Two Stars: "A high-functioning luxury mill," the new Oceana is an imposing, less comfortable restaurant, despite a number of noteworthy dishes. Head Start: Mark Bittman shares 101 tips for make-ahead Thanksgiving dishes. Pierre Gagnaire: The French chef's upcoming Las...
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Alcohol and Caffeine Together, Possibly Not Good For You: The FDA is threatening to pull alcoholic drinks spiked with caffeine from the market since studies suggest that caffeine in malt beverages can lead people to underestimate how drunk they...
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One Star: "Aureole, as the New York expression goes, is meh," says Sifton, knocking it down to one star while commending its bar fare and several other dishes. Turkey Trials: Kim Severson tries to disprove the notion that the...
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Sesame Street's Gone Foodie: On the anniversary episode of this 40-year-old show Michelle Obama extols garden-fresh vegetables. Recipe Redux: Try bagna cauda, a dip of warm olive oil infused with anchovies and garlic. Toxic BPA: Nicholas D. Kristof's Op-Ed...
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One Star: Sam Sifton likes the "fine" beef at Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecôtes, but appreciates the simplicity even more. White House Chef: "When Sam Kass is not grilling fish for the first family, he is pondering the details...
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Hong Kong Crazy for Wine: Since the Hong Kong government eliminated a 40 percent tax on wine last year, wine imports soared 80 percent and expensive custom sommelier services have started. The Carnivore's Dilemma: Nicolette Hahn Niman (wife of...
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Critic Does Cantonese: Sifton gives Imperial Palace in Flushing, Queens one star, calling it "a sticky, garlicky, sweet adventure, one of the city's great meals." The New Date Spots: Street carts, holes-in-the-wall—romance today means anything but white tablecloths. Thomas...
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DIY Butchering: Now you can stop idolizing your neighborhood butcher and start learning the craft yourself. Slideshow here. Boîte: The Point of View (P.O.V.) roof terrace and lounge at Washington's W Hotel gives you a front row view of...
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Three Stars: "Marea is an ambitious restaurant, more so than any Mr. Cannon and Mr. White have opened," writes Sifton. "It is also in many ways a casual one, unfussy, as welcoming as a luxe clubhouse." Match Point: You...
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[Photo: Kerry Saretsky] In what is surely meant to provoke controversy, James McWilliams posits that very theory on a guest post on the Times' Freaknomics blog. It may be controversial on the face of it, but he's saying nothing...
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