Do More Chefs Need to Speak Out Against Sexual Misconduct in Kitchens?

Pete Wells says that not enough people are speaking up against misconduct in kitchens

As industry after industry confronts sexual misconduct accusations, Times critic Pete Wells writes that not enough high-profile people in the restaurant industry are doing the same. “If you rounded up all the chefs and restaurateurs who have taken the opportunity to say, in essence, ‘sexual harassment at work is wrong and I won’t stand for it,’ they wouldn’t fill the sushi counter at Masa,” he says. He adds that most chefs and restaurateurs seem to be acting as if the slew of allegations — including against big names Mario Batali and Ken Friedman — are “just a temporary condition.” The piece has faced some backlash, though: Some restaurateurs say that Wells’ piece ignores all the female voices who have been speaking up all along, continuing the cycle where women business leaders aren’t taken as seriously in the press.

Chef Daniel Humm wears a watch that costs more than $100K

Town and Country takes a look at the wrist candy of acclaimed chefs, and Eleven Madison Park’s Daniel Humm sports a time piece that people can buy for $109,190.40. “Timing is everything in the kitchen which is why you'll always find me wearing a watch,” he says of his Audemars Piguet watch, a company where he is a “brand ambassador.” Eric Ripert wears a $25,395 Vacheron Constantin American 1921 and Joël Robuchon has a $27,995 Blancpain Léman Chronographe Flyback Quantième Perpétual, while Dan Kluger has a “humble yet highly stylish and practical Timex” priced at a comparatively modest $138.

Le Bernardin now has a vegetarian menu

Eric Ripert’s three Michelin-starred French tasting menu restaurant Le Bernardin now has an option for those who do not eat meat. It costs $185 per person and offers six savory courses and two desserts. Options include a pasta with black truffles, roasted porcini with eggplant, and celeriac soup, served in a whole celeriac.

Judge rules that Park Slope Famous Joe’s does not have to change its name

After iconic West Village slice shop Famous Joe’s sued a Park Slope pizzeria similarly named Famous Joe’s Pizza of the Village on Fifth Ave., a judge ruled that the Brooklyn location could keep its name — but it can’t use the same lettering on the signage. Words like “famous” and “of the Village” are “generic enough,” the Daily News reports the judge ruled. But the Park Slope version must make it clear that it’s not associated with the famed West Village outpost.

Bernie Sanders ate at a Seaport beer hall for NYE

Vermont senator Bernie Sanders (and Brooklyn native) was in New York City on New Year’s Eve ahead of swearing in Mayor Bill de Blasio, and for dinner, he and his wife went to beer garden Clinton Hall for dinner, eating chicken wings, coffee, and tea. They only spent $16 on the meal, Page Six reports — not bad considering all the people decrying Sanders’ $700 jacket yesterday.

Adam Platt on where to eat in the new year

New York’s restaurant critic Adam Platt looks at what trends from the last year to keep eating in 2018, highlighting the Midtown renaissance (Empellon, The Aviary, The Grill), revivals and second acts (Union Square Cafe, EMP, Majorelle, and Hwa Yuan), and the rise of beef (The Loyal, Beatrice Inn, 4 Charles). Take a look at how they make the flaming duck at Beatrice Inn: