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Luger hasn't been top notch since the mid '80s (and I'm not going to debate that - it's common knowledge among "old" people.) Sri is excellent, but it's on the same scale with Parkside with Sapori d'Ischia, except the latter two have nice wine lists and a bit more comfort.

It's a peculiar statement. Instead of admitting that he employs such a curve, he says that the restaurant isn't "asking" to be graded on one. While there may be some restaurants that are grateful for his earlier largesse, which restaurants is he saying ever asked for that? Which would they be, and how do you know he's never been there? He visits many more restaurants than he reviews. ← You're correct - should have used the word reviewed.

Seems he admits it, at least the concept of it. Still amazing he has never visited two of the best "outer borough restaurants."

One might... ← Spill! ← It was a "Mariofile." Can't give the person's name (I'm sure everyone understands). The person has been quite accurate in the past. Just seeking a second confirmation. PS - the initials were NOT JB.

One might...

But I'll take 4000-1 to one if it's a sure thing. Need to think of a sting and get a beard to make the bet and pigeon to accept it.

So if Porchetta gets two tomorrow and GR gets one next week, will that prove to be the end of the star system?

And sure enough, Porchetta is tomorrow's NYT review. Eater predicts two stars, on the grounds that when Bruni visits an outer borough, that is often the outcome (Dressler, Sripraphai, Al di La, Spicy & Tasty). ← 4000-1 on four stars!!!! If I can get to the Times critic before deadline, we can make a fortune. I know he enjoys the racetrack.

I was told last evening that Mario rarely visits Del Posto anymore and that he's lost interest/desire (I'm not speaking financial) in the place - that Joe and Lydia have taken control. Rumors? Reality? Can anyone confirm or deny?

Not the greatest restaurant year. Most of the meals were more enjoyable at home. But here goes: 1. WD-50, NYC & Blue Hill @ Stone Barns, Tarrytown (tied) 2. Berns, Tampa, FL 3. Sideberns, Tampa, FL 4. EMP, NYC 5. Annisa, NYC 6. Craft, NYC 7. Saul, Brooklyn 8. Sapori d' Ischia, Queens 9. Parkside, Queens 10. Landmarc, NYC Honorable Mention - Henry's End; Brooklyn; Chinatown Brassierie (dim sum only), NYC; Room 4 Dessert, NYC; Marlowe's, Brooklyn Most Disappointing: 1. The Modern, NYC; DiFara, Brooklyn (tied) 2. Bar Americain, NYC 3. Mr. Chow (downtown), NYC 4. Peter Luger, Brooklyn 5. Le Barnardin, NYC

This is an interesting topic and may deserve its own thread. I think he is a very good, highly skilled journalist, but not when it comes to food or restaurants and I think his writing suffers accordingly. I agree with both Marc and SE that he becomes too cute and includes meaningless phrases and paragraphs. This is something that often occurs when writing about a subject that you're not familar. Reading him over the years was interesting as he was very insightful when it came to world affairs and the inner workings of government - his writing was excellent. Why he chose to take his current position is a mystery to everyone but him. Maybe he was becoming burned out or just wanted a change and get to eat for free every night. I guess the real question is who is more to blame? Him, for accepting the position or the Times for offering it?

Currently I think Eric Asimov has both qualities as does Mehan.

No loss. It was good the first season it opened and has gone steadily downhill since.

← I think those restaurants were Luchows, Jack Dempsey's and The Grotto (W.46 St.). Ah, those were the days. Taking a date to dinner in the NYC of the late 60's was an adventure. Yes, and before you can say it Nathan, I'm old. So old in fact, I'm only able to stay awake about six hours a day - 11am - 5pm. I wish I could just get around without my walker once more. It would such freedom, such joy - hell I may even remain awake an extra hour. PS - wnet to Boeuf al la Mode many times in the 60's and 70's. I think was was 2-3 stars. Last time I was there was 1978 (when I was still able to walk).

I ate at the Quilted Giraffe when it first opened in Manhattan. In fact, I ate there when it was in New Paltz. I recall reading the original Sheration review (after I ate there) and thought she was totally off-base in giving it one star. I thought it deserved zero. It was much, much better upstate. The city version was silly, obnoxious and pretentious. However, by the final time (of four) I dined there (1985 I think) it was certainly one of the two best dining experiences I had in NYC (along with The Palace) up to that time. It's not fair to either to compare Mimi with the current reviewer. She was/is a food professional, he knows a lot about popes. Off topic here, but there were two excellent articles in yesterday's Staten Island Advance about the history of dining and food in NYC - get a copy if you can.

I had an excellent meal in early December and the Bollito Misto was magnificent! It will be interesting to see how the desserts evolve. ← It should be interesting as she's internationally renowned for making authentic Italian desserts and pastries.

Oh Nathan, nothing "sucks" at USC. If it did, it would be off the menu in a heartbeat. Some may not suit your taste, but to use that term is a bit over the top.

Those people sitting next to you sounded like they were pretty young. Or at least frisky. ← Certainly they were frisky and it made my meal more enjoyable. They were late 30's early 40's. USC does what it does very well and I enjoyed my meal. It's just a feeling you get - been there, done that. But there's certainly nothing wrong with the place. Hey, they keep packing them in after 20 years, if it's not broke, don't fix it. As I have said many times, stars are for watching, not eating.

That's fine, but what are they doing in other restaurants' reviews? Wouldn't those type of brief (single thought - no explanation comments) be more appropriate for his blog? While I agree that all criticisms aren't pot shots, I think these are because of their placement, tone and sniper approach.

Okay, so it was me who wasn't euphoric. I knew it was somebody. But in the end I was proved right.

That's probably true, but that shouldn't make a difference or stop him. (Those regulars wouldn't leave if it got an "unsatisfactory" - and neither would the tourists who read Zagat) I would have more respect for someone that writes a negative-style review, than someone who snipes and slithers away.

Nathan I'm not saying GT or USC are very good now. I think I mentioned USC would be awarded one star when there was talk of it being the second restaurant in the review. I don't think someone's age has anything to do with it. I know I'm old, no need to remind me. I was saying he could have chosen to take a positive approach about his choices. Why be negative about USC and GT in other restaurants' reviews? If he feels both are currently one (I think both have three), then he should give them their own review and explain his thinking. Criticisms and pot shots are easy, explantions are more difficult.

Yes, what eveyone has been saying since CB opened.

It was, but not the Babbo review and certainly not after the Bouley review, which appeared shortly after. I think everyone was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt after Babbo (honeymoon), but after Bouley his fate was sealed - at least in my mind. But at least the Bouley review proved he does do well with one-sided character assassination.

And one last point regarding the pettiness of the USC and GT blasts. If he wanted, he could have been very positive at the end by saying EMP an BRTM are now the top two properties of the USHG fiefdom. To take a negative approach certainly speaks volumns about his character and personality.