Morrone & Sons Closes; Luger Loses Star

IN THE NEWS: AM New York reports the recent closing of Morrone & Sons bakery, on East 116th Street in East Harlem since 1956. amny.com … The New York Times’ Frank Bruni knocks off a star, from three stars (excellent) to two (very good), in reviewing the venerable and influential Peter Luger Steak House (178 Broadway, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 718-387-7400) and also visits BLT Fish, while Peter Meehan reviews Justin Timberlake’s new rib joint Southern Hospitality (1460 Second Ave., Upper East Side, 212-249-1001). … Featured openings: Fiamma (206 Spring Street, 212-653-0100), Bobo ((181 W. 10th St., 212-488-2626), Graffiti (224 East 10th Street, 212-464-7743), Bull & Bear Steakhouse, and Tokyo Bar (277 Church St., 212-966-2787). nytimes.com … Andrea Strong’s The Strong Buzz reviews BLT Market (1430 Avenue of the Americas, Sixth Avenue at Central Park South, in the Ritz Carton New York, 212-521-6125) and notes the openings of: Graffiti, chef Jehangir Mehta’s (Jean Georges, Union Pacific, Virot, Aix) first solo restaurant; The Randolph at Broome (354 Broome Street, 212.274.0667); Fiamma; and Japanese spot Yushi (4 World Financial Center, 212-945-3096 and at 245 Park Avenue, 212-687-1900, http://www.yushi.com). … Strong also reports that Derrick Styczek (most recently chef de cuisine at Brooklyn’s The River Cafe) is the new chef at Devin Tavern. thestrongbuzz.com …

New York magazine’s Adam Platt gives no stars to Chinese restaurant Wakiya (2 Lexington Ave., 212-995-1330), two stars to Bar Stuzzichini (928 Broadway, 212-780-5100) and one star to Gemma (335 Bowery, 212-505-9100), while Gael Greene visits Accademia di Vino (1081 Third Ave., 212-888-6333). … The magazine also notes the openings of Bobo, Tokyo Bar, and Fiamma and also reports that the lease has finally been signed on the as-yet-unnamed Daniel Boulud burger restaurant at 299 Bowery, which will be opening in the summer of 2008. nymag.com …

In its October 2007 issue, the 10th Annual Bon Appetit Awards include David Chang (New York City’s Momofuku Noodle Bar and Momofuku Ssam Bar) as Chef of the Year, Dan Barber (New York’s Blue Hill) as Chef of Merit, Kamel Guechida (Joel Robuchon’s restaurants at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas) as Pastry Chef, Audrey Saunders (New York’s Pegu Club) as Wine & Spirits Professional, Father Gregory J. Boyle (Los Angeles’ Homeboy Bakery and Homegirl Cafe) as Humanitarian, Laurent Tourandel (New York’s BLT Steak, BLT Prime, BLT Burger, and BLT Fish) as Restaurateur, and Ari Weinszweig and Paul Saginaw (Zingerman’s Delicatessen in Ann Arbor, Mich.) as Lifetime Achievement. bonappetit.com …

Food Network’s new show “The Next Iron Chef” kicks off at 9 pm EST/PDT Sunday, Oct. 7 as eight chefs compete from across the country compete to join the ranks of legendary Iron Chefs Bobby Flay, Cat Cora, and Mario Batali. The eight competitors: Aaron Sanchez, chef-owner, Paladar and Centrico, New York; Mourou Outtara, chef/owner, FarrahOlivia by Morou, Alexandria, Va.; John Besh, chef/owner Restaurant August, Luke, The Besh Steakhouse at Harrahs, New Orleans; and La Provence, Lacombe, La.), Traci Des Jardins, chef and co-owner Jardiniere; chef/owner, Mijita; managing chef, ACME Chophouse, San Francisco); Chris Cosentino, chef, Incanto and co-owner, Bocccalone Artisanal Meats, San Francisco); Jill Davie, chef de cuisine, Josie Restaurant, Los Angeles; Michael Symon, chef-owner, Lola and Lolita, Cleveland; and Gavin Kaysen, chef de cuisine, El Bizcocho, San Diego. foodnetwork.com …

The Brooklyn Paper’s Ariella Cohen reports the sale of classic diner The New St. Clair Restaurant on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Smith Street in Brooklyn: “Spiro Katehis, owner of the Carroll Gardens Classic Diner, has bought the 40-year-old hash palace from the Costa family, which owned it since 1967. The diner will close at the end of September for a trendy makeover expected to take several months. Katehis said he plans to keep the family-run diner’s name and its affordable, sausage-and-eggs fare, but lose its décor, which can be safely described as “1970s Queens basement,” thanks to a reliance on crystalline chandeliers and taxidermy fish.” brooklynpaper.com … The Daily News’s Danyelle “Restaurant Girl” Freeman gives two and a half stars to Elio’s (1621 Second Ave., at 84th St., 212-772-2242). nydailynews.com … The Village Voice’s Robert Sietsema reviews BarFry (50 Carmine Street, 212-929-5050). villagevoice.com … New York Press’s Amy Sung reviews Korean spot Moim (206 Garfield Place, Brooklyn, 718-499-8092), while Tom Steele visits Brasserie 8 1/2 (9 W. 57th Street, 212-829-0812) and Cara O’Flynn considers Cafe Zaiya. nypress.com … Bloomberg News’ Alan Richman reviews Il Mulino (86 W. 3rd St., 212-673-3783, http://www.ilmulinonewyork.com). bloomberg.com …

The New Yorker’s Ligaya Mishan reviews P*ong (150 W. 10th St., 212-929-0898). newyorker.com … TimeOut New York magazine offers a fall dining preview, notes the Sept. 24 opening of El Quinto Pino (401 W 24th St, 212-206-6900), and reviews Fat Annie’s Truck Stop (131 W 33rd St, 212-695-1122), Oven (60 Henry St, Brooklyn Heights 718-468-6836) and Saju (120 W 44th St, 212-997-7258). timeoutny.com … The Sun’s Paul Adams reviews new Japanese spot Soto (357 Sixth Ave., 212-414-3088). … Bret Thorn reports: the opening of Fiamma, with chef Fabio Trabocchi heading the kitchen, replacing Michael White. … Phillip Kirschen-Clark is the new executive chef of Jimmy’s No. 43. (43 E. 7th St., 212-982-3006) nysun.com …

Eater.com reports: the Sept. 24 opening of Carlos Suarez’s Bobo (181 W. 10th St., West Village; 212-488-2626) and the opening of Tokyo Bar. … Chelsea’s Tour restaurant has closed, to be replaced by Vynl Diner, an outpost of the Hell’s Kitchen Thai diner. … West Village’s Mama Buddha has reopened, as has Soho’s Restaurant Dani … Gothamist.com visits Paloma (60 Greenpoint Ave, 718.349.2400) and Great Burrito (100 W. 23 St., 212-243-0022). … NYCNosh.com reviews Bread Bar at Tabla (25th Street and Madison Avenue, 212-889-0667) and Geisha (33 East 61st Street, 212-813-1112). … EatingInTranslation.com visits Kunjip (9 West 32nd St., 212-216-9487, http://www.kunjip.net) and Café Katja (79 Orchard St.).

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Peter Luger Wins ‘Bon Appetit’ Top Steak

Brooklyn’s Peter Luger Steak House and New Orleans’ Willie Mae’s Scotch House were among the winners in Bon Appetit magazine’s recent Food Network special. Winning restaurants were selected from each of three semifinalists for the best versions of six quintessential American classics: pizza, steak, tacos, hamburgers, fried chicken, and ribs. The winners were announced on the Good Eats with Alton Brown show on the Food Network.

Here are the winners and runners-up:
PIZZA: Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix (WINNER); DiFara Pizza, Brooklyn, NY; Pizzeria Mozza, Los Angeles
STEAK: Peter Luger Steak House, Brooklyn (WINNER); Cut, Los Angeles; Doe’s Eat Place, Greenville, Miss.
TACOS: Taco Taco Cafe, San Antonio (WINNER); Taqueria del Sol, Atlanta; South Beach Bar & Grill, Ocean Beach, Calif.
Hamburgers: Bobcate Bite, Santa Fe, NM (WINNER); Taylor’s Automatic Refresher, St. Helena, Calif; The Meers Store and Restaurant, Lawton, Okla.
FRIED CHICKEN: Willie Mae’s Scotch House, New Orleans (WINNER); Price’s Chicken Coop, Charlotte, NC; Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tenn.
RIBS: 17th Street Bar & Grill, Murphysboro, Ill (WINNER); Charles Vergos Rendezvous, Memphis; Jaspers, Plano, Texas.

