All the News That’s Fit to Eat

Keeping track of Boston’s dining scene can feel almost as daunting as finding a use for all those apples you picked this weekend. Chowder scours the Internet for the latest good news and monkeying around.

Good News
Esquire has named Scampo one of the Top 20 best new restaurants in America. Food and Travel Correspondent John Mariani cites the hazelnut risotto and black pig chop as great dishes to try.

With winter fast approaching, we’re always looking for restaurants that have convenient parking. On those days where slogging through the South End or Kenmore Square is just too much, we can still get our fix of French food. Petit Robert Bistro will open its third location in Needham this week.

Everyone will have champagne on New Year’s Eve. Truly impress your guests with Chocolee’s Champagne and Caviar Truffles. The bubbly is whipped with creme to form a ganache, and is paired with air-dried caviar. The store is now accepting orders for the holidays.

The economy may be grinding to a halt, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for flavorless hamburgers at dive bars. Tavolo is selling its meatballs for $2 each.

Sage has developed a new menu concept. Chef and owner Anthony Susi has expanded the restaurant’s offerings of small plates, and has shifted the focus to more rustic Italian food.

No simians need apply
A Japanese restaurateur has allowed his pet monkeys to bring diners their drinks and hot towels. This makes us deeply uncomfortable.