Ian Schrager has already found a star chef to replace Allen Yau at the Gramercy Park Hotel: The Japanese-born nouvelle-Chinese star Yuji Wakiya, who almost came here two years ago to do a restaurant at the Bryant Park Hotel. [NYP]
Related: Restaurant Happenings: Sirio’s New Address? [NYM]
Bruni won’t have to bear the Diner’s Journal load alone anymore; we can now also look forward to the musings of Julia Moskin, Kim Seversen, and other contemplative food writers. [NYT]
Meanwhile, Le Bernardin’s Eric Ripert and the Food & Wine staff have launched their own blogs. (The Ripper’s requires a subscription to The Wine Spectator.) [Snack]
The landmark Moondance diner on Sixth Avenue hears the knell of condo-driven doom. We’ll always have the memories. [NYS]
A Long Island 16-year-old is suing Taco Bell for “severe and permanent personal injuries” from a bout of E. coli poisoning in November. Hey, we’re still feeling that carne asada from last Tuesday. [NYP]
The Second City just can’t catch a break: Chicago chef loses to Bobby Flay on Iron Chef, the second of a two-part story relating the city’s agony. [Chicago Tribune]