IN THE NEWS: The New York Times‘ Frank Bruni gives one star in reviewing the new Latin eatery Rayuela — pronounced rye-u-WELL-a — (165 Allen St., 212-253-8840), visits Johnny Utah’s, and interviews Amalia executive chef Ivy Stark, while Peter Meehan considers Ramen Setagaya (141 First Ave. N., 212-529-2740). … Noted openings: Barfry (50 Carmine St., 212-929-5050), Fiorini (209 E. 56th St., 212-308-0830), Sanctuary T (337B W. Broadway, 212-941-7832), and Toloache (250 W. 50th St., 212-581-1818). nytimes.com … Andrea Strong’s The Strong Buzz reviews Zoë Townhouse (135 E. 62nd St.; 212-752-6000) and reports: John Fraser has left Compass to open a new restaurant on West 77th Street this November. He has been replaced by previous Compass chef Neil Annis. … Chef Josie Smith-Malave of Top Chef, Season 2, has parted ways with Island Restaurant and Lounge (35-15 36th Street, 718-433-0690). She is opening her own project, The Speakeasy, in Fort Greene, set to open this fall. Stepping up as Island’s executive chef is Dan Morales (Mesa Grill, The River Café), who was the restaurant’s sous chef. thestrongbuzz.com … New York magazine’s Adam Platt gives one star in reviewing Suba (109 Ludlow St., 212-982-5714) and Rayuela, while Gael Greene considers Justin Timberlake’s Southern Hospitality (1460 Second Ave.; 212-249-1001). … Noted openings: Barfry, Margaret Palca Bakes (210 Court St., Cobble Hill, Brooklyn; 718-858-2429), nymag.com … The New Yorker‘s Leo Carey reviews Café St. Bart’s (109 E. 50th St., 212-593-3333. newyorker.com … The Voice‘s Robert Sietsema orders from Fresh Direct. villagevoice.com … The New York Post‘s Steve Cuozzo reviews Wakiya. nypost.com … The New York Press‘ David Bardeen reviews Luna Park, while Ernest Barteldes has small plates at Bar Carrera, and Cheap Eats visits Maoz Vegetarian. nypress.com … The Sun‘s Paul Adams reviews Rayuela. nysun.com … TimeOut New York reviews L’Impero (45 Tudor City Pl, 212-599-5045), Alto (11 E 53rd St, 212-308-1099), Soto (357 Sixth Ave, 212-414-3088) and Spirito (287 9th St, Park Slope, Brooklyn, 718-832-0085). timeoutny.com … Eater.com visits Forlini’s (93 Baxter St, Little Italy; 212-349-6779) and reports the closings of Monster Sushi on 23rd Street, Paper Moon on 58th street, Taste of Tokyo on West 13th Street, and Mickey’s Sushi in Forest Hills. … Gothamist.com visits Carrot Top Bakery (5023 Broadway, Inwood, 212-569-1532) and La Estufa (5035 Broadway, Inwood, 212-567-6640).

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

‘Bon Appetit’ Cites DiFara Pizza, Peter Luger

Bon Appetit magazine’s September 2007 Restaurant issue features three finalists in a list of quintessential versions of six American classics: pizza, steak, tacos, hamburgers, fried chicken, and ribs. Winner will be announced on the Food Network on Aug. 18 (Good Eats with Alton Brown, 6 and 10 pm CDT). The finalists:

PIZZA: Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix; DiFara Pizza, Brooklyn, NY; Pizzeria Mozza, Los Angeles
STEAK: Peter Luger Steak House, Brooklyn; Cut, Los Angeles; Doe’s Eat Place, Greenville, Miss.
TACOS: Taco Taco Cafe, San Antonio; Taqueria del Sol, Atlanta; South Beach Bar & Grill, Ocean Beach, Calif.
Hamburgers: Bobcate Bite, Santa Fe, NM; Taylor’s Automatic Refresher, St. Helena, Calif; The Meers Store and Restaurant, Lawton, Okla.
FRIED CHICKEN: Willie Mae’s Scotch House, New Orleans; Price’s Chicken Coop, Charlotte, NC; Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tenn.
RIBS: Charles Vergos Rendezvous, Memphis; 17th Street Bar & Grill, Murphysboro, Ill; Jaspers, Plano, Texas.

