I don’t know whether it is some sort of über-hip response to conventional expectations, or maybe it’s the prevalence of young chefs who know how to cook but don’t have the experience to crack the whip with the help, but too many restaurants with solid, interesting kitchens Continue reading “Good Food, Crappy Service: A Growing Trend”
Brabant Belgian Brasserie — New York, NY
Ah, the grand question that most New Yorkers ask themselves at least a few times: “Where the hell should we eat in Midtown?” If money is no object then the answer is simple. Jean Georges or Marea or Per Se if you can get a reservation. And don’t forget Continue reading “Brabant Belgian Brasserie — New York, NY”
Bar Etiquette
One of the pleasures of bar dining is the hustle and bustle of a busy city bar, with all of the dynamics of the mix of diners and drinkers and watchers, and all of the rest of the people who make up the crowd in a good place.
I mention “city bar,” because there is an unspoken set of Continue reading “Bar Etiquette”
Put On A Coat And Tie, You Idiot
My lovely wife and I recently celebrated our anniversary at one of our favorite restaurants. We had a marvelous time, with excellent (bordering on great) food, wonderful service, and an eye-opening experience with an Austrian white wine. Great stuff!
It is by no stretch of the imagination a casual restaurant; Continue reading “Put On A Coat And Tie, You Idiot”
The Hatchery — Ludlow, Vermont
How many breakfast joints serve real Vermont maple syrup with their pancakes and French Toast — and tell you not to use your cellular phone? Well, we found one, and it was great. So great, in fact, that we had breakfast (late) or lunch (early) for four straight days. Why only four days? Well, we had to leave Continue reading “The Hatchery — Ludlow, Vermont”
Risotto: The Conventional Wisdom Is Wrong
One of the reasons why risotto is surprisingly expensive — sometimes the most expensive dish on the menu — is that it is quite labor-intensive. Most classic recipes require constant stirring for about 20-30 minutes, and that costs restaurants lots of money. Continue reading “Risotto: The Conventional Wisdom Is Wrong”
Boston, Barbara Lynch And The Red Sox (Part 2)
…I saw the plan clearly. She lures people from across the street by carefully leaving open a door to her very interesting prep kitchen, and when they wander in, she immobilizes them with cheerful banter about food. When they are relaxed and unable to defend themselves, she pounces! We were being forced Continue reading “Boston, Barbara Lynch And The Red Sox (Part 2)”
The Responsibilities Of A Food Blogger (Ethics 101)
There are millions of bloggers, and who knows how many of them are focused on food and cooking and restaurants. I haven’t had time to count them, but there are lots of them. Most are like this one — a dozen to a few hundred hits each day, with probably a tenth of those being regular readers and Continue reading “The Responsibilities Of A Food Blogger (Ethics 101)”
Bistro 55 Revisited
I have no particular agenda when I write about restaurants. Obviously my goal is to eat only in places that succeed in providing the quality of food, service and ambiance (I hate that word, but I can’t think of any better) that they promise. Then, write glowingly about my wonderful experience. And equally obviously that rarely happens. Continue reading “Bistro 55 Revisited”
Bistro 55 — Rochelle Park, New Jersey (Or, Tommy, You Ignorant Slut!)
Tommy, of the justifiably well-known local food blog, tommy:eats, has become unhinged and is currently raving about a new local restaurant that, if it fixes its many flaws, very well may be the local equivalent of Blue Smoke or the late, much-lamented Continue reading “Bistro 55 — Rochelle Park, New Jersey (Or, Tommy, You Ignorant Slut!)”