Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

City Winery - http://www.citywinery.com/events/61384 and http://www.citywinery.com/events/61385

More farmers markets, less high fructose corn syrup

@ Supagold - nice article (if a bit aggressive). I had no idea the ramifications on small farmers, thanks for the information. I think as a community Serious Eats is in a position to make a meaningful contribution to improving this bill (or at least increasing awareness of its full ramifications) before it gets passed. I would love to see more coverage of it on SE in the future.

Also, having seen some of the data on FDA inspections, the task set out before them verges on impossible. The distinctions of their jurisdiction are highly bureaucratic and piecemeal. For example, the USDA inspects open faced sandwiches (daily) while the FDA has jurisdiction over closed sandwiches (which they only inspect once every five years). The FDA will never be able to inspect even a measurable fraction of the food that flows through our system on a daily basis, but will continue to bear a considerable portion of the blame when things unavoidably go wrong.

The solution lies not in increased oversight to satisfy momentary public outrage, but in a genuine overhaul of the American food system. Without infinite funding (and costs far exceeding the benefits) it would be impossible to check every factory, or even provide a credible threat to do so. Therefore what must change is not the oversight, but the way that Americans eat. If we move our consumption away from large scale production to smaller, more sustainable farming models we could see a real breakthrough in the food safety system in our country. Until then, the market and FDA are doing a fairly good job (ultimately the number of deaths from our food system is really very small) of safely meeting consumer demand for large quantities of variously processed foods. In fact, many more are dying every year from dietary related diseases - heart disease, diabetes etc. - than food poisoning. Maybe we should direct some of those precious government resources to solving that problem instead.

molten chocolate cake

filet

filet!

Chocolate Chip!

For Arthur Ave, I just went to Robertos and the pastas in particular were awesome. It was at night so I didn't get to explore, but I am excited to go back.

If are looking for wonderful sweets around Levain, GROM gelato is also a delicious, wonderful import from Italy.

I would also like to second Di Fara, Chelsea Market and a cheese course at Murrays cheese - all extremely fun. Katzs will also always be one of my favorites. I would be less excited by Balduccis or Dean and Deluca, as they aren't that different from their stores nationwide.

As somebody that just had their 21st birthday two weeks ago I have to say this would be the perfect present. In fact my parents sent me and my best friend from school to Daniel for my 20th birthday and it was a wonderful gift. I would also love to go with my parents for another occasion.

Some of my favorite meals I have had recently have been at Mario Batali's restaurants. Babbo would be my top recommendation. Great restaurant and I had a wonderful bottle of wine that was only $30 so you don't have to break the bank. They have a la carte and tasting menus with wine pairings available so you have options. I had the pasta tasting menu which I loved, and I believe was 69/ person. Another option if you are looking a little less expensive is Del Posto Enoteca, another Batali restaurant, that has a smaller tasting menu for 45/ person.

Outside of Batali, I like Blue Hill. Jewel Bako is another amazing place, though I don't know if I would put it in the same category as Babbo and Blue Hill. If you can get in Momofuku Ko is new, trendy and well reviewed which could fit all of your needs. However, there are only 12 seats and they only take reservations online a week in advance. If you are already planning now you might not appreciate the uncertainty. Finally, Per Se would always be a wonderful option. I have never been but I have been trying to convince various family members to take me there for a while!

I might also recommend not going on his birthday, since I did appreciate the chance to spend the evening with friends. That said, any other night I think this would make a wonderful birthday present that you will be sure to remember. Also, I loved jonfoxx's idea of giving him the chef's cookbook at the end.

Good luck and enjoy your meal!

ramen

Making a list before I shop - if I am not focused I can be in the store forever (and of course end up with tons of stuff I don't need and missing stuff I do)

I'm not sure, but it would have to have a poached or fried egg. And lobster. Yea, delicious.