Wednesday Early Edition: Food News

Bruni goes to Lidia Bastianich’s Felidia (last reviewed and three-starred by Ruth Reichl in 1995) and reaffirms the three-stars. He’s crazy about the risotto, and calls its food “surprisingly distinctive in a city infatuated with, and just about saturated by, various kinds of Italian cuisine.”

Peter Meehan visits Sake Bar Hagi, a japanese pub near Times Square. It’s a great contrast to other after-work options in the neighborhood, he says, plus it’s cheap. “The sake-buzzed looseness at Sake Bar Hagi is one of it’s biggest charms.” He recommends the chicken balls, chicken skin skewers and squid beaks.

In the Post, Cuozzo gives his Labor Day Weekend restaurant recs. He warns that most managers and chefs will be on holiday too, and to avoid midtown. Where should you go? A Voce, BLT Fish, Cafe D’Alsace, Craft, Ouest, San Domenico and Singapore Cafe make the list.

And Braden Keilhas the news that Jean-Luc Keefield will be expanding from his four Hamptons restaurants into Manhattan. He’ll open a branch of Mumbo Jumbo (Cajun/Creole) at the site of his former restaurant Jean-Luc on Columbus Ave, then another venue way downtown in November. Also, David Burke to open a restaurant in Millburn, New Jersey.