The magazine also features favorite restaurant recipes, including: Lucia’s in Minneapolis-St. Paul; Eve in Ann Arbor, Mich.; Dali Restaurant & Tapas Bar in Somerville, Mass.; Binkley’s Restaurant in Cave Creek, Ariz.; Kelly Liken Restaurant in Vail, Colo; Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles; and Park Kitchen in Portland, Ore. … And the mag also features 12 small restaurants and their recipes, including: The Little Owl, New York City; The Good Fork, Brooklyn; La Laiterie at Farmstead, Providence, RI; Cremant, Seattle; Bonne Soiree, Chapel Hill, N.C.; Hatfield’s, Los Angeles; Canteen, San Francisco; Revolver, Findlay, Ohio; Le Pigeon, Portland, Ore; and Komi, Washington, DC. epicurious.com/bonappetit

IN THE NEWS: The New York Times‘ Frank Bruni awards two stars to Suba (109 Ludlow Street), ignores the no-eating-oysters-in-summer rule at Aquagrill, and interviews Tom Colicchio (Craft, Top Chef), who calls Etats-Unis on the Upper East Side the city’s most underrated restaurant. … Peter Meehan considers Shopsin’s General Store (Stall 16 in the Essex Street Market, 120 Essex Street). … The Times reports chef John Fraser has left Compass on the Upper West Side to open his own place, with Neil Annis returning as Compass chef. … The paper notes the openings of Flatiron Joes (29 West 21st St.), Eighth Street Wine Cellar (28 West Eighth St.), Sangria 46 (338 West 46th Street), and Caminito Restaurant (1664 Park Ave.). nytimes.com … The Daily News‘ Irene Sax reviews Cybercafe (250 W. 49th St.). nydailynews.com … The Post‘s Steve Cuozzo plugs the Upper West Side, previewing the planned November opening of Bar Boulud (1900 Broadway). nypost … AM New York looks at lunch spots, including Gold St. (2 Gold St). amny.com … The New York Press‘ Gerry Visco reviews Ramen Setagaya (141 1st Ave.), while Joy Wang considers Milk & Honey (134 Eldridge St., http://www.mlkhny.com) and Cheap Eats visits Go Go Curry (273 W. 38th St.) nypress.com … The New Yorker‘s Ligaya Mishan reviews 15 East (15 E. 15th St.). newyorker.com … TimeOut New York reviews East Village Yacht Club (42 E 1st St), Bar Stuzzichini (928 Broadway), and Bodeguita Cubana (271 E 10th St). timeoutny.com … The Sun‘s Paul Adams reviews Po Brooklyn (276 Smith St., Brooklyn). … Bret Thorn reports, Top Chef Season 2 contestant Josie Smith-Malave has left Island Restaurant and Lounge (35-15 36th St., Long Island City) to open a restaurant of her own in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. At Island, sous chef Dan Morales has been promoted to chef. … A 45-seat Argentine restaurant, Caminito (1664 Park Ave.), has opened in a space that once was a barbershop used in the Al Pacino movie Carlito’s Way. … The space that once was Shelly’s Prime Steak is now Shelly’s Trattoria La Tradizionale (41 W. 57th St.). nysun.com … Eater.com notes the closings of Funky Diner at 82nd and Columbus, Darna, Red Cafe and Jerry’s, Jerry Joseph’s 20-year old Soho diner. … Gothamist.com visits East Japanese Restaurant (253 W. 55th St), blog.joonbug.com visits The Half Pint and The Volstead. … Andrea Strong’s TheStrongBuzz.com reviews Gemma (The Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery), notes the new Mitchel London Pizza (456 9th Avenue), and Sea Salt (99 Second Avenue), and reports that chef/owner Alex Urena will close the doors of Urena restaurant after service on Aug. 18 and will reopen it as Pamplona, a casual Basque country bistro, on Sept. 4. … New York magazine reviews Café Cortadito (210 E. 3rd St) and notes the openings of Caminito, and Il Torchio (458 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn). nymag.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Rib Eye Makes Debut at Peter Luger

