With just a little more than 24 hours left of 2009, there’s no time like the present to take a moment to look back at some of the year’s biggest dining surprises.
The Eater website has been examining the responses of several foodies, chefs, bloggers, and writers who were asked several questions pertaining to their opinion on certain food matters of 2009. We wanted to share a glimpse at what Eater found out in some of the responses when they were asked about the biggest dining surprise of the year in New York. Do you agree with the responses? Let us know what your biggest dining surprise was of 2009 below!
Andrew Knowlton, restaurant editor Bon Appetit: “The undeniable success of a joint like Marea; the sophomore slump that was John Dory; Joe Jr’s unfortunate demise; the underwhelming food—at least in Boulud terms—of DBGB; Momofuku going “Midtown;” Anthony Mangieri’s departure; octopus as de rigueur menu item; and my continued inability to convince otherwise food-savvy Manhattanites to venture out to M & T (Flushing), Roberta’s (Bushwick), Saraghina (Bed-Stuy), Tanoreen (Bay Ridge), and others.”
Danyelle Freeman, Restaurant Girl: “How awful the food was at The Monkey Bar.”
Bret Thorn, Nation’s Restaurant News: “David Burke Townhouse’s new chef, Sylvain Delpique.”
Gabriella Gershenson, Food Editor TONY: “The demise of New York classics like Chanterelle, Cafe des Artistes and Tavern on the Green.”
Ryan Patrick Sutton, restaurant critic Bloomberg: “The Brooklyn Star. It represents, along with Fatty Crab, the most viable alternative to Momofuku. (i.e. Slightly more refined versions of comfort food and junk food served as small plates in a stripped down setting).”
Kate Krader, restaurant editor Food & Wine: “Best pleasant surprise in 2009 economy – the packed dining room at Marea. Unpleasant surprise: closing of John Dory.”
Zach Brooks, mayor of Midtown: “Momofuku coming to *gasp* Midtown… with a $10 lunch menu!?!? (Pinch me)”
