Gus Van Sant’s Oscar-nominated film aside, milk itself is undergoing a bit of strange renaissance. Milk is hot. Fact is, our recession has accelerated the eternal return to comfort food. And unless you’re lactose intolerant, a tall glass of milk might make you feel better. Here are a few highlights from milk’s current curdle-free moment in the sun: more ›

There are a number of restaurants opening in 2008 that we've been eagerly awaiting and we thought we'd highlight some that particularly piqued our interest and have us drooling in anticipation. more ›

October 11: Restaurant Reviewing in New York City more ›

Even Babbo co-owner Joe Bastianich is a regular: "he eats here twice a week at least. 'It’s cheap, and even if it cost three times more, I would still frequent it.'" more ›

New critic Frank Bruni's premiere Times restaurant review is of Babbo, the crown jewel in chef Mario Batali and partner Joe Bastianich's restaurant empire. Bruni gives three stars, the same rating Ruth Reichl gave it that heady summer of 98 when it first opened (if SLNY were around then, they would have noted that the line was busy busy busy, and then when someone would pick up, the only table was for 10:30PM). But what Gothamist found most interesting was Bruni's thoughts about the differences between three- and four-star restaurants; right now, Babbo falls just short of four because of its ambience (loud music like the Black Crowes and Led Zeppelin from Batali's own iPod, a rushed and frenetic if extremely helpful staff). Bruni also comments on Batali's orange high-top sneakers as a sign of Batali's relaxed iconoclasm, which makes Gothamist demand a re-examination of the footwear of NYC chefs, which ran in the Times a couple years ago. The article pointed out how Batali liked to wear rubber clogs in the kitchen (because they are dishwashable) while Jean-Georges Vongerichten wore Prada shoes. 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 ›

Other Nominees: more ›

Tania and I went to Otto Enoteca Tuesday night and had a fine time. Otto is the latest in the growing empire of Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich and friends. The meal itself was good, not tremendous, but whenever you can linger over snacky foods and some wine (a Lambrusco in this case) and chat for over two hours with one of your best friends, it's a fine evening. more ›