IN THE NEWS: New York magazine’s Grub Street reports, “Peter Luger’s menu has changed about as much as Stonehenge: You can get a porterhouse steak, lamb chops, hash browns, and tomato-and-onion salad. Technically, there’s salmon on the menu and maybe a few other sides, and they did add bacon, but the genius of the place has been in its simplicity. But as of last month, a rib eye steak, a relative bargain at $38.95, is for sale. (The slim, seldom-ordered single strip steak is the same price.) It’s the restaurant’s first new steak in 120 years.” The reason? Not enough great porterhouse to go around. nymag.com … The Daily News‘ Rush & Molloy wonder, “Is the Russian Tea Room haunted? That’s what some of the people who work at the recherche restaurant (150 West 57th Street) think – as does Jennifer LeRoy, daughter of legendary owner Warner LeRoy. “It’s not a joke anymore,” said one spooked staffer. “There are mysterious shadows on the security monitors. One worker swore he saw an apparition of a bleeding man.” nydailynews.com … The New York Times reports two members of the Cipriani family, renowned for its string of opulent restaurants in New York and Venice, have pleaded guilty to tax evasion July 31 and agreed to pay $10 million in restitution and penalties to resolve a case brought by Robert M. Morgenthau, the district attorney of Manhattan. Arrigo Cipriani, 75, the family patriarch, pleaded guilty to a felony tax charge while Giuseppe Cipriani, 42, his son and the chief executive of Cipriani U.S.A. Inc., pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor. Guilty pleas were entered as well for three corporate units of Cipriani U.S.A. on tax felony charges. Famous for the Rainbow Room, Harry Cipriani and five other New York restaurants and banquet facilities, the Cipriani companies in New York evaded about $3.5 million in state and city taxes for six years beginning in 1998, Mr. Morgenthau said. … Critic Frank Bruni writes at length about tipsy diners in top-notch restaurants, gives one star in his review of Wild Salmon (622 Third Ave.) and also visits the new Amalia (204 West 55th St.). … Peter Meehan stops by the new Smith & Mills (71 North Moore Street) and Nick Fox considers E-Mo Kim Bab (2 West 32nd St.). … The Times notes the upcoming contemporary Mexican place Tolache (251 West 50th St., late August) and Primehouse New York (381 Park Ave. S., fall opening) and the just-opened Johnny Utah’s (25 West 51st St.), Noble Food & Wine (7 Spring Street), and Kidfresh (American Airlines terminal and Jet Blue terminal, Kennedy Airport). … And there’s been a name schange, Shelly’s Trattoria La Tradizionale from Shelly’s Prime Steak (41 West 57th St.). nytimes.com …

Andrea Strong’s thestrongbuzz.com reports, Ryan Tate, who was most recently the sous chef at Cookshop in Chelsea, is Savoy‘s New Chef de Cuisine. Peter Hoffman, who co-owns Savoy with his wife Susan Rosenfeld, will open a second restaurant, Back Forty, in the East Village early this fall, with partner Jerry Winter. … Strong notes the opening frozen yogurt spot Flurt (284 Third Avenue) and Wakiya (2 Lexington Ave) and reviews Aretsky’s Patroon (160 East 46th Street). … The Voice‘s Robert Sietsema reviews Tamada (1724 Avenue Z, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn). villagevoice.com … The New York Post‘s Andrea Strong reviews Centro Vinoteca (74 Seventh Ave; centrovinoteca.com), Wakiya, and Georgia’s Eastside BBQ (92 Orchard St.). nypost.com … AM New York looks at dining by the Hudson River, including Il Fornetto (2902 Emmons Ave., Brooklyn; http://www.ilfornettorestaurant.com). … The paper also reports, “The upscale Nobu restaurants partially owned by actor Robert De Niro cheated more than 100 workers by taking a bite out of their tips, according to a lawsuit brought by two former waiters. The lawsuit, filed Aug. 2 in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, seeks unspecified damages on behalf of workers at Nobu Corp.’s downtown Manhattan businesses, Nobu and Nobu Next Door, and its midtown location, Nobu 57. The Nobu chain includes 11 restaurants in the United States and eight abroad, including three in London. De Niro is a part owner of the Manhattan restaurants.” amny.com … The Associated Press reports that noted chef Daniel Boulud has settled a discrimination lawsuit brought by Latino and Asian workers who claimed he promoted white French workers ahead of nonwhite workers at one of his Manhattan restaurants. The settlement announced July 31 calls for Daniel, Boulud’s flagship restaurant on the Upper East Side, to pay $80,000 in damages to the eight workers who sued; adopt a policy to ensure that race and national origin are not factors in promotions; and train managers about employment law. … The Observer’s Moira Hodgson reviews Park Avenue Summer (100 East 63rd Street) …

