Chefs Speak Out in Time Out New York

The Time Out New York "Kitchen report 2008" (October 30-November 5, 2008) offers some insights into the mindset of 40 Big Apple chefs.

One question was

What’s the worst thing about New York restaurantgoers?
The biggest complaint from chefs is that New Yorkers are too discerning, too picky and too bitchy. Some put it politely: "They’re very demanding, they really know what they want. They’re really knowledgeable and have high expectations." Some cut to the chase and called you "elitist and high maintenance." One particularly pissed-off chef hates it when you order sauce on the side.

What customer "faux pas" pisses off the chefs the most? Answers included "Saying they are allergic to something when they’re not." and "Bad tipping and impatience if the restaurant is busy and slammed." One chef also suggested that "If you can’t tip 15 to 20 percent, don’t go out to eat. Everyone is in a financial crisis, and I’m tired of listening to my servers complain."

And then there's "Are your vegetarian dishes truly vegetarian?" Eight percent said "yes" but one chef said "Yes. Well, we use chicken stock, but no one can tell the difference."

So be honest, not too demanding, and generous with your tipping. And wary.

Here's a glimpse at the food prep process.

Home-Cured Salmon

Danielle Sucher at Gothamist recently published this recipe for home-cured salmon.

It looks fun and easy...and gluten-free!

Zagat NYC Restaurants 2009

Below is this year's round-up of the New York City GFRAP restaurants as listed in the Zagat guide.

Candle 79 and Asia de Cuba stayed at the top of the list, with new addition S'MAC elbowing itself just ahead of Risotteria with its food rating. Price estimates tended to go up, with Candle 79 and S'MAC and Outback distinguishing themselves with rating increases.

Despite any number of trend and health pieces in the media about gluten-free dining, the Zagat guide still hasn't found much of a way to recognize gluten-free dining as a cuisine or special feature, though it is mentioned in at least three restaurant comments.

The guide notes that "Tipping remained steady at 19%, right on par with the national average." So keep that in mind when you want to make a good impression with the restaurant staff.

Candle 79
Food: 23
Service: 22 (up 1)
Decor: 20 (up 3)
Estimated dinner for one: $46 (up $10)

Asia de Cuba
Food: 23
Service: 20
Decor: 24
Estimated dinner for one: $61 (up $3)

S'MAC
Food: 21 (up 2)
Service: 14
Decor: 10 (up 1)
Estimated dinner for one: $16 (up $3)

Risotteria
Food: 20 (down 1)
Service: 15 (down 1)
Decor: 9 (down 1)
Estimated dinner for one: $24 (up $1)
Comments: "Gluten-sensitive gourmets" gather at this "tiny" Village Italian turning out "creamy risottos" and other fare fit for "those with food restrictions" yet "terrific enough for everyone else"; there's "no decor" and little elbow room, but "squeeze in" and you'll leave "happily satisfied."

Gus' Place (reopened, relocated)
Food: 19 (down 1)
Service: 20
Decor: 14 (down 2)
Estimated dinner for one: $38 (up $1)

Lumi
Food: 18 (down 1)
Service: 19
Decor: 18
Estimated dinner for one: $53 (up $1)
Comments: "Perfect for a romantic interlude" or a shopping break, this UES Italian (seen in the Sex and the City movie) is set in a "lovely and comfortable" townhouse equipped with two fireplaces; "decent" food, including a "gluten-free" menu, and "pro" service help justify the tabs.

Sambuca
Food: 18
Service: 18
Decor: 16
Estimated dinner for one: $40 (up $2)
Comments: Maybe the "basic, family-style" Italian eats at this "kid-friendly" UWS "alternative to Carmine's" "won't wow you", but the "giant portions" may, so "go with a group" and "share"; waiters are "cheery", and - who woulda thunk? - there's a "gluten-free menu."

Outback Steakhouse
Food: 15 (up 1)
Service: 16 (up 1)
Decor: 12
Estimated dinner for one: $34 (up $2)

WABC Eyewitness News Goes to Miller's

WABC's Eyewitness News recently paid a visit to Miller's Gluten Free Bread Co. in Rochelle Park, New Jersey. The video is here.

Thanks to Erin of the New York City Celiac Disease Meetup Group (NYCCDMG) for the lead. You can find more coverage courtesy of Ben Cappel at the CeliacChicks website.

NOTED My sympathies to go the Coluccio, Dupont, and Milito families on their recent losses. You may know the Coluccios as purveyors of imported Italian gluten-free pasta in Brooklyn.

Island Outlook on Celiac Disease

Kudos to Michael Thorn of the Suffolk County Celiacs and Frank Brinka of Island Outlook for a very good, up-to-date, and wide-ranging discussion of celiac disease. The running time is 30 well-spent minutes.

Island Outlook is a production of the LI Radio Group, where Eric Schwartz is Senior Account Executive. Kudos also to Schwartz, who is involved in a radio campaign to boost awareness of celiac disease.

Breaking: Another Risotteria?

You can find an online interview-profile of Dominick D'Alleva, owner of the restaurants Home and Sway, at BlackBook. Here are some of his remarks:

I did open up a new restaurant that had an Italian flavor ... Risotteria on Bleecker and Morton. It’s still there, and now I can’t get a table! It started out as salads and risotto and reasonably priced Italian comfort food. Then, we got into gluten-free food, and certain people allergic to wheat loved our pizzas and cookies....

We’re going to have another Risotteria.

Finally!

This Soup for You!

Today and tomorrow you can get free samples of gluten-free Kettle Cuisine soups at two Whole Foods Markets in Manhattan, according to a post on the message board of the New York City Celiac Disease Meetup Group (NYCCDMG).

Monday, October 20, 3-7pm
Whole Foods Chelsea
Chicken Chili with White Beans
Grilled Chicken and Corn Chowder

Tuesday, October 21, 3-7pm
Whole Foods Columbus Circle
Chicken with Rice Noodle
Angus Beef Chili
Grilled Chicken and Corn Chowder

I am not sure if gf bread is included with the samples, so ask about it at your own risk!



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