Speaking of loving Latin, some of my current favorites: the ribs and grilled corn at Olé Mexican Grill; turkey pastor at La Verdad; carne asada at La Casa de Pedro in Watertown; and the Latin Summer Series at Chez Henri, where every dish is not only flawless but a lesson in cultural geography.
Kudos for a moment of perfect hospitality. At a recent dinner at Grill 23, a guest spilled something on herself. It was her fault entirely, but before she could even dip her napkin into her water glass, general manger Jason McKinley-Babb came bounding up the grand staircase with a helpful hand and his business card. Whatever this dry-cleaning bill cost the restaurant, the gesture will inspire the highest form of loyalty and goodwill from those who witnessed the incident. I was speechless at the professionalism.
For readers heading back to school soon, a reminder that old-school ties do matter. Todd English and chef and restaurateur Sam Hazen of the red-hot Tao in New York and Las Vegas were classmates at the Culinary Institute of America, and now they’ve become professional colleagues: Hazen will oversee new concept development and partner on some new projects for Todd English Enterprises. English has been a promote-from-within kind of guy and an important mentor to many young chefs; this marks the first time he’s invited another top chef to the party.
