• Though Americans are drinking more overall, the recession has caused a huge downturn in the luxury wine market. [WSJ]
• Did you know there’s an increased interest in butchers, many of whom are becoming sex symbols? [NYT]
Related: Because Butchers Have Groupies
• Just days after closing, Joe Jr. is already up for rent. [Vanishing New York]
Earlier: Last Call at Joe Jr. Restaurant
• Executive chef Philippe Bertineau offers a glimpse into Payard’s last days: “For the last ten days, the landlord had installed a surveillance camera to make sure that we would not walk out with anything.” [Feed/TONY]
• Whitney Aycock is now the executive chef at Counter. [NYT]
• Worker-advocacy group the Restaurant Opportunities Center has released a guide to their approved restaurants, including One If by Land, Two If by Sea and Crema. [Crain’s]
• Manhattan’s Patsy’s and Patsy’s Pizzeria in Syosset are in court for the second time in a year, this time because the Long Island Patsy’s wants to put up an awning. [NYP]
• Get to know Anita Lo before her turn tonight on Top Chef Masters. [Nice Dumplings]