Throw Your Hands Up and Gout

Frank Bruni was the New York Times restaurant critic for five years.  He was diagnosed with Gout last November.  It is said to be the "disease of kings," as it results from diets with surplus amounts of red meat and alcohol.

Bruni says his diet was something he always meant to get around to adjusting, he just "lacked the proper motivation" to do so.  His blog brings us this insightful article and explains how "illness and the threat of extreme pain" have lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Lights Out at Romera

Dr. Miguel Sanchez Romera closed the doors to his fantastical neurogastronomical underground lair in the basement of The Dream Hotel after service this past Saturday.

The effort was not lacking in Chef Romera's food on offer at Romera.  But, with a staggering $245 prix fixe for twelve courses, the clientele was.  The place got a tepid one-star review from Pete Wells and received some backlash from Frank Bruni. 

Romera's six month stint comes to a close as the Dr. bids adios to his Romerian mosaics.

Frank Bruni Profiles the Alex Stupak

Alex Stupak is the executive chef/owner of Empellon Taqueria and Empellon Cocina.  Neither place is a year old, though both are bringing  plenty of buzz and a new vision of Mexican cuisine to New York City.

Former NYTimes restaurant critic Frank Bruni profiles the chef and takes us through his brief (Stupak is only 31) career, which apparently started with getting yelled at for putting cream in scrambled eggs when he worked at Denny's.