Where's my home? No idea but this world feels like a cool place to call home.
Unfocused postings on whatever catches my attention, makes me think or demands that I point and shoot.
We had two great eating experiences today in SF.
The Slanted Door is always a favorite.
The other restaurant we popped in to at lunchtime - Grove Fillmore - offers great natural mexican inspired food.
With eight micro-brews on tap and desserts that include strawberry and rhubarb pie, this place will see me as a regular.
“If admen had souls, many would probably trade them for an opportunity every restaurateur already has: the ability to place an advertisement in every customer’s hand before they part with their money.”
This quote was from Allen H. Kelson, a restaurant consultant, who wrote this in 1994.
It seems like restaurants are fast understanding the power of the menu in relationship to selling their food. Meyer's quote on chefs creating the music and the menu being the lyrics is a good way to look at it at least from a discipline point of view.
There's a great article in the NY Times http://bit.ly/8aG7eP that talks about two key areas: Meaning and pricing.
Meaning, as in creating or telling stories behind the dishes created. Providing this meaning creates a sense of authenticity and originality.
On pricing, it focuses on the incredible subtleties of pricing psychology. How the $ sign can subconsciously drive spending down and how removing unnecessary points, as in 10 versus 10.00, can create a stronger stance for the brand.
I think both angles are relevant to all brands in all categories. It's easy to forget the power of subtle signals in a world of noise.
I have tasted the Breslin and it's good.
The new restaurant/bar at the Ace Hotel delivers the delicious taste of the Spotted Pig but with more breathing room. Another plus is that it's open for breakfast. And a selfish plus is that it's near my office and given that I'm completely fed up with the chain food of mid-town, this will be a good escape. Here's a review from New York Mag. http://bit.ly/8kDR3A
I fell in love with enjoying restaurant experiences from the bar in LA.
It started at Axe, then graduated to Jar and I haven't stopped since.
It's just less stuffy, no matter where you are - even 11 Madison.
The service is right in front of you.
If you are in a new city, it's a great way to find out what's happening and where to go.
And perhaps most importantly for me, it's a great way to strike up conversations with others.
This article http://bit.ly/6wVZoL in wsj talks about this enjoyment being the choice of the future and that hotels are jumping on the concept.
Here's to more conversations with new people in 2010.
If you find yourself in Moscow, two restaurants you have to visit are Apartment 44 in Moscow, which was literally an apartment during soviet times where many families lived...
...and Pumba, which is an hour out of Moscow in the woods but worth the trip.
I fell in love with Cafe Mania the first time I visited Moscow.
I'm a freak about coffee to the point of only going to Joe's in NY because they are the only ones to use Barrington coffee beans. So yes I have a problem but you've got to love a place like cafe Mania where they ask you when you want your coffee during your breakfast. And when you get it, conversation stops even if it's just for a second. It's mind altering.
Interestingly the broader picture shows Christmas decorations. I learnt this evening that the Mayor of Moscow will fine any establishment that doesn't feature decorations. He wants Moscow to be as beautiful as possible.
Personally, I don't think this city needs the decorations to be beautiful - just curious and patient eyes.