frank bruni's dinner guests

This week in the Times, Frank Bruni offers a look inside what it was like to be one of his lucky (or maybe not so lucky) dinner companions during his countless review sessions. But what was really interesting about this piece was how much insight it offered on the subject of human nature and how people's dining habits are very closely correlated to their personalities and outlooks.

"People are as strange about eating as they are about love. They want what they want."

Fact.

bruni on nyc's latest pizza craze

In this week's New York Times Dining section, Frank Bruni provides us with an interactive guide to this city's most notable pizzerias. From Co. to Motorino to Lucali, take a drool-inducing look at New York City's finest. My vote? Lucali (Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn) all the way.

Although the pizza craze is nothing new to New York, given the economic climate of the past year or so, it has become especially popular with city dwellers looking for a night on the town that won't ravage their wallets. And what's better than pizza? I've gotta be honest, a good pizza, arugula salad, and a spicy, fruity red wine, and you'd be hard pressed to make me more content. A simple crust is one of the most ideal palettes a culinary artist could ask for. Endless possibilities.

On a side note, Keste just recently opened up on Bleecker so based on proximity alone, this might be the next one to try. Plus the picture snapped of their pie looks particularly promising.

frank bruni steps down

So Frank Bruni officially steps down as the New York Times' Restaurant Critic this August. And while he'll remain a contributor to the Times Magazine, I guess we should probably talk about this. Thoughts???