{image: Craft New York}
 
Top Chef Tom Colicchio is putting the old Craftbar space to good use with bi-weekly Tuesday dinners that celebrate "no-holds-barred cooking". The menu at Tom: Tuesday Dinner will reflect seasonal ingredients, quality artisanal foods and the chefs whim. One price, one menu.

While the concept is not really that inventive (think underground dining at Ghetto Gourmet or restaurants like The Corson Building or Herbfarm), I kinda like that Tom's back in the kitchen. Keeping it real. Nice one.

{source: dailycandy.com}

 

Great piece by Michael Pollan in the NYTimes food issue.

An exploration of fashion and reusable market bags.

Hardcore sushi lovers unite-- Sasabune in Hawaii serves only the freshest seasonal fish available and has a "trust me" omakase policy (meaning that customers eat whatever the chef puts in front of them) at the bar. No California Rolls here.
 
Some might think the experience a little Soup-Naziesque but the end benefit is the chef's knowledge of what is good that day.

If you are seated at table instead of the bar, you can order what you want but we went with the chef's menu. The waiters precise instructions on when to use soy & wasabi, how to eat (this piece before this one, but no soy on the first) and bite size (one bite only) made us snicker a bit. The experience certainly makes you reflect on your food and has good word-of-mouth buzz.

 

Lunching at Neiman Marcus's Mariposa in Ala Moana, we were delighted with a local and seasonal menu with outstanding service and presentation. Above, the largest popover we've every seen and a farm tomato salad (tied like a bouquet) with big island tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, wild arugula, olive tapenade, fig balsamic, extra virgin olive oil. Below is the special of the day: Kauai shrimp with seasonal greens, watercress, smoked salmon, hearts of palm, maui onions & manchego with a pomegranate citrus dressing.
 

 

A beautiful open kitchen and communal table at Boulettes Larder in the ferry terminal for private events, delicious brunches and outstanding lunches. Everything is meticulous: from the single serving french presses to vande rose farm ham hocks.
 


 
We also love dinner to-go options with seasonal cuisine from local farms. The food presentation is appealing regardless of the quick options: no cans, no ugly styrofoam packaging, and pure flavor.