Bedford-Stuyvesant: An Indian restaurant is “coming soon” to the corner of Bedford Avenue and Greene Avenue. [Bed-Stuy Blog]
Crown Heights: Dutch Boy Burger has opened as an attachment to Franklin Park; the kitchen keeps churning out those seven-ounce burgers to bar-goers even after Dutch Boy closes at 11 p.m. [I Love Franklin Ave.]
Greenpoint: Paulie Gee’s will open at 60 Greenpoint Avenue next Tuesday, serving pies fired in his handcrafted Neapolitan oven. [Greenpointers]
Sunset Park: A new bar will open in the now-defunct Safe Haven Bar and Grill. No word on whether it’ll be alcohol-only or include bar grub like Safe Haven did. [Brownstoner]

Union Square: Support local beef at the Chipotle near 17th Street and Broadway on March 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. All the money raised from $5 burrito packages will go to Stone Barns, the farm attached to upstate’s Blue Hill restaurant. [Eater NY]

Read more posts by Evan Mulvihill

Filed Under: bedford-stuyvesant, blue hill, chipotle, crown heights, dutch boy burger, franklin park, greenpoint, Neighborhood Watch, paulie gee’s, safe haven bar and grill, stone barns, sunset park

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Whither Momofuku?

Tomorrow, the International Association of Culinary Professionals will announce its list of finalists for the annual cookbook awards (as the old saw goes, they’re the Golden Globes to the Beards’ Oscars), but for those who are just biting their nails anticipating the short lists for categories like “Culinary History,” “Chefs and Restaurants,” or “Food and Beverage Reference/Technical,” there’s a temporary backdoor to the finalists via the IACP’s Amazon Store.

The books here aren’t organized by category, but we found the usual suspects from the 2009 season: Ad Hoc at Home, Francis Mallmann’s Seven Fires, John Besh’s My New Orleans, et al. Notable for its absence, however, is Momofuku — love or hate David Chang, his book was widely regarded as utterly spectacular, and made virtually every year-end best-books roundup. The omission is so glaring, in fact, that we thought maybe the Momo crew intentionally left themselves out of competition — it’d be classic Chang to blow off submitting the book for a major award. But no, we’ve confirmed that the book was in fact submitted for consideration. So there’s this cookbook awards season’s talking point.

The winners of the IACP awards will be announced at the organization’s annual conference, the weekend of April 21.

The complete list of finalists, per the IACP Amazon Store, follows.
(Note: These are not divided by category. For a complete list of categories, click here.)

