The Other Critics

Déjà Vu: Toqueville, Tasting Room, Frederick’s, and Periyali

Bruni visits the bigger-but-not-better new locations of the Tasting Room and Tocqueville, taunting them with the same number of stars (one and two, respectively) Grimes gave their old locations. [NYT]

Meehan turns his nose up at BLT Burger, agreeing with Augieland’s earlier assessment that the Kobe sandwich isn’t worth the extra $50 — and pointing out that you can get a better burger at BLT Fish. [NYT]

Moira Hodgson eyes the beautiful people (well, beautiful bankers) at Frederick’s Downtown and finds the food (including the “dish of the moment,” scallops with cauliflower and white raisins) makes up for the pounding techno. [NYO]

Paul Adams is pleased to see it’s business as usual at the reopened Periyali: The fried calamari is the “Platonic ideal” and the kadaifi is the best dessert he’s had in recent memory. [NYS]

Randall Lane fails to unravel the mystery of “real New York barbecue” at the Smoke Joint but finds the sauces unusually addictive and believes “fans of dry rubs should be very happy.” [TONY]

The cooking at saunalike Prospect Heights newcomer Cheryl’s Global Soul runs hot and cold; Cato Farms cheese plate dissed. [TONY]

Déjà Vu: Toqueville, Tasting Room, Frederick’s, and Periyali