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From Talk
Posted by fred, June 26, 2006 at 8:11 PM
The impossible has happened; I read a foodie book. And it was great.
I probably ought to let a smarter, more food-like person actually review the cooking stuff in "Heat." My perspective? I love this guy.
Thursday, Ed had mentioned something to me about being at a book release party with a bunch of his foodie freaks, some about a New Yorker editor and Mario Batali. I ignored him. (Other than my affection for Ed and his writing, the foodie world doesn't particularly interest me. Eating does.) Then, checking out Charlie Rose again after his absence, at about 11:30 I stumbled upon him interviewing someone I'd didn't recognize. Bald, white haired, about my age, this character was animated, enthusiastic, inspired, and talking about Mario. Telling his story of going on the line in the Babbo kitchen to write a profile, and quitting his job, staying on and off for three years, with a number of side trips to Italy, to study with the people who taught Mario.
Bill got my attention. Not only had he been the fiction editor at the New Yorker, but the editor of Granta (a great literary fiction periodical), and he was obviously a writer himself. He was so charismatic I couldn't help myself, I watched the whole thing.
Like I said, one of you will have a better take on the book. But, I will say, I almost wish Bill Buford was my friend. (I say "almost" because I haven't had such great luck in translating TV charisma into real life experience.) And his writing, his storytelling, his admiration of Mario, all come through and might make you wish you'd quit your job too and become a cook.
From Talk
Posted by fred, June 12, 2006 at 9:18 AM
Big Daddy's is another entry into the nostalgia food sweepstakes. Great to go to with my kids, not so sure I'd go alone. Fun to be in, the wait staff was helpful and friendly.
Burgers were really good, chicken salad surprising fresh. Turkey burger almost uneatable. Seems like it's good to stick to diner basics.
Nice "frequent flyer" program to bring the family back often. Stamp 10 meals and you get one free.
Worth a quick stop.
From Talk
Posted by fred, June 11, 2006 at 4:24 PM
Union Square, New York. June 8, 2006. There aren't enough great food trucks in the world anymore.
From Talk
Posted by fred, June 11, 2006 at 4:14 PM
Shun Lee Palace, 155 E. 55th St., New York. Still good, great room, enjoyable to look around.
From Talk
Posted by fred, June 4, 2006 at 4:34 PM
The Southfield Store & Cafe, Southfield, Massachusetts. Tim Newman is the propietor of this lovely, local. classy, and good restaurant and market.
From Talk
Posted by fred, June 4, 2006 at 4:34 PM
The kitchen at The Southfield Store & Cafe, Southfield, Massachusetts. Tim Newman is the propietor of this lovely, local. classy, and good restaurant and market.
From Talk
Posted by fred, June 4, 2006 at 4:33 PM
The Southfield Store & Cafe, Southfield, Massachusetts. Tim Newman is the propietor of this lovely, local. classy, and good restaurant and market.
From Talk
Posted by fred, June 4, 2006 at 4:25 PM
If you're going up to the Berkshires this summer (near Great Barrington Mass) you really have to go by the Southfield Store Cafe.
Tim Newman is the music video and commercial director who did what every over-stressed city person threatens; driving through the Berkshires to visit his daughter, he stopped in Southfield, Massachusetts and indulged one of his great life passions. 
He bought the 100 year old Southfield Store, renovated and added a cafe. This Los Angeles/New York native moved in and runs an amazing family business.
He learned to be a wonderful cook from his father's best friend and musical contractor (for feature films) and would always lend his hands, brains, and time to cook a holiday meal for a friend. He's transferred this love of fine dining to Massachusetts.
In addition to the fine fine cafe you can find prepared food available for take out, a broad selection of products for sale at retail, including baked goods, artisanal cheeses 
and cured meats, fine groceries, delicatessen, dairy products, premium coffee beans, beer, wine spirits, 
soft drinks, items for the kitchen and table and gifts.
And you get Tim and his local team: All the store's employees are local artisans (and, of course, Tim, his son, and daughter).
From Talk
Posted by fred, June 4, 2006 at 10:29 AM
I'd never heard of Adam Block and his role in developing the careers of Terrance Brennan, Paul Bertolli and others. Or the key he was in the rise of Las Vegas as chef & star maker. Great article today in the New York Times Magazine.
From Talk
Posted by fred, June 1, 2006 at 3:04 PM
Park Bistro, 414 Park Ave S, New York
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