Trending Now: Smoked Foods, Drinks and Desserts

It seems as though the bacon craze will be taking a break from the spotlight as the Summer hits for smoking anything that’s edible. The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association says that 86% of American households already own a grill but sales of wood chips and planks are on the rise. Restaurants across the nation, with New York City leading the pack, are experimenting with smoking drinks, desserts and traditional meats.
From D.I.Y. devices like the Smoking Gun to specialty wood chip shops like The Woodman (Brooklyn) and New York City’s Mas (la grillade) offering smoked white chocolate mousse with charred cherries and brown butter cake, the “smoked” trend seems like a keeper

Lanbrot Bakery opens up their 2nd location in the Lower East Side

After the April opening of the first location in the West Village, Lanbrot now has another location that will be serving up German bread, pretzels, beer, coffee and much more.
Lanbrot Bakery is located on 185 Orchard Street between Stanton and E. Houston Street

An uncertain European market could benefit U.S. markets and restaurants

The world will look at U.S. consumer power as a driving force for global stabilization. Sessions at the Technomic Trends & Directions Conference highlights that American consumers are still spending at restaurants– even those who might be classified as a “saver”. This is a huge factor in confidence, in addition to, job creation despite a 4% decrease in the private sector.
Technomic predicts that if U.S. lawmakers pass policies aimed at increasing certainty in the economy, particularly with regards to housing, then restaurants will enjoy the benefits. What do you think?

Coming Soon to Park Slope: Brooklyn Crepe and Juice

In the mood for a Williamsburg, Crown Heights or Bay Ridge Sweet Crepe? The 2nd outpost to the healthy juice, smoothie and crepe shop is coming soon to Park Slope that will follow the same Brooklyn-centric menu from their 1st location in Prospect Heights.
The creperie/juice shop will open at Fifth AVenue between Lincoln and Berkeley

Brooklyn Brine is now fermenting in Park Slope

Known for their infamous whiskey pickles, Brooklyn Brine finally opened their 1st brick-and-mortar shop that includes pickles in Curried Squash, Orange & Fennel, and of course, the traditional NYC Deli Style Pickle.
Brooklyn Brine is located on 574A President Street towards 4th Avenue

Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 24 to discuss New York City’s Large Sugary Drink Ban Proposal

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plan to ban the sale of sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces in restaurants, movie theaters, and other soda serving establishments regulated by the Board of Health was approved last week Tuesday. The maximum fine is $200.00, and it can be imposed only once per inspection. The next step is a one time, 2 hour, public hearing scheduled for July 24, 2012, from 1-3 p.m.
What are your thoughts? Voice your opinion

Nicoletta Pizzeria opens a 60-seater pizza shop in the East Village

Michael White, chef/owner of Ai Fiori and Osteria Morini, is now diving into the world of
anti-Neapolitan pizza. If Nicoletta place lives up to the menu at his established restaurants,
then it will definitely be a hit.
Nicoletta Pizzeria is located on 160 2nd Avenue at the corner of E 10th Street

Rocket Pig is now open is Chelsea

A place where happy pigs fly, Rocket Pig’s signature pork sandwich is described as “smoked spice-rubbed pork on ciabatta roll with red onion jam and mustard sauce, a house-made pickle with a side of rocket pig hot sauce”. They also serve wine and beer along with cheeses to pair
with charcuterie
Rocket Pig is located on 463 W. 24th Street towards 10th Avenue

Trending Now: Restaurants Catering to the Allergy-Free Diner

This special dining niche just might equal an added surplus to the bottom line of restaurateurs. The Melting Pot, located in Phoenix, spearheads this trend by offering a crafted gluten-free menu options for diners with allergies in addition to the regular menu. BR Guest Hospitality Group also pays close to the needs of diners with allergies but doesn’t offer a special menu as yet.
Are you more inclined to support a place that offers a special menu for allergies? Or do you think clear communication is all that is needed?”

Sfilatino, an Italian sandwich shop, opens in Columbus Circle

The sandwich shop’s name derives from the type of bread used for these crunchy sandwiches called Sfilantino– a long and narrow Italian baguette that stems from the word filo (thread) for its shape. The sandwich options includes Reggio Calabria (smoked salmon, primo sale cheese with artichokes), Venezia (pears, walnuts, brie with honey) and much more.
Sfilatino is located on 342 West 57th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue