Tiny Urban Tidbits #2

Tiny Urban Tidbits is where I share with you some insights, "tidbits", or just random encounters from the week. I carry my camera with me everywhere I go, and I love capturing photos of interesting things that I discover. These may include new dishes from a restaurant that I've already reviewed, updates on what's going on locally, or encounters I've had in the kitchen. It could even include a beautiful sunset, a funny sign, or just stuff I find amusing. Think of it as snapshots (literally!) of my weekly experiences with food - intertwined with stories, of course.
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Daniel, New York City

Top 50 Restaurants
San Pellegrino released their annual Top 50 Restaurants this past year.  Number 1 was Noma, a restaurant in Denmark, knocking E Bulli of Spain down to number 2.  Daniel, the highest climber, rose 33 to become 8th.  The French Laundry, the third largest drop, fell 20 slots down to 32.  The entire list can be found here.  A few days later, they released the "bottom 50", in other words, 51-100.

Here are my experiences at some of these restaurants. I do want to note that, out of all my amazing dining experiences this past year, I actually think Daniel was my favorite experience overall, so I'm not surprised that it's doing so well on this list.

8. Daniel	10. Per Se
15. Le Bernardin	32. The French Laundry
29. L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, France *post is about the Las Vegas Joel Robuchon	52. Jean-Georges *linked post is about Market by JG in Boston * above photo is from JG in NYC

Boston News

Why I love living next to Harvard Square . . . .
Korean fried chicken place Bon Chon Chicken is moving from Allston to Harvard Square!  And rumor has it that Pinkberry is considering the old Alpha Omega space. Yoberry closed not too long ago, and Berryline has been in Harvard for years. Don't feel like paying close to $5 for some yogurt?  You can always try making your own.

And Little Q, my favorite hot pot (shabu) place in Boston, appears to be moving to Chinatown, and (maybe?) Arlington. They were essentially forced out of their Quincy location by the city several months ago. According to their new website, the future location will be in Chinatown (660 Washington St) and will be called "The Q Restaurant."  They're hiring now, so if you're looking for a job . . .

It also looks like a restaurant named "Little Q" is moving to East Arlington, at 196 Mass Ave.  We drove by it the other day on our way to Tango.  So are there really two now?  It's odd how their website does not mention the Arlington location. I even wonder whether the Arlington one is still going to happen.

In any event, more delicious hot pot coming closer to Boston very soon!

Keller vs. The Pioneer Woman?
I read an entertaining article where a mom cooked a traditional fried chicken dinner for her family from both The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond and Ad Hoc at Home by Thomas Keller.  It's interesting to see her family's reaction, especially her kids.

Washington D.C. Mini-Series

Next week, we'll have a mini-series on some really interesting eats in Washington DC!  I was there over Easter for the cherry blossoms and tried some great food, from iconic chili dogs to Belgian moules frites (mussels and fries).  Stay tuned!

That's it folks.  Have a wonderful weekend!