1863 replies to this topic

[oakapple]

They have several clever ideas at RedFarm. First, the menu has been tailored for a Western palate, with none of the bland and slippery specialties that non-Chinese eaters find so enigmatic. It also seems designed for the age of Yelp, when the entire world can be split into either Nothing Special or OMG. RedFarm’s cooking runs hard toward OMG.

If you wanted to know the demographic the NYT reviews now aim for, a clearer statement could not be imagined.

[hcbk0702]

Time to ignore everything this guy says.

[changeup]

You know what I thought of today that relates to that quote? That Bruni LOVED funky stuff like offal, frequently talking about various forms of livers and organs he would eat in the manner that very much suggested these cuts, when well prepared were "OMG" food for him. Seems a ways away from OMG meatballs, sliced cold cuts and dumplings.

[oakapple]

Now that Wells has a 10-review head of steam, I've put up an assessment post on the blog, which I'll update periodically.

[Sneakeater]

As usual, that's a great piece.

[changeup]

Pete Wells evidently has a pseudonym:

http://www.grandfork...group/homepage/

The place is impressive. It’s fashioned in Tuscan farmhouse style with a welcoming entryway. There is seating for those who are waiting.

[oakapple]

Pete Wells evidently has a pseudonym:

http://www.grandfork...group/homepage/

At one point, I had half-drafted Frank Bruni's imaginary review of Kentucky Fried Chicken, which I would've posted on April 1. Too late for that now. But this will do as a ready substitute.

Folks, if you haven't click on the link. Every line is funnier than the last.

[Wilfrid]

I love the way she packs the information in.

[Adrian]

That review's kind of sweet.* "Permanent flowers" is downright Orwellian.

*So long as you don't spin out the implications of OG excitement for local restaurants.**

** Which may just be some nostalgic sentiment that I have for locally run joints that may be no better than the Olive Garden and if local residents want the OG why should I care? I'm never going to live there.

[Orik]

The permanent flowers were awesome. I also like the suggestion that midday = fashionably late lunch.

This must be just like that LHOP episode when Mrs. Oleson goes franchise.

[Sneakeater]

Orik, it's so sweet that you watched LHOP.

[Nathan]

the chef-jeff blog on that site doesn't look so bad

seriously, there has to be a better restaurant than OG in Grand Forks, they just, uh, might need someone else to find it.


ETA: maybe not, I've been looking at menus...seeing lots of Sysco. Oy.

this might be the best bet...but it could easily be worse than OG.

http://www.sanders1907.com/

[Wilfrid]

It's in North Dakota! (Okay, I looked it up.)

[oakapple]

Yeah, even in Grand Forks, there must be some non-chain restaurants.

[Adrian]

Yeah, even in Grand Forks, there must be some non-chain restaurants.

Oh, there surely are. But have you ever been to some of them (in places like Grand Forks?).