New york chefs - particularly those who are well connected in France - have been buzzing about the possible launch of an NYC version of the famed Guide Michelin. The rumor, stoked by recent Gotham sightings of Michelin staffers, holds that this new local edition will publish in March. So is it true? Depends whom you ask. The red guides' U.K.-based publicist denies it - the books coming out in March pertain only to France and Europe. A call to the French headquarters backed up that story with a firm non (is there any other kind?). The guide's stateside offices, on the other hand, confirmed that an NYC edition is indeed in the works. Diners, if not chefs, are no doubt hoping they're right. Stay tuned...
Last week in Lyon, France, winners were announced in the Bocuse d'Or, the international competition founded in 1987 by chef Paul Bocuse to help discover and promote new talent. Toques from 24 countries had five hours to create a dish using Danish veal and another with Icelandic monkfish. The golden statue of the maitre (and $26,000) went to France's own serge Vieira. Silver ($19,000) went to Tom Victor Gausdal of Norway, and the bronze ($13,000) statue was awarded to Rasmus Kofoed of Denmark. More than 1,000 fans from around the world crowded the stands to cheer on their hometown favorites. American chef Fritz Gitschner of the Houston Country Club (see the November 17 CT for more) placed ninth. www.boucusedor.com
In case you weren't counting, Valentine's Day is a mere 13 days away. while you may still be able to snag a table by working the phones or hitting OpenTable.com, know that the best seats are already booked - everywhere. And, given that the holiday falls on a Monday this year, count on Saturday the 12th being fully committed, as well. But cooking at home isn't something you need to be ashamed of. Many culinary schools and restaurants are offering classes on creating the perfect romantic dinner for two. In San Francisco, chef Bridget Batson of Hawthorne Lane will teach you to make a four-course meal at the restaurant ($80 per person). In Seattle, Blue Ribbon Cooking School offers a unique option: For $125, you can to prepare a six-course meal paired with wines, and for an additional $95, your date can arrive in time to dine on the fruits of your labor. Both classes are on Saturday the 12th. There are similar offerings in cities across the country, so check with your local culinary school. www.hawthornelane.com, www.blueribboncooking.com
Originally posted on Epicurious.com