London, By Way of NYC

The other day the WSJ declared that "the biggest thing in London's dining scene is New York City," citing the recent invasion of NYC chefs like Daniel Boulud (with Bar Boulud) and Jean-Georges Vongerichten (Spice Market). Planned London restaurants include Sushisamba, Keith McNally's Balthazar, and a Ken Friedman/April Bloomfield project. Sometimes it doesn't translate well though: See critic Jay Rayner's absolutely harsh review of Spice Market in London: "Time and again I wished I could indeed be transported to anywhere else but here." [WSJ, Observer]