Grilled: 2009 Taste of the Nation

Jim Meehan | PDT

Let's talk about your bro Peter. I realize he has that book with David Chang, so he couldn't write about Momofuku if he were the new Times critic. But he's got to be considered. I'm pulling for him!
I spoke with Peter and he has not been contacted by the New York Times. He loved working there.

How has Frank Bruni done?
I think he's done a great job. It's been amusing. I've served him at three restaurants, so it's only so long that you have to go through the motions of not knowing somebody. I spoke with him for the first time six months ago. He's a great guy.

Does he know a lot about cocktails?
I think the case of Junior Merino, at Rayuela, was the first time cocktails were mentioned prominently in a review. It was really important for what we do.