Dining 2008: Newsmakers

David Chang

Can’t stop, won’t stop! While Chang probably can’t walk on water quite yet, 2008 proved, ad nauseum, that there’s not much else he can’t do. Behold: In March, Momofuku Ko spawned a thousand drooling platitudes and instantly became the most sought-after reservation in town. Craigslist bidding ensued. In June, the powers that be at James Beard bestowed their Best New York Chef award upon Chang. In October, Michelin threw a couple of stars at Ko. The following month, Momofuku Bakery & Milk Bar opened, with the estimable Christina Tosi damning us to glorious dietary hell with crack pie and gorgonzola bread. And, an encore, in December Bruni reappraised Ssäm Bar and raised its two stars to three. Not a bad way to end a banner year—and to kick off what will undoubtedly be a newsworthy new one.