NEW YORK -- Brian Young, the Chinese-Canadian chef formerly of Le Bernardin and the now-closed Mainland, has been named executive chef of the sprawling icon known as Tavern on the Green (its Chestnut Room is seen here). Young, a native of Vancouver, is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Ecole de Cuisine in Paris.
The Tavern, which serves more than a half-million people a year, is located on the edge of Central Park at West 67th Street in midtown Manhattan.
On a more economical level, the burrito chain Qdoba Mexican Grill has opened a unit at 208 E. 34th St., between Second and Third avenues, its initial foray in the city. The menu includes a wide variety of burritos plus such items as tortilla soup and quesadillas.
On the other other hand, if you're just looking for a good cup of coffee, you're in luck.
McDonald's today began handing out free cups of coffee to anyone who requests one at any location. It's part of the celebratory doings over being judged by Consumer Reports as having the best coffee among fast food chains.
Then next Thursday, Starbucks will offer free 12-ounce cups between 10 a.m. and noon, part of its second annual such promotion. And on Wednesday, March 21, Dunkin' Donuts will celebrate the first day of spring with a free 16-ounce cup of iced coffee all day long.
ON THE WEB
• McDonald's
• Dunkin' Donuts
• Starbucks
