In the world of reality television, keeping secrets from faithful viewers is everything: any notable off set development helps to propel rumors, and draws higher ratings. Last week, when puckish Top Chef finalist Ilan Hall left the dimly lit plancha-teria Casa Mono, it prompted a avalanche of speculation of a size usually reserved for Punxsutawney Phil. Rather than reporting on whether Hall saw his shadow, the virtual crowd gathered on the Internet posited that this in fact meant that the Long Island native had won the Top Chef title. Two days ago, Food and Wine magazine accidentally “leaked” a major spoiler onto their web site in the form of a feature story naming the winner, only to pull it from their server in a matter of minutes. Suspicious. Food and Wine has since explained that victory writeups are commissioned for both finalists- in this case, Hall and “crazy-hair” Marcel Vigneron, and that the gaffe has nothing to do with the show’s real outcome, which airs tonight. No matter who wins, there’s probably going to be six more weeks of winter. more ›

The 2005 edition of the Zagat New York City Restaurant Guide is out today, and no, per se didn't blow everyone else out of the water -- at least not yet. Although it earned 29 out of 30 points in all three categories -- food, decor, and service -- it was too new to qualify for this year's guide. more ›

Eating In: La Nacional's Spanish Style Garlic Shrimp more ›

Bon Appetit's 11th Annual Restaurant Issue showcases several of Gothamist's favorite New York restaurants: Jack's Luxury Oyster Bar, Casa Mono, 'inoteca, Pampano, Per Se, The Flatiron Lounge, and Chikalicious. more ›

We visited the Holy Land, a.k.a the set of Law & Order. Check out some of this past week's Gothamist Interviews. Plus the week in full. more ›

After conquering the West Village (with Po, Lupa, Otto, and Babbo) and Midtown West (Esca), Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich set their sights on Irving Place by taking over the former Irving on Irving space with Casa Mono, a variation on Spanish tapas bar. Gothamist checked out Casa Mono one evening to see that the Batali-Bastianich touch and name bring the foodies comin'. more ›