There was so much food news today I can’t help posting about it.

1. Del Posto received four stars in the Times and everyone seems to be pitching it like some hugely controversial issue. However, Frank Bruni, Tom Colicchio, Eric Ripert, Scott Conant, Nate Appleman, and a number of other high-profile New York food personalities have all publicly offered their congratulations to Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich. I haven’t eaten there myself, but I’m inclined to trust Sam Sifton’s review, even if I sometimes dislike his writing style.

{NYTimes Review; image from NYTimes}

2. Of more immediate interest to me personally is Michelin’s announcement of the 2011 New York Bib Gourmand picks. Currently marked by a chalked Bibendum face on the sidewalk outside the selections, a Bib Gourmand rating indicates a critics’ favorite where you can enjoy two courses and a glass of wine for under $40. Veteran picks such as Katz’s, Momofuku Noodle Bar, and Motorino are joined by the likes of Fatty ‘Cue, Mercato, and Asia de Cuba. So many places to add to my ever-expanding list of restaurants to hit….

{via Eater}

3. Ruth Reichl, former Editor in Chief of dearly departed Gourmet, will be an author and editor-at-large for Random House.

{via NYTimes}