Merrill Shindler exposes the editing secrets behind Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, on which he was once a judge. He goes to Lido Di Manhattan after Gordo’s visit and finds it just as average and cluelessly run as ever. Uncle Merrill would rather be at Houston’s, reminding us why we think he’s so cool. [Daily Breeze]
Rather than review a new restaurant that L.A. has any sense of urgency in seeing critiqued professionally, S. Irene Virbila again looks at an aged classic, this time Caffe Roma, which updated appearances under new-ish owner Agostino Sciandri. Giving just a half star, she is underwhelmed by the “safe” food, having “hoped this time Sciandri would surprise us with something more.” [L.A. Times]
Ludo Lefebvre’s fried chicken is “what I imagine take-out chicken is like in heaven,” writes L.A. Mag after finally sampling the dish at Akasha on Monday. [Los Angeles]
“I’m not sure either restaurant would welcome the comparison, but Sunnin seems to be evolving into the Lebanese equivalent of Junior’s Delicatessen,” Jonathan Gold writes about the Lebanese favorite’s new space that makes more sense to him. [L.A. Weekly]
“Men like pie,” J Gold wink-winks and nudge-nudges at us, and if Apple Pan won’t cut it for a date’s party, pick up “completely delicious fruit crostatas” at Huckleberry. [L.A. Weekly]
