thezippy

Be safe, Tony! You're in our thoughts... Let us know once you're out safe and sound! Zippy

...In related news, Haliburton CEO David Lesar and Clear Channel Chairman Lawry Mays were spotted turtle-waxing Dick Cheney's Jaguar in central D.C. last weekend...

Had to de-lurk for for this... The Herring and Cantaloupe Haberdashery Scab's Shabu Shabu Osteria Scurvy Tavern On The Yellow The Gas House Squid Marks Taco Baño McShingles

Just a quick point/question... Keller's diversification goes beyond just opening a NY partner to The French Laundry... back in Napa he's opened a bistro (Bouchon) and a bakery. He's also planning to open an Inn in the neighborhood later this year (according to TIME). Opening a Vegas incarnation of Bouchon at the Venetian is probably the one item, of all of these, that seems the sketchiest... that said, I'm not sure if that's just because we're talking Vegas here. I honestly don't think I have an opinion beyond "Let's wait and see if he pulls it all off," but have really appreciated the opinions of this group. Zippy P.S. Total non-sequitor, but on the topic of celeb chefs, I read in another thread that Tony B. has severed his relationship with FOOD net... that accurate? (damn shame, if so)

Sorry if I missed discussion of this... I searched the boards and didn't see anything... Last week TIME magazine (in their INSIDE BUSINESS section) printed an interesting article on Keller's transformation from one of America's most celebrated chef's into a global "brand." (in fact the slugline for the article was "How does America's top chef expand his franchise without sacrificing his pursuit of perfection?") Anyhow... I'm curious to get opinions the members of this esteemed community... With the launch of Per Se in NY, Bouchon in Vegas, a line of Limoges porcelain, etc, is Chef Keller "selling out?" Do you think the quality will suffer at the French Laundry (or Napa's Bouchon) as he spreads his wings? Or is it a good thing for mainstream America to be exposed to this man's genius (i.e. the coffee and donuts spot on TODAY)? Not looking to stir up trouble... I'm really curious what people think... Zippy P.S. Long time lurker... this is my first foray into posting...