Where to Eat Now
Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 4:38AM 
Travel & Leisure editor Nilou Motamed (second from right) led a NYCW&FF panel discussion today that delved into the best places to eat in New York right now, along with a look at dining trends on the horizon. The gourmet burger craze is here to stay, as is southern barbecue, according to the esteemed panel of foodies. Southerner Ted Lee (far right) says that the beauty of barbecue in New York is that it's done with so many different styles. (He included Hill Country and Blue Smoke as examples.) Restaurateur Drew Nieporent (not pictured) declined to name trends, saying that he doesn't follow them, as Lee chimed back in that he sees restaurant-made cheeses and tofus as an emerging menu feature.
Anya von Bremzen (third from left) carried the torch for her home borough of Queens, while Lee sounded the cry for great eating in Brooklyn, citing Egg, in Williamsburg, among his picks. Other restos noted as faves by the panel (which also included Le Bernadin chef Eric Ripert, not pictured, and Top Chef's Gail Simmons, second from left) included Sushi Yasuda, DBGB (a favorite late-night hangout of Ripert's), Masa and Marea.
In an unexpected but fun twist for a food event, the panel was held in the theater at the Bumble+Bumble hair salon, making life very easy for anyone in need of a touch-up or a trim before venturing out to try one of the eateries recommended by the panel.
Pictured at far left, though not a panelist, is Ted Lee's brother, collaborator and cookbook partner, Matt Lee.
