Gripes

Favorite NYP curmudgeon Steve Cuozzo rants against the "creeping casualization" in the restaurant industry today, complaining about disappearing tablecloths, the increased use of DJs and "grazing" menus (see also Sifton's take on SD26). Instead of following the trend, restaurant owners should look to the formal and successful Corton, Marea and Eleven Madison Park, says the Cuozz: "...the myth that people want 'casual' alternatives in adult eateries has resulted in an embarrassing phenomenon: empty lounges all over town..." [NYP]