DaDong Gets a Thumbs Down From Andrew Zimmern

Andrew Zimmern also voices disappointment over DaDong

Seems like the bad reactions are still rolling in for the big NYC debut of Beijing-based roast duck chain DaDong. After a zero-star review from Grub Street, the typically upbeat food world TV celebrity Andrew Zimmern sounded off against the restaurant, too. He wrote on Twitter: “I thought it was just down right bad. Any duck house that doesn’t give me soup from the carcass is a non starter for me. So many better choices in NYC for Chinese food and for Peking duck.”

Legendary restaurant critic Mimi Sheraton talks criticism and more in NYC

Author and legendary former Times critic Mimi Sheraton has started a new podcast called “Ask Mimi,” and Eater National has an interview with her about everything food criticism. For one, Sheraton thinks platforms like Yelp “muddies the waters” and can be hurtful to restaurants. Rent has also shuttered some of her favorite neighborhood restaurants. As for restaurants and the #MeToo movement, Sheraton doesn’t think critics should consider the owners’ bad behavior when writing a review — but customers can stay away if they want to.

Shake Shack rolls out a grilled chicken sandwich to more locations

Looks like Shake Shack is ready to roll out its grilled chicken sandwich to more locations. The chain had been testing the Griddled Chick’n Club in Brooklyn, and starting today, users of the Shake Shack app can try the new grilled chicken sandwich with smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and buttermilk herb mayo. On Friday, it will be available at all locations across the country for a limited time. But don’t get too excited: Critic Ryan Sutton tried the sandwich last month and didn’t like it, saying that the texture of the meat exhibited a “gentle mealiness.”

West Village hotspot Rosemary’s closes for the week — and other closures

Popular Italian restaurant Rosemary’s is out of commission for the week. The windows are papered up as the space undergoes renovations. It will be reopening on Friday, January 26 at 5 p.m. for dinner. Its neighbor Saikai, a Japanese fine dining restaurant, has posted a sign saying that it’s closed and will be relocating. LES Gastropub Spitzer’s is also temporarily closed for renovations. But East Village Georgian restaurant-turned-French restaurant Ciala has closed for good after about six months in the neighborhood. Meanwhile, Le Cirque — which closed at the end of the year — is clearing house right now, throwing away furniture with the use of velvet rope:

How fine dining has made food iconic before Instagram