The New York Press‘ Jane Warshaw visits circa-1925 The Lexington Candy Shop (1226 Lexington Ave.), while Cheap Eats looks at El Paso Taqueria (1642 Lexington Ave.). nypress.com … The Sun‘s Paul Adams reviews Bar Stuzzichini (928 Broadway), while Bret Thorn reports that Christos Christou, who cut his teeth at such Greek restaurants as Molyvos, Milos, Avra, Trata, and Ammos, is now running the kitchen at Gus’ Place (192 Bleecker St.). nysun.com … TimeOut New York looks at the changing Lower East Side culinary scene and reviews Borough Food & Drink (12 E 22nd St), Po’ Brooklyn (12 E 22nd St), and China de Puebla (3143 Broadway). timeoutny.com … Eater.com reports, “What started as a summer vacation and was quickly upgraded to a legal battle ends with the official and permanent closure of Room 4 Dessert, Will Goldfarb’s haute dessert bar at 17 Cleveland Place. … Alex Urena will close Urena, his Madison Park/Park South area restaurant, and revamp it into a more casual bistro-style eatery called Pamplona. … Long-time financial district veteran, Gerardi’s (since 1934, 83 Pearl St) has closed, rather quietly.”

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Peter Luger Gets ‘Saveur’ Steakhouse Pick

Saveur magazine’s saveur.com July 2007 issue includes the piece “Our 7 Favorite Steak Houses”,” which include:

1. Bern’s Steak House, Tampa
2. Craftsteak, Las Vegas and New York
3. Five O’Clock Steakhouse, Milwaukee
4. Gene and Georgetti, Chicago
5. Gorat’s Steak House, Omaha
6. Pacific Dining Car, Los Angeles
7. Peter Luger, Brooklyn, New York

The mag also garners steak grilling tips from Mario Navarro, a Mexico native who has been chef at Chicago’s Gene and Georgetti’s for more than 30 years.

Locals Get ‘Forbes Traveler’ Best Hotel Dining Mentions
Forbes Traveler forbestraveler.com recently asked asking a panel of food and travel experts for their take on the top hotel dining in the country. The top 15 chosen include: The Peabody Memphis and its upscale restaurant, Chez Philippe; Four Seasons Hotel and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon restaurant in New York City; Jean Georges, Trump International Hotel and Tower, New York; Gordon Ramsay, The London hotel in New York; The Carlyle Restaurant, The Carlyle Hotel in New York; Cathe St. Regis Hotel and Ame restaurant in San Francisco; Michael Mina, Westin St. Francis in San Francisco; Cortez in the Hotel Adagio, San Francisco; Studio Restaurant, Montage, Laguna Beach; the Beverly Wilshire and Cut restaurant in Los Angeles; The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Va.; The Wynn Las Vegas; Citronelle, Latham Hotel in Washington, DC.; Azul at Mandarin Oriental hotel in Miami.

IN THE NEWS: Eater.com reports, “Kitchen 22, Charlie Palmer‘s fairly institutionalized Park South bargain spot, where once dinner was priced at $22, is closed for good as of May 31 … The Times nytimes.com reports on the trend of families and restaurauters rebelling against high-fat children’s menus and sites chef Tony Miller of Columbus, Ohio’s Latitude 41 restaurant at the Renaissance Columbus, whose kids offerings features grilled organic chicken teriyaki and seared fileted fish instead of fried foods … Frank Bruni awards one star (good) to the venerable (since 1888) Katz’s Delicatessen (205 East Houston St.), which is rumored to be on the sales block … Peter Meehan visits Lucky Eight (5204 Eighth Ave., Sunset Park, Brooklyn) … From the Times‘ Kim Severson, “We are, each and every one of us, standing together on the threshold of National Surimi Seafood Month. June is also the month to celebrate papayas, iced tea, frozen yogurt, candy, soul food, steakhouses and applesauce cake. And whether you eat turkeys or simply admire them, prepare to party. June is Turkey Lovers’ Month, too. At least 175 days a year are set aside in recognition of some form of food or drink. This puts a lot of pressure on the average eater …” The Times details the scheduled June 4 reopening of Monkey Bar in the Élysée Hotel (60 East 54th Street) as well as the recent openings of the Spanish eatery Rayuela (752 10th Ave), Shinn Estate Farmhouse (2000 Oregon Road, Mattituck, N.Y.), “Tar Beach” (66 Park Ave). …

