• Today in restaurant reviews: The Times' Frank Bruni gives one star to Bar Artisanal; Restaurant Girl hands out three to Brooklyn's Mesa Coyoacan; and the Post's Steve Cuozzo pays a visit to DBGB. [NYT, NYDN, NYP]
• A few impressions of Charlie Palmer's brand-new Aureole. [TFB, Zagat]
• A total of 27 restaurants closed their doors during the month of June. But 48 new ones opened, so clearly it's not all bad news. [Eater]
• Following a little snafu last night, Gus & Gabriel opens tonight. [GS]