[Annie Flanders, Euan Rellie. Photos by Patrick McMullan for PMc] In the tradition of countless high school girls before him, Patrick McMullan has jumped on the ever-popular “let’s take a picture of our super-fun, yet ultimately uneventful dinner and put it online” bandwagon. So, for those lucky enough to have been dining with, or in the vicinity of, the famed shutterbug at Civetta on Monday night, here’s to you. More»

[Anthony Edwards, Michael Daube and Christopher Barley] Last night I went to SUSHISAMBA for a night of fun, food and philanthropy to benefit the Citta Organization. As guests dined on signature SUSHISAMBA cocktails and menu items throughout the evening, Citta recognized the enormous generosity of some of their biggest supporters. More»

[Jonathan Hettinger, owner Hotel Griffou with friend Christine Cho]

Hotel Griffou has finally opened its doors and I am thrilled for the principals Larry Poston (Waverly Inn), Johnny Swet (Freeman’s), Jesse Keyes (La Esquina/Goldbar), and Jonathan Hettinger, who put blood sweat and tears into it’s fruition. Take one party Freeman’s Alley, one part Waverly Inn, a pinch from La Esquina and Cafeteria in an already scandalous location (the old club kid haunt Mary Lou’s) and you have the makings of a buzz worthy hot spot. More»

[Presenter showcases the wondrous culinary alchemy that turns avocados into guacamole.]

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On Monday, international humanitarian organization Action Against Hunger teamed up with over thirty top NYC eateries to host its annual Restaurants Against Hunger benefit. Held at Touch NYC, guests nibbled on guacamole and chips, swigged some cocktails, and listened to a performance by indie artist Clara Lofaro. For the true foodies in the crowd, the opportunity to mingle with acclaimed chef Jacques Pepin outweighed all the other goodies. More»

For those of you that missed it, Merkato 55 was recently renamed Le 55. Not a hard miss given that the name change has happened with little fanfare (at least up to this point).  But what might have caught your attention is the increased exposure of one of the restaurant’s early stakeholders Brazilian super model Fernanda Mott and her relationship to the boozy brunch franchise. More»

[Martha Stewart. Photos by JIMI CELESTE for PMc] The culinary world’s biggest and brightest talents celebrated this year’s best restaurants, chefs, and food-related media at the 2009 James Beard Foundation Awards last night at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall. The ceremony, hosted by Cat Cora, Emeril Lagasse, and Stanley Tucci, featured 38 categories, ranging from Outstanding Restaurant to Restaurant Reviews. More story and photos … More»

[The Tequila Gun]. Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite holidays. If only NYC had more suitable Mexican Restaurants! Oh but they sure do try don’t they?  I have a feeling my go-to spot, Barrio Chino’s will be PACKED, and I already tried out Lure’s special fish tacos last night. So, what to do on Cinco de Mayo? More»

The historic address of 2056 Second Ave is now home to this unique marriage of Haute BBQ , Japanese Fusion and new-age Lounge, Chimney. Rumor has it they outbid Danny Meyer for the 4000 square foot space. Just prior to opening the owners have landed the Chef from Boucarou, Malik Fall, who has plenty of experience with the restaurant/lounge identity crisis. After a few successful pre-parties, they are officially opening for dinner early next week. Residents of “SpaHa” (Spanish Harlem) rejoice…

There’s a new restaurant, cleverly named “Bianca’s Triple Ds”, gearing to open on May 7th, and they’re looking to hire. The restaurant, located at Headquarters Gentleman’s Club will be a modern steakhouse with classic American fare.  “Only girls with Brains & Beauty should care to apply” reads the press release. And, potential candidates take note, the application process is a bit, um, different than what you may be used to. For one, there will be guests judges- Will DeMeo (from the Sopranos) and director Paul Borghese who will help in choosing the staff.  More details as well as where to go for the open call below… More»

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Last Saturday, Merkato 55 spilled open to the sidewalks of Meatpacking. Increasing the amount of people they can include in their famous brunch parties, there was more than one happy guest (take the guy on the left) in attendance. Just goes to show you, that it’s possible for even the champagne sparklers to take second place to the sun. Ironically, even with the extra tables and chairs, the line to get into the “nightclub-during-the-daytime” was out the door. It was business as usual inside.

More photos below… More»

[DJ Mess Kid and Kashmir Snowdon-Jones at Southside. The club is staying put-for now] In January we broke the news that BarMart closed their doors and posted a note that promised a several week time line to revamp their struggling restaurant.  Concurrently, Grubstreet unveiled the highly vaunted redesign “plans” of the restaurant that Anthony Martignetti had disclosed to them. Though even after two months, there was no progress to speak of.  Last night, the community board met, and it becomes clear that our neighborhood restaurant will not be reopening now, or ever.  But what will go in it’s place? And will the Martingetti Brothers be keeping Southside? More»