Smackdown!

Frank Bruni continues with his recent trend of delivering harsh reviews to mediocre yet popular Manhattan restaurants with Freemans. (log-in required) On the heels of his dismissive reviews of Mercer Kitchen and Vong this represents a refreshing trend of bringing some real honesty into the world of dining out. In a city where it is entirely possible to have a meal of gustatory delights for under $20, it is unconscionable that people don't riot when served chicken that "taste[s] like the remnants of a stock" for the same price.