The Linkery in North Park just made the International Herald Tribune and the The New York Times Magazine in a piece all about tipping.  Owner Jay Porter speaks about his restaurant as one of a handful in the country that dispensed with the well-worn practice, and instead opted to include a service charge.  Read the piece, it’s a good place to start a conversation about how you, the diner, feel about tipping.  Do comment here!

Tough economic times (and perhaps even a bit of lousy management) have downtown’s Jade Theater now with disconnected phones and, we can only figure, a closed sign on the door.

Up in Hillcrest, those rumors of Wine Encounter closing are true as there is a “for lease” sign on their door.  Apparently the partners decided to dissolve this venture and then possibly open another wine bar when the economy becomes more favorable.

On a sad note, Julian Velovan, who managed among others, Wine Encounter and Wine Lover,  died unexpectedly a few weeks ago.

There’s a shakeup in the kitchen at the Ivy Hotel. Executive chef Damon Gordon moves on at the end of the month for a likely gig back on the east coast at another upscale hotel.  No word who will step into Gordon’s position.

In these tough economic times, we hope it isn’t true:  Could it be that a supper club in Bankers HIll  might be on the selling block?  Readers to this blog wonder if another restaurant/club near Symphony Hall may not be faring so well.  Up in Hillcrest, a reader wonders about a wine bar that may also be on the ropes.  Stay tuned.