New York magazine’s Adam Platt gives two stars in his review of original Craft chef Marco Canora‘s new Italian restaurant Insieme (777 Seventh Ave.), while Gael Greene visits Provence (38 MacDougal St.). … The mag previews new restaurants Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (97 Commercial St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn), the Cajun-Creole-inspired Lola (15 Watts St.), the bistro Le Barricou (533 Grand St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn) and Trois Pommes Patisserie (260 Fifth Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn). nymag.com … Southern Foodways Alliance www.southernfoodways.com previews Union Square Hospitality Group’s 5th Annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, June 9-10, from 10 am-6 pm in and around Madison Square Park. … Andrea Strong’s The Strong Buzz blog thestrongbuzz.com visits the new bar PDT (113 St. Marks Place, enter through Crif Dogs) and also reviews Ed’s Lobster Bar (222 Lafayette St). … The Village Voice‘s Robert Sietsema reviews Manhattan tapas bar Boqueria (53 West 19th Street), while the Voice reports its blog the closing June 2 of 52-year-old butcher shop/deli Kurowycky Meat Products (124 First Avenue). villagevoice.com … The New Yorker newyorker.com reviews tapas bar Mercat (45 Bond St) and the Greek restaurant Anthos (36 W. 52nd St.). … LA-based blogger Franklinavenue.blogspot.com reviews Shake Shack (Madison Square Park). … Blogger and critic Pat Saperstein’s Eatingla.blogspot.com reviews Gaucho’s Village, the Brazilian “all you care to eat” place in Glendale, as well as The Redwood Bar & Grill (316 W. 2nd St.). She also revisits the Yuca’s changeover and talks to Craig Min, owner of Lamill Coffee, coming to Silver Lake Blvd. … The Daily News‘ Irene Sax reviews Fat Annie’s Truck Stop (131 W. 33rd St.). nydailynews.com … Newday‘s Joan Remenick reviews Swingbellys Beachside BBQ (909 W. Beech St., Long Beach). newsday.com … AM New York amny.com looks at the city’s barbecue joints, including Daisy May’s BBQ (623 Eleventh Ave.). … The New York Observer‘s Moira Hodgson awards three stars in her review of Insieme. observer.com … TimeOut New York also reviews Insieme, Island Restaurant & Lounge (35-15 36th St, Long Island City, Queens), and Birdies (149 First Ave). timeoutny.com …

New York magazine’s Grub Street blog http://nymag.com/daily/food/ notes Chelsea’s Bright Food Shop, which has closed along with sister-restaurant Kitchen/Market due to high rents. … RestaurantGirl.com rounds up outdoor dining, including Falai (68 Clinton St., at Rivington St.) and interviews chef Seamus Mullen (Suba, Boqueria). … Blogger Off the Broiler offthebroiler.wordpress.com reviews Momofuku Ssäm Bar (207 2nd Ave). … NYCnosh.com reviews Nelson Blue (233-235 Front Street) and Perilla (9 Jones Street). … Blogger EdLevineEats.com reviews Spotted Pig (314 West 11th Street). … Twenty Bucks a Day twentyaday.com reviews Pho Cho Lon (Bik Bay Vietnamese Restaurant), 5604 8th Ave., Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and Feeding Tree (892 Gerard Ave # 161, Bronx). … EatingInTranslation.com stops by Mi Mexico Lindo (2267 Second Ave.), Sandy Restaurant (2261 Second Ave.), Edward’s (136 West Broadway) and Stone Park Café (324 Fifth Ave.).

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Tavern On the Green Changing Hands

