Cafe 86

We'd planned to run a not-very-complimentary review of Cafe 36 in the Fine Arts Center on Friday.

But we got word today that the chef was on the way out.

OK, do we run a negative review of a restaurant that's about to lose its chef?

We decided that wouldn't serve readers. Instead, I'll write about the decision, as well as our hopes for what should be in that lovely space.

What's the deal with restaurants with great views? They never get or keep great chefs.

The old Fish Market on the bluffs over Bijou. The Sunbird. It seems like these restaurants with the best views often run without great chefs.

Of course, there are exceptions: The Pepper Tree and The Margarita come to mind.

A little Nosh

The little place tucked behind the FAC Modern is becoming the hot new place in town. I absolutely love it! It's a tapas (or small plates) place at dinner and a Blue Starrish place at lunch. The buffalo burger is THE best in town and the mushroom asparagus souffle is phenomenal.

The Sushi New Deal

I just read a thought-provoking piece in the New York Times about how a cultural disconnect between Americans and Japanese sushi is leading to the demise of the blue fin tuna. Here's a sample:

WITH the depletion of bluefin tuna in our oceans now front-page news, people around the country have been sharing with me their confusions and fears about eating sushi. I think that we — and our fish — would benefit from a new deal for American sushi: a grand pact between chefs and customers to change the way we eat.

Read the rest here

NO SOUP FOR YOU!

In what has to be a record-breaking demise, The Original SoupMan — the restaurant that inspired the “Soup Nazi” episode of “Sienfeld” — has closed.
The chain soup place at 10 S. Tejon St. had opened on April 30.
It had some fine soups, but the prices were ridiculous.

We're wondering what will come next on that prime spot on Restaurant Row.

In Santa Fe, searching for the right Chile

I was in Santa Fe this weekend for opening night of the opera. Yes, whatever else you want to say about Nathaniel Glen, you can't say he doesn't love a good dose of culture from time to time. Anyway, while I was there, I had time for only one lunch, which is tough. I've been a fan of The Shed downtown for years, but people had strongly recommended Tomasitas. So I took a chance.

Tomasitas was good. Nice green and red chile, blue corn enchiladas, a fantastic, crisp relleno, and a chile and posole soup that was classic New Mexico. But, sorry, The Shed is better. It's still my go to cheap Mexican in central Santa Fe. I can't wait to go back.