Reconceived for leaner times, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's former 66 space in TriBeCa returns as Matsugen, a soba specialist vending a variety of noodle dishes along with grilled items, as well as sushi and sashimi; the sleek, white-on-white space retains the same layout as its former incarnation – spacious bar/lounge area, long communal table, fishtanks separating the kitchen from the dining room – with the most notable change this time around being kinder pricing.

241 Church St., NYC; 212-925-0202

Foodie heaven commences on June 27th, when Taste of Chicago touches down in Grant Park. All the way through July 6th, visitors can sample offerings from more than 65 restaurants and food vendors, and catch live performances from Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan and more. Debuting this year is our very own Zagat Dining Pavilion, located conveniently near the Chef’s Table, where dishes from Zagat-Rated restaurants – including Heaven on Seven, Tavern on Rush and Les Nomades – will be prepared by students from the Washburne Culinary Institute.

Sit and enjoy your culinary bounty or check out book signings from Heaven on Seven's Jimmy Bannos (June 27; 2:30 PM), Morton’s Klaus Fritsch (June 28; 2 PM), Café Spiagga’s Tony and Cathy Mantuano (July 2; 2 PM) and TABLE fifty-two’s Art Smith (July 4; 5 PM). Taste of Chicago is open 11 AM–9 PM daily, except on July 3rd and 4th (ends at 10 PM) and July 6th (ends at 6 PM); admission is free, and $8 buys 12 tasting tickets; for more information, visit www.tasteofchicago.us or call 312-744-3315.

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San Francisco has long been at the forefront of social change, but a new city ordinance aimed at providing health coverage to more workers has the restaurant community and some of its patrons stewing. At issue is the San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance, which went into effect this year and now requires businesses with 20 or more employees (including part-timers) to pay a specific amount toward their workers’ health care. Many area restaurants are looking to recoup the cost by means such as cover charges, percentage surcharges or by raising prices...

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California's 24th Annual Central Coast Wine Classic is coming. The epic wine fest kicks off with a tasting at 2 PM on Thursday, July 10th, at the Dolphin Bay Resort ($40 per person; 2727 Shell Beach Rd., Shell Beach, CA). But those with deep pockets might want to wait until 5 PM for the extravagant wine dinner on the terraces of the Hearst Castle, where they'll take in the views of the Santa Lucia mountain range and the castle's famous pool ($1,250 per person; 750 Hearst Castle Rd., San Simeon, CA; for reservations call 805-544-1285).

The festivities continue through Sunday, July 13th, with a slew of tastings, talks, winery dinners and auctions...

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