorite treats is now available in Center City, and it doesn’t trade in any deliciousness for its convenience. Twenty-five-year Rittner Street fixture Potito’s Bakery opened at the corner of Juniper and Walnut early this spring, and offers an array of cookies, cakes chocolates and of course, cannoli.

5 Restaurantes para Reuniones de Trabajo 0 comments

El jamón ibérico es siempre un buen pretexto para romper el hielo y luego hablar de negocios

Por Alejandro Zárate Vega

¿Para qué negarlo? Todos tenemos un poco de workoholics, probablemente en fin de semana bajamos un poco el ritmo pero, de lunes a viernes cualquier instante es bueno para revisar los correos electrónicos, hacer una llamada y ¿por qué no? organizar una junta vía chat antes o durante la comida. El Working Lunch es cada vez más común y, no hay razón para quedarse encerrado en una sala de juntas y comer horrorosas ensaladas con aderezos de mala calidad. Ésta es una lista de cinco lugares ideales para hacer juntas con final delicioso y exitoso.

Austin's First Izakaya, The Dojo, to Open in July 0 comments

Ramen from Ramen Tatsu-Ya, one of the Dojo's competitors

By Megan Giller

This July, Austin will be home to more than just ramen. The Dojo, our city’s first official izakaya (a Japanese pub), is set to open next month in the former Tokyo Steakhouse space off Burnet Road and 183. The izakaya will specialize in small plates and teppanyaki-like grilled dishes in addition to noodles, all served into the wee hours.

Aspen F&W 2013: It's a Wrap 0 comments

Image by Galdones Photography/Food & Wine

By Kelly Dobkin

Missed all of our weekend-long coverage of this year's Food & Wine Classic in Aspen? Click here to catch up on all the events, parties, photos and celebrity chef interviews we snagged while we were in town.

Cronut Wannabes Hit Chicago: The Cronut Vs. the Dossant 0 comments

By Sarah Freeman

Last week, we were at Green City Market when we saw a crow take off from the grass with an entire donut in its beak. “Oh look, that must be the crow-nut everyone is talking about,” we said. “It finally flew all the way to Chicago.” Sadly, we were misinformed, and this surprisingly strong bird with a taste for fried dough was not the trend sweeping the nation. A cronut is, in fact, a donut made with croissant dough that is filled with custard and topped with a touch of floral frosting.

What’s the big deal? What's the allure of this creation, invented by New York City baker Dominique Ansel, that has people lining up at the crack of dawn, paying upwards of $40 on the donut black market (awesome, by the way, that this exists) and staging riots in the bakery? Well, we live in lame-o Chicago that is too cool, or not cool enough, to lessen itself to fads (though, the glazed croissant at Roeser's Bakery is a delicious alternative). The suburbs, however, are primed for copycats. And sure enough, within weeks of the cronut crazy sweeping NYC, the first imitations popped 30-45 minutes away from Chicago by car.

Bertrand Grébaut et sa recette "fond de frigo" 0 comments

By Ivy Chang

"On aime bien se préparer un reste de poulet rôti avec du riz cuit au riz vapeur relevé d'un condiment fait avec du persil, coriandre, sauce au soja et bien citronné. Un régal." 
-Interview de Bertrand Grébaut, chef du restaurant Septime, via [Chocolate and zucchini]

Bushwick Gets Its Own Restaurant Week After Dine In Snub 0 comments

Northeast Kingdom

By James Mulcahy

The restaurant community in Brooklyn was none too happy when this year's lineup for the Dine In promotion was announced without a single eatery from the up and coming hood. Well, yesterday marked the beginning of the neighborhood's very own restaurant week, which will take place across the borough through June 22. Instead of a catch-all fixed price setup, the promotion is allowing venues to set their own deals, so you'll find hook up for free brews, 15% off situations and tastings of whiskeys. You can get the full lineup of participants here.

7 Secret Places In The Yucatan 0 comments

By Christine Delsol

Before Chichen Itza was anointed one of the "New 7 Wonders of the World" in 2007, most foreign visitors knew little of the Yucatan beyond the beaches of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Chichen Itza's ascendance and the 2012 end-of-the-world furor earned the peninsula a bright blip on the tourist radar, more than 170 years after John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Cather Wood's Incidents of Travel in Yucatan enticed the first travelers with tales of a "lost" civilization. But plenty of Mexico's "Undo Maya" remains for the traveler to discover. Here are some of the best places to do it.

Top City Chefs Featured in Boston Food Festival This July 0 comments

Jody Adams

By Naomi Kooker

You’ve probably heard about Outside The Box, Boston’s first annual performing arts and music festival at Boston Common taking place from July 13-21. Los Lobos and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones are on the roster, and there’s a food component to go with.

The Boston Food Fest will be held at City Hall Plaza, July 18-21, and feature cooking demonstrations and dishes from some of the city’s top chefs. The fest itself is complimentary, but you do need tasting tickets to sample food. Each chef will determine the price (number of tickets) for her or his culinary treat. The over 30 chefs lined up include Ming Tsai (Blue Ginger; Blue Dragon); Lydia Shire (Scampo; Towne Stove and Spirits); Jason Santos (Blue Inc.; Abby Lane Food & Spirits); Jody Adams (Rialto; Trade) and many more. There will also be a beer and wine emporium for ages 21+ to complement the food.

Tickets will be sold daily at the kiosks. The Boston Food Fest will take place at City Hall Plaza (Thursday-Saturday: 11 AM-9 PM; Sunday: 11 AM-5 PM. For more information, click here).