In San Diego, Nate Stanton and Arsalun Tafazol opened Craft & Commerce; the summer menu at SF's Elixir uses organic ingredients when possible; Richard Sandoval opened Zengo in Santa Monica; and more.More>>

No one talks very much about the art of menu writing for the bar, and they should, I think. Two of my favorite thoughtful bartenders have recently released new menus worth examining.More>>

Nuela, a South American restaurant and ceviche bar, and Aspen Social Club, a modern ski lodge-inspired bar, both opened in New York City, while Estadio opened in D.C. and Vessel in Seattle celebrated Bastille Day.More>>

Interstate Hotels & Resorts, the Arlington, Va.-based company, is exposing bartender secrets with the June launch of its the “Confessions of a Bartender” cocktail menu.More>>

Technomic announced its expectation that on-premise alcohol sales will increase 1.1 percent in 2010, and within the restaurant industry, there are signs of increased employment and new positions available.More>>

Bonefish Grill, the Tampa, Fla.-based restaurant and bar with 29 locations is holding the “Best Cocktail Featuring a New Spirit” contest at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, which takes place this week.More>>

Chicago's Peninsula Hotel's rooftop opened. Vessel in Seattle marks a new six-page cocktail list. Pix Patisserie in Portland, Ore., and Comme Ça in West Hollywood celebrate Bastille Day. Ceiba in D.C. serves cocktails.More>>

PURE Management Group (PMG) has re-launched its innovative Pan Asian restaurant, Social House in Crystals at CityCenter.More>>

Drago Centro in downtown Los Angeles put the summer menu into the hands of its patrons with a “People’s Cocktail Contest,” held on Twitter.More>>

Taylor Mills revamped his midscale restaurant in Cherry Hill, N.J., into a self-serve hotspot, Top Dog, offering half-pound hamburgers, hot dogs and homemade bratwurst for just 99 cents each.More>>