IN THE NEWS: From The New York Observer‘s Chris Shott: “More than a quarter-century ago, the legendary restaurateur Warner LeRoy outfitted Tavern on the Green with some $10 million worth of bling. What would you do with the city’s most glorified concession stand? The Parks Department will soon be sifting through proposals. Its existing contract with LeRoy’s family expires on Dec. 31, 2009, and within a year from now, the right to run what is perhaps Manhattan’s most sacred eatery goes up for grabs. A formal request for proposals is expected in early 2008.” observer.com … New York Times critic Frank Bruni profiles Marc Vetri, the prolific and revered chef-owner of two Philadelphia restaurants, Osteria and Vetri. Bruni also awards two stars in his review of the Belgian eatery Resto (111 East 29th St.) and stops by the new Perilla (9 Jones St. in Greenwich Village), while the Times also visits the new Retsina Elliniko Estiatorio (115 E. 60th Str.) and Restaurant Sorrel (605 Carlton Ave., Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.). … The Times Florence Fabricant files a detailed report on the rising demand and cost of prime beef, which has prompted renowned Peter Luger Steak House in Williamsburgh, Brooklyn to cut back on reservations, close the restaurant earlier each day and book fewer large parties. nytimes.com … Adam Platt gives one star to Wild Salmon (622 Third Ave.) in his New York magazine review. … The mag also lets you know where to eat shoeless: Duvet (45 W. 21st St.), Highline (835 Washington St.) and Ono (18 Ninth Ave.) … New restaurants featured include Bar Stuzzichini (928 Broadway), Bodeguita Cubana (271 E. 10th St.) and Cecel Crepe Cafe (135 First Ave.) nymag.com … From Andrea Strong’s TheStrongBuzz.com, “Aurora, the wonderful Williamsburg restaurant known for its authentic Italian fare, is moving to Soho (510 Broome Street). Executive Chef Riccardo Buitoni hails from Piedmont, and his menu is quite a read. …” Strong also features chef Rob Ziser‘s gourmet bar food at The Company Bar (242 East 10th Street), The Hudson River Café (697 West 133rd Street), and reviews Mercat (45 Bond Street). … The Village Voice’s Robert Sietsema reviews the brasserie Juliette (135 North 5th Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn), while Annie Fischer features eco-eatery Habana Outpost (757 Fulton Street in Brooklyn). villagevoice.com …

Daily News critic Irene Sax reviews Portuguese eatery Arcos (33-05 Broadway, Astoria), while the Sandwich of the Week is Paris Commune‘s salmon club. nydailynews.com … Newday‘s Peter Gianotti looks at Long Beach dining options. newsday.com … AM New York‘s Daisy Carrington details crab shacks, including Mario Battali’s Esca (402 W. 43rd St.). amny.com … New York Press reviews Great NY Noodletown (28 Bowery), 4th Avenue Pub (76 4th Ave.) and The Soda Shop (125 Chambers St.). nypress.com … The New Yorker reviews Anthos (36 W. 52nd St.), Brown Café (61 Hester St.), Lunetta (116 Smith St.), and Morandi (211 Waverly Pl.). newyorker.com … TimeOut New York timeoutny.com reviews Wild Salmon, Regate (198 Orchard St), and Athena (3-12 36th Ave at 34th St, Astoria, Queens) … The mag blurbs new restaurants Bar Stuzzichini (928 Broadway), Cecel Crepe Cafe, Gaucho Steak Co. (752 Tenth Ave), PDT (113 St. Marks Pl), Trois Pommes Patisserie (260 Fifth Ave) and T Salon ( Chelsea Market, 459 W 15th St). … Eater.com‘s Dish column previews new restaurants Hudson River Cafe, Cecel Crepe Cafe, Trois Pommes Patisserie, T Salon, East Village Yacht Club (42 East First St), and Bodeguita Cubana (271 E 10th St). … Restaurant Girl restaurantgirl.com interviews Jeffrey Chodorow, who goes on record following Adam Platt’s one-star New York magazine review of the controversial restaurateur’s most recent project, Wild Salmon. … Blogger Off the Broiler offthebroiler.wordpress.com reviews Liebman’s Kosher Delicatessen (552 W 235th St, Bronx). … nycnosh.com stops by Cafe Forant (449 West 51st St). … Blog Eating in Translation eatingintranslation.com visits the Fifth Ave. Fair and samples from Stone Park Café (324 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn) … From Austin American-Statesman critic Dale Rice’s blog, Rice’s Dale’s Table, “Is the Big Apple ready for an all-Texas wine list? How about Kreuz’s sausage? We’ll find out soon. A new restaurant, Hill Country Barbecue & Market, opens next month in Manhattan at 30 W. 26th St. (between Sixth Avenue and Broadway), and it will feature an all-Lone-Star-lineup of wines. In addition, Hill Country’s meat will be smoked over Texas post oak and served on butcher paper, and the restaurant will offer Big Red sodas, Kreuz Market sausage and Blue Bell ice cream. The driving force behind the place is owner Marc Glosserman, whose Texas Hill Country roots go back four generations.” austin360.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com