September 22, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Proud Libertine/Solace
Not that I necessarily expected to see debauchery at the low lit bar, or find Wall Streeters on the next banquette declaiming Byron, dressed like the Marquis de Sade, chanting Rimbaud….
September 15, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Bloomingdale Road/Daniel Makeover
This is not just another lineup of comfort food. It’s playpen time. It’s the homey and weirdo hour. We have chicken lollipops-Buffalo with blue cheese fondue…
September 8, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Apiary Buzz
Like a privileged first child in an ambitious family with excellent connections, Apiary has a top of the line nursery – slick modern design by partner Ligne Rosset starring…
September 2, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Cup o’Ippudo
We’re forced to cut through a gaggle of young Japanese possessively pacing the sidewalk, the vestibule crowded with defiant dawdlers, and the entire student population of Japan...
August 25, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Encores: Morandi, Harrison
Anxious clotlettes of people are waiting outside as taxis drop off titled, untitled and entitled women chirping Italian, kiss-kissing the animated god at the maitre d’ stand…
August 18, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Allegretti Tempo
Alain Allegretti may have opened his doors Monday short a chef or three in the kitchen, but he's a pro after all… ready Thursday for Hillary and Bill with Chelsea and her boyfriend…
August 11, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Eighty One Uptick
I’ve been hearing a lot of raves for Eighty One recently -- three times last week alone. “Amazing meal.” “Michelin three star food.” “It’s my new favorite restaurant...”
August 4, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Sweet and Tart/Almoncello
The sweet little goody-two-shoes snack shop is back in Flushing with a stunning new menu…I miss Almondito, but its Italy-inspired changeling Almoncello is my kind of Hamptons, too…
July 28, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Forge On
All in black Marc Forgione stands feet wide apart rather Ninja-like, but maybe trying to look a tad taller, in his own shoes, at last. "I know your dad, of course..."
July 21, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Paris Splurge/Mouths of the Times
My guy and I vowed we would avoid the Euro-zone this year. As a chronic penny pincher – regular readers will have noticed – I’m undone by the wobbling dollar…
July 14, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Merci Bocuse
Given the speed and reliability of France’s TGV train – getting to Lyon for lunch with Paul Bocuse is a cinch compared to inching your way to Easthampton on Friday in time for dinner…
July 7, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
5 Napkins/Paris
Now that 5 Napkin Burger has moved into the space that was Jezebel's...Simon Oren and chef partner Andy D'Amico have their own little Monopoly game going on Ninth Avenue...
June 30, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Eating Istanbul
How Istanbul has changed, grown, swallowed up its suburbs, planted luxury malls, precious shopping enclaves and hotels (a second Four Seasons, the first W in Europe)…
June 23, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Brasserie Cognac
It’s no cinch to grow up the offspring of charismatic parents. Brasserie Cognac de Monsieur Ballon is a bit gangly in its Balthazar overcoat and britches…
June 16, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Sheridan Square Gentrifies
Can Gary Robins calibrating the fireworks add a little class to the hullabaloo on Seventh Avenue South?...Talay hits Harlem…
June 9, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Chicago Grazing
I’m in Chicago, the city that outlawed foie gras – invited to taste “green” veal – surrounded by foie gras…
June 2, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Centolire in the Groove
Instantly the house’s welcoming lagniappe arrives - a mosaic of prosciutto-wrapped bread sticks, olives, mortadella and cappocolla chunks, pebbles of parmigiano and a small bowl of fresh ricotta whipped with crushed pepper and “a bit” of olive oil, crying out “Eat me, eat me!”
May 27, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Scarpetta Wipes the Plate
Why shouldn’t star chef Scott Conant come back to town doing his top all time hits?...fans have hungered for his mushroom fricassee to spoon over voluptuously rich polenta, his crispy fritto misto and juicy short ribs…
May 19, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
A Taste for Tears
At Jean Georges Friday, I’m feeling that flush you get when strangers love what you’ve raved about…then comes the sensuous omakase at Sushi Zen…
May 12, 2008 | BITE: My Journal
Cacio e Vino
…Word that a new chef had stepped up to the range finally brought us downtown…like so many Sicilians before him, Salvatore Fraterrigo has found a new island…