Sweet and Salty News

Fine Dining

6 articles

An exquisite slice of cake from Loulouca, Singapore's new luxury dessert atelier, showcasing intricate design and premium ingredients.
The Critic's Table

LouLouca Singapore pastry chef elevates culinary vision

Louisa Lim, crowned Asia's Best Pastry Chef in 2023, has opened Loulouca, her highly anticipated dessert atelier, where a single slice of her namesake cake costs $16.

Ezra Kaplan·September 5, 2026
An exquisitely prepared Beijing duck served at a lavishly decorated table inside iDen's Beijing Duck House in New York City.
Behind the Bar

iDen’s Beijing Duck House Opens in NYC, Highlighting Luxury Trend

On September 1, 2026, iDen’s Beijing Duck House, a high-end duck restaurant, opened in New York City, taking over the prestigious former location of La Grenouille.

Marco Alves·September 2, 2026
A close-up of an exquisite, artfully arranged dish on a fine dining restaurant table, symbolizing the high stakes of the industry.
The Food Trade

What are economic models in fine dining restaurants?

A Michelin-starred restaurant, celebrated for its $300 tasting menu, might net less than 5% profit—a margin comparable to a fast-food chain, according to Restaurant Business Online .

Ezra Kaplan·August 14, 2026
Elegant counter-service restaurant interior with chefs plating food and happy patrons enjoying meals at the counter.
The Critic's Table

Counter service boosts fine dining sustainability and staff welfare

The owners of Tail Up Goat, a Michelin-starred fine-dining establishment, recently transformed their restaurant into Rye Bunny, a counter-service concept.

Ezra Kaplan·June 23, 2026
An exquisitely plated, hyper-specialized dish presented in an intimate fine dining setting, highlighting culinary artistry and focus.
The Food Trade

Why Chefs Are Narrowing Their Focus: The Rise of Hyper-Specialized Dining

Fine dining is shifting towards hyper-specialized models, focusing on ingredients at their absolute peak (hyper-seasonal) or from very close proximity (hyper-local), driven by chefs seeking creativity, sustainability, community connection, and evolving diner demands for authenticity.

Ezra Kaplan·June 16, 2026
A close-up of an artfully prepared cocktail at a new Atlanta bar, with a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere in the background.
The Test Kitchen

Atlanta's Top New Bars Shine Bright

Tiger Sun demands attention with its $75 omakase-style cocktail experience: four cocktails and a small bite.

Marco Alves·June 4, 2026