DamGoodSweet by David Guas
My New Orleans: The Cookbook by John Besh
New American Table by Marcus Samuelsson
Real Cajun: Rustic Home Cooking from Donald Link’s Louisiana by Donald Link
All Cakes Considered by Melissa Gray
My Bread: The Revolutionary No-Work, No-Knead Method by Jim Lahey
Rose’s Heavenly Cakes by Rose Levy Beranbaum
Chocolate: History, Culture, and Heritage by Louis E. Grivetti
From Demon to Darling: A Legal History of Wine in America by Richard Mendelson
Of Sugar and Snow: A History of Ice Cream Making by Jeri Quinzio
Cooking Light Way to Cook: The Complete Visual Guide to Everyday Cooking by Editors of Cooking Light Magazine
Gourmet Today: More than 1000 All-New Recipes for the Contemporary Kitchen
Southern Living Comfort Food: A Delicious Trip Down Memory Lane by Editors of Southern Living Magazine
Ad Hoc at Home by Thomas Keller
Frank Stitt’s Bottega Favorita: A Southern Chef’s Love Affair with Italian Food by Frank Stitt
How to Roast a Lamb: New Greek Classic Cooking by Michael Psilakis
Baking Kids Love by Sur La Table
Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys by Lucinda Scala Quinn
Williams-Sonoma Family Meals: Creating Traditions in the Kitchen by Maria Helm Sinskey
Seasonal Spanish Food: 125 Simple Recipes to Bring Home the Flavors of Spain by Jose Pizarro
The Brazilian Table by Yara Roberts
The New Portuguese Table: Exciting Flavors from Europe’s Western Coast by David Leite
Hot and Hot Fish Club Cookbook: A Celebration of Food, Family, and Traditions by Chris Hastings
Nicholas: The Cookbook by Nicholas Harary
Williams-Sonoma Cooking for Friends: Fresh ways to entertain with style by Alison Attenborough
Get Cooking: 150 Simple Recipes to Get You Started in the Kitchen by Mollie Katzen
Stephanie Alexander’s Kitchen Garden Companion by Stephanie Alexander
Golden Door Cooks at Home: Favorite Recipes from the Celebrated Spa by Dean Rucker
Lucid Food: Cooking for an Eco-Conscious Life by Louisa Shafia
The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing, Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Recovery by Rebecca Katz
Mastering the Art of Chinese Cooking by Eileen Yin-Fei Lo
Seven Fires: Grilling the Argentine Way by Francis Mallmann
The Songs of Sapa: Stories and Recipes from Vietnam by Luke Nguyen
Appetite City: A Culinary History of New York by William Grimes
The Sweet Life in Paris: Delicious Adventures in the World’s Most Glorious – and Perplexing – City by David Lebovitz
Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal by Tristram Stuart
Baking and Pastry: Mastering the Art and Craft by The Culinary Institute of America
How To Bake Bread: The Five Families of Bread by Michael Kalanty
International Cuisine by The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes
The Deluxe Food Lover’s Companion by Sharon Tyler Herbst
The Fundamental Techniques of Classic Pastry Arts by International Culinary Center
Why Italians Love to Talk About Food by Elena Kostioukovitch
Asian Dumplings: Mastering Gyoza, Spring Rolls, Samosas, and More/em> by Andrea Nguyen
The Finest Wines of Champagne: A Guide to the Best CuvŽes, Houses, and Growers/em> by Michael Edwards
The King of Vodka: The Story of Pyotr Smirnov and the Upheaval of an Empire by Linda Himelstein
World Whiskey by DK Publishing

2010 Cookbook Finalists [IACP/Amazon]

Read more posts by Helen Rosner

Filed Under: awards, ad hoc at home, bookshelf, cookbooks, iacp, momofuku

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Today the Post sees the restaurant industry’s glass being half empty, while Crain’s finds it half full. First, Steve Cuozzo complains that “the torrent of argument-starting launches that matter culinarily and/or socially has thinned to a trickle,” citing supposedly dumbed-down openings (Michael White’s downtown spot, Marcus Samuelsson’s uptown spot), as well as a lack of critical buzz (“Times critic Sam Sifton reviewed four new Manhattan restaurants in the past 10 weeks”) as evidence that “the credit crunch is hurting restaurants as painfully as the office-building sale market.” As a result (and as others have pointed out), restaurateurs can only launch ambitious projects if they’re underwritten by a hotel or museum. Even Danny Meyer says he doesn’t think he’d open another freestanding restaurant right now, because the cost is “so prohibitive, you’d be working for your landlord rather than for your investors.” It all sounds very grim, but Crain’s sees the upside of it.

That publication quotes Dan Warren, the owner of Common Ground and new spot West 3rd Common: “If you run a restaurant in a low- to middle-price range in New York City, you’re almost immune to the recession.” And to prove it, Warren says he made $22,000 in the month of January. How so? Well, by paying “modest wages” to chefs fresh out of culinary school, and by hiring a front-of-house staff of young folks and immigrants.

The low salaries help keep startup costs fairly minimal. Rent is the biggest issue. West 3rd Common is paying $14,500 a month for its space. The $500,000 in startup costs are covered by a silent investment group of friends and family who also funded Common Ground. Success, according to Mr. Warren’s formula, requires pulling together enough operating capital for nine months of losses plus an extra $100,000 in capital reserves. He anticipates annual revenues of $1.5 million by 2012, similar to Common Ground’s.

