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I just got back from Corton. The website asks guests to refrain from using flash photography and cell phones. I accept that gladly. You quote Drew here as saying,

"No, we're not going to stop people from taking photos," Nieporent said. "We'd just like people to be considerate of the other people in the restaurant.""

So why, when I entered, was I told that no photography was permitted. I asked nicely and was told, "no". The host asked the chef and reiterated that it was not permissible. I explained that I would not use a flash. I explained that I would not use the photos online nor for any commercial purposes. Still, my request was refused. I feel lied to based on the website only saying that "flash photography" was not permitted and also the quote here from Drew. So Drew, why is this?

The food at Corton was good but, just like Momofuku Ko, I won't be back. I see no reason to reward restaurants who don't consider my desire for a permanent memory, valid. They can make any policies they like but I still get to chose where I dine. I also chose to deal with people who advertise honestly. Drew said that, "we're not going to stop people" but that is just what they did. That to me is deceptive.

In the interest of full disclosure, the host did comp a round of drinks for us because of this. Still, it, (please, please, pardon the pun, leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I live in Portland, ME and I've been to Duckfat many a time and the poutine they make with the fries, cheese and duck gravy is a mouth-gasm.

"k" sound, like in Chianti.

My husband says I make the best grilled cheese sandwiches. You know my secret?? Parmesan cheese sprinkled on the buttered slices before they go into the pan. Just sprinkle then pat down with a knife. Creates a lovely cheese texture on the tops and bottoms of the sandwiches. Try it!

I just read the 9/3/08 comment.

I've been to Stone Barns five times. I've been sat next to my wife, facing out to the restaurant, about half those times. I actually enjoyed the intimacy of it. I've also seen all matters of dress there, from suit and tie to sleeves rolled up. Same with women. Just not an issue unless you're choosing to make it one.

I actually recognize the "James Carville doppleganger" you mentioned. The wait staff has never been anything but stellar. I'm probably a youngish guy compared to the kind of diner who regularly can afford a high-end meal, yet this place makes me feel like a million dollars every time. We even recieved a kitchen tour last time. One too many phone calls? Really....let it go.

I agree with the main review and consider this the best restaurant I've ever stepped foot it. I can't go there enough time in my life. Never go again? Great.....one more open reservation slot for me!

Despite what Drew said, I was at Nobu 57 this weekend and when I tried to take pictures I was told emphatically that no photography was allowed inside the dining room.

I offered to shoot without a flash. I told them I only wanted to shoot the food and possibly my friends. In both cases I was told absolutely no.

After begging the manager, I was allowed to take some pictures of a couple of dishes as they left the kitchen.

It was explained to me that this was the company's policy.

I understand other people not wanting to be photographed. I also understand that flashes can be annoying. But since I was perfectly willing to use available light, I don't see why this was a factor.

The new Orson, on 4th in San Francisco, has duck fat fries, served with a delicious Bearnaise.

@renn - you're right about the pans. I was hoping the silpat would help mitigate that black pan, but the real problem is definitely the oven, which heats from the bottom and doesn't retain heat, so rather than maintain a steady temperature, it's constantly trying to catch up. The result is that the flame is on much more often than it should be, and ends up burning the bottoms of things. Someday I'll have a better oven...

Looks a bit too nouvelle cuisiney for my taste. A wee bit pretentious? I clicked on this link because I saw the words farm and gutsy so I thought it would be more substantial fare. Ah well. What is Reisling? Is it the same as Riesling?

As a New York food photographer I actually get hired by PR firms to help promote restaurants. Having a photo of a plate on somebody's blog with a reference to the restaurant is like free publicity that restaurants should value it. In my opinion they should provide free meals to food bloggers. Often when I travel, I come into the Churches and some of them prohibit photography. But a restaurant come on give me a break.

I just read this and now hunger for burgers more then usual! Good job putting all that effort into the meal.

Well, I have to add my complaint. Even though the food was wonderful and our female waiter was very nice..... when I made the booking, the woman I spoke with insisted my husband would have to wear a coat and tie, that Blue Hill was "formal but casual" -- What does that mean? Then, the day before our reservation, she called me three times in an hour to confirm my reservation. I kept telling her "you just called me" but somehow she or the computer kept forgetting that I had just confirmed this reservation. We arrive there the next day and every man, except one was not wearing a coat and tie and the only other man was just wearing a sport jacket. All the other men were far more than casual - one was even wearing a bowling shirt. I had dressed up also. We were mortified. At least my husband was able to take off his jacket and tie but I was left dressed in a cocktail dress that I wouldn't have worn in this very casual restaurant had the woman been honest.

Then, the waitstaff decided we should both be seated on the same side looking out towards the room instead of across from each other. No other couple was seated that way.

To top off this unfortunate meal, two of the male staff decided it was appropriate to make fun of me and the way I was dressed. How do I know this? Since my mother was deaf, I learned to read lips with her. The one male staff member said to the James Carville doppelganger don't look up quickly, but the fat woman to my right in the corner is falling out of her dress. Well, I had a baby two weeks ago and yes, I had major cleavage and hadn't lost my baby weight (only celebrities lose weight that fast), but to do that in an obvious way in the middle of restaurant -- that I couldn't ignore. I will never go to that restaurant again.