Laurent Gras Creates His Own Launch Blog, and It Rules

Since Sam Mason and Tailor absorbed a world of abuse for the ongoing chronicle that was the Launch, most chefs have been pretty wary about broadcasting the development of their restaurant projects. But clearly Laurent Gras, the talented chef best known here for his work at Peacock Alley, wasn’t fazed. Gras is launching an ambitious haute cuisine restaurant in Chicago, L20, and recently launched a blog detailing the process: the how and why of the butter program, the bread, even the very wood of the place. It’s a fascinating view of how one of the country’s top chefs thinks about creating a restaurant, told in the first person. It may not have the unintentional comedic value of the Launch, but it’s a great read and may actually give you a reason to want to visit Chicago. L20 Blog

Posted 01/09/08 in Grub Street : Back of the House

Tags: Back of the House, chicago, l20, laurent gras, peacock alley

Gramercy Keeps Its Third Star; Randall Lane Trips But Likes Insieme Anyway

Frank Bruni joins Adam Platt in giving Gramercy Tavern three stars, validating the efforts of new chef Michael Anthony and the usual Danny Meyer service level. [NYT] Related: Gramercy Rehab [NYM] Time Out’s Randall Lane likes Insieme a lot, to the tune of four (out of six) stars. Though he praises the food as most reviewers have, he also agrees with them that although it was beautifully executed, it didn’t make him swoon. Also, he tripped on the step coming in. [TONY] The Sun’s Paul Adams comes down on Landmarc, “less a dining destination and more a hearty refueling station for ravenous shoppers and tourists.” But it’s affordable and competent, and what else do you want in a mall restaurant? [NYS] Related: Will Landmarc’s Downtown Cool Play Alongside Its Ritzy New Neighbors? [Grub Street]

Posted 06/06/07 in Grub Street : The Other Critics

Tags: adam platt, ed's lobster bar, frank bruni, gramercy tavern, grom, insieme, landmarc, laurent gras, paul adams, randall lane, ryan sutton, steve hanson, The Other Critics, turkuaz

South Beach Wine & Food Festival: Like the Oscars, But With More Carbs

The South Beach Wine & Food Festival was the culinary place to be this past weekend — practically every big-name chef came down for the festivities. Here's Grub Street correspondent Alexandra Peers's report.

Posted 02/26/07 in Grub Street : Back of the House

Tags: al roker, Back of the House, daniel boulud, eric ripert, gael greene, jeffrey chodorow, la berardin, laurent gras, rocco dispirito, south beach wine and food festival