So there you go: It’s still possible to open a profitable freestanding restaurant so long as you have sliders and wings on the menu.

Bottom Feeders [NYP]
The New Empire Builder [Crain's]

Read more posts by Daniel Maurer

Filed Under: openings, common ground, credit crunch, dan warren, danny meyer, hotels, marcus samuelsson, michael white, west 3rd common

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Momofuku Ko is potentially one of the most hyped restaurants in Manhattan. It is talked about and whispered about; it…

Momofuku Ko

163 1st Ave, New York

(212) 500-0831

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In an effort to keep you bouncing around in his world like a pinball, Michael Huynh is offering a coupon for a free Baoguette sandwich (the namesake variety or the BBQ chicken) if you order at least one drink and one appetizer at one of his other places, Bia Garden.

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Filed Under: freebies, baoguette, bia garden, michael huynh

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As mentioned in the magazine, Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone’s grocery-decorated sandwich shop is expanding beyond the daytime realm of sumptuous chicken parm and roasted-turkey subs. Prix fixe dinner service launches March 9, and here’s a sneak peek at all the dishes on the opening menu (which costs around $45 and will change every few days). To drink: house red, house white, bubbles, or beer (Schaefer or Blue Point). Dinner is served from 6 p.m. to 11; there are no reservations and it’s closed Monday.

Read more posts by Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld

Filed Under: photo plates, torrisi italian specialities, what to eat

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It’s time to play Two for Eight. We just asked nine restaurants the best time they can squeeze in a couple for dinner; you need only make your chosen reservation. (As always, we make the calls but don’t guarantee the results.) Today: Destination, Brooklyn.

Applewood (Menu)
718-788-1810
Two for eight? No
Best available: 7:30 p.m.

Dressler (Menu)
718-384-6343
Two for eight? No
Best available: 8:30 p.m.

The Good Fork (Menu)
718-643-6636
Two for eight? Yes

The Grocery (Menu)
718-596-3335
Two for eight? Yes

iCi (Menu)
718-789-2778
Two for eight? Yes

Peter Luger (Menu)
718-387-7400
Two for eight? No
Best available: Fully booked

Rose Water (Menu)
718-783-3800
Two for eight? Yes

Saul (Menu)
718-935-9844
Two for eight? 7:30 p.m.

Sel de Mer
718-387-4181
Two for eight? Yes

Filed Under: two for eight, applewood, chestnut, dressler, ici, peter luger, rose water, saul, sel de mer, the good fork, the grocery

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When it opens next Monday, George Zoitas plans to shuttle fresh ingredients from his Westside Market into the kitchen at his new Morningside Heights endeavor, Vareli. The operation might remind you a little bit of market-lounge hybrid Kashkaval (no relation), and indeed the food will be Mediterranean here also, with a focus on dips, Turkish flatbread, charcuterie, and cheeses. Israeli chef Amitzur Mor was a chef de partie at Bouley for five years, and he’ll get a front-of-the-house assist from GM Richard Bill, who was previously a sommelier at Michael’s as well as at Tom Valenti’s restaurants.

Take a look at the space — the second floor accommodates 15 at the bar and 32 at tables, and the second floor seats 60. Dinner will be served from 5 p.m. till 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, till 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and till 9 p.m. on Sundays; a bar menu is offered till 2 a.m., and lunch and brunch will start in the spring. Here’s the menu.

BITES
Marinated Olives $5
Kalamata, Mammoth, Carignola and House Blend
Homemade Pickles $5

SPREADS $5/1 or $13/3
Humus, Tzaziki, Fire Roasted Eggplant, Spicy Feta
Served With Grilled Turkish Bread

SMALL PLATES
Seasonal Soup $6
Spicy Carrots with Chickpea, Mint and Greek Yogurt
Pot o’ Mussels $12
P.E.I. Mussels, Chorizo-Saffron Broth
Seared Diver Scallops $13
Shaved Fennel, Citrus and Hazelnut Vinaigrette
Grilled Calamari Panzanella $12
Panzanella, Tomatoes, Olives, Capers, Roasted Red Peppers and Baby Arugula
Roasted Rainbow Beets $11
Pickled Onions, Pecans and Goat Cheese
Leeks Carbonara $11
Young Leeks, Bacon, Croutons, Parmesan and Soft Boiled Egg
Crispy Pork Belly $12
Creamy Polenta and Fried Egg
Grilled Octopus $13
Chickpeas, Kalamata Olives, Serrano Peppers, Oregano and Greek Yogurt
Tuna Tartar “Israeli Salad” $13
Crispy Garden Vegetables, Tomato Consommé and Herb Salad
Fried Cauliflower $7
Tahini, Chili, Lemon Juice and Sage
Saganaki $9
Kaseri Cheese Fondue with Lemon oil and Pinenuts

CHEESE BOARD $12/3 0r $16/5
Gorgonzola Dolce (Italy) Sweet Aged Cow’s Milk with Blue Veins
Parmigiano-Reggiano (Italy) The King of Cheese
6 Month Aged Cow’s Milk
Pecorino Romano (Italy) Hard, Aged, Sharp
Sheep’s Milk
Triple Cream Brie (France) Very Creamy and Sweet

Cow’s Milk
Taleggio (Italy) Soft, Salty with Strong Aroma,
Pasteurized Cow’s Milk
Monte Enebro (Spain) Creamy With White Mold,
Goat’s Milk
Humboldt Fog (California) Tangy and Smooth Ash Coated,
Ripe Goat Cheese
Tomes de Savoie (France) Nutty and Buttery, Hard, Ripe Aged Goat Cheese

CHARCOUTERIE BOARD $8/1 or $16/Platter
26 Month Prosciutto di Parma
Sweet Sopressata
Hot Sopressata
22 Week Aged Italian Speck
3 Month Air-Dried Bresaola
Dry Aged Capitola
Dry-Cured Basque Chorizo

SALADS
Mixed Greens $8
Farmer’s Market Vegetables and Red Wine Vinaigrette
Vareli Salad $11
Baby Arugula, Israeli Cucumbers, Fresh Herbs, Tomatoes, Mammoth Olives and Bulgarian Feta

GRILLED PANINI & BURGERS
Portobello $12
Grilled Portobello, Roasted Peppers, Tapenade, Basil and Goat Cheese
Salumi $13
Sopressata, Prosciutto, Copa, Spicy Aioli, Pickled Onions, Buffalo Mozzarella
Braised Heritage Pork $13
Pulled Pork, Arugula, Shaved Fennel, Pickles, Chipotle Aioli, Ricotta Salata
Middle-Eastern Lamburger $13
Harissa, Tomato and Pickled Red Onion
All Natural, Grass-Fed Beefburger $9
Caramelized Onions, Chipotle, Arugula and White Cheddar
Served with Herbed Potato Fries

BIG PLATES
Grilled Atlantic Salmon $19
Braised Greens, Fennel, Tomato Confit and Rose-Olive Coulis
Pretzel-Crusted Mahi Mahi $22
Gigante Beans, Swiss Chard, Roasted Peppers and Bouillabaisse
Roasted Free Range Chicken $19
Creamy Polenta, Rapini and Lemon-Caper Vinaigrette
Homemade Sausage Plate $18
Warm Potato Salad, Pickles and Old Fashioned Mustard
Braised Short Ribs Tagine $21
Homemade Couscous, Chickpeas and Winter Vegetables
14 Oz. NY Strip $20
Grilled Scallions, Roasted Potatoes and Salsa Verde

SIDES $5
Creamy Polenta, Broccoli Rabe, Braised Greens, Fries, Homemade Couscous

Vareli Restaurant Lounge; 2869 Broadway, nr. 111th St.; 212-678-8585

Read more posts by Daniel Maurer

Filed Under: slideshow, amitzur mor, bouley, george zoitas, kashkaval, openings, richard bill, vareli

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from Grub Street San Francisco

In a new memoir by Times staffer Kim Severson, there’s a story in which Alice Waters schools her friend and mentor Marion Cunningham, who admits to being a fan of iceberg lettuce. As SFoodie reports, Spoon Fed: How Eight Cooks Saved My Life recounts the life lessons the former Chron food writer learned from a group of female cooks, including Waters, Cunningham, Rachael Ray, and Ruth Reichl. We suppose the lesson from Waters goes something like, “Don’t be afraid to judge your friends, or to mail them a box of crunchy heirloom lettuces from France in order to shame them out of their plebeian tastes.” The book is out on April 15th.

Does Alice Hate Iceberg Lettuce More Than She Loves a Dear Friend? [SFoodie]

Read more posts by Jay Barmann

Filed Under: bookshelf, alice waters, books, kim severson, locavores, marion cunningham, rachael ray, ruth reichl

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Last week Bowlmor confirmed earlier reports that it was opening a Times Square location in the New York Times Building, and revealed that the 90,000-square-foot space would have 50 lanes and a “Big Apple” theme, including a stairway fashioned after the Brooklyn Bridge. That got us to thinking about Funzi’s, the lounge at Ozone Park’s Cozy Bowl that’s graced by a mural of (funny enough) the Brooklyn Bridge.

Photo: Daniel Maurer

As you can see from the misty photo above, Funzi’s (at least, we’re calling it that because that’s what’s inscribed on the mirror behind the bar) is nothing fancy, and that’s precisely its charm. There’s a shrine containing photos of Keith Hernandez and Jackie Robinson, a Quik Draw machine, a jukebox, a couple of pool tables, and a Big Lebowksi poster (Cozy Bowl hosted the first three Lebowski Fests).

You won’t find a quasi-legendary bartender-philosopher like you will at Sunset Park’s similarly retro Melody Lanes, but a draft beer and a mixed drink comes to $8.50 and you can score a pitcher of beer along with a pie from the next-door concession stand for $17 (burgers, hot dogs, and popcorn shrimp are also sold). And right down to the fake flowers that adorn the booths, Funzi’s looks almost as if it hasn’t changed since it opened as Americana Lanes in 1960 (in 2002, a clique of Americana regulars took over operations after AMF closed the run-down lanes — the ball returns still get stuck, but at $3 per weekday game per person plus $3.50 for shoes, who’s complaining?).

Note the Galaga-themed lanes in the distancePhoto: Daniel Maurer

All of this is to say that the tourists can have their Big Apple–themed Bowlmors and velvet-roped Lucky Strikes — we’re always happy to travel to Queens for Cozy Bowl (Fridays and Saturdays are karaoke nights!), or to the Bronx for Ball Park Lanes. Unless, of course, it’s shomer Shabbos.

Cozy Bowl Lanes and Lounge; 98–18 Rockaway Blvd., Ozone Park, Queens; 718- 843-5552

Read more posts by Daniel Maurer

Filed Under: oldies but goodies, ball park lanes, bowling, bowlmore lanes, cozy bowl lanes and lounge, funzi’s, jamaica, ozone park

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from Grub Street Chicago

Those places on the Internet where people talk about food — blogs? Is that what they’re called? — get some critical recognition in Saveur’s inaugural Best Food Blog awards. The categories (regional cuisine, culinary travel, baking, etc.) favor those who write about cooking rather than dining, and the finalists include a mix of professional and amateur efforts. Oh, and winners are determined by popular vote, so get over there and express your opinions. [Saveur]

Read more posts by Helen Rosner

Filed Under: awards, other sites, saveur

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Fork in the Road adds the Voice’s new happy-hour app to its previous roundup, and Time Out surveys the city’s best all-you-can-eat specials, from Hill Country to our personal favorite, Clemente’s Maryland Crabhouse. Go on, cheapskates and gluttons.

Read more posts by Daniel Maurer

Filed Under: freebies, 2-for-1s, all-you-can-eat specials, buffets, cheap drinks, cheap eats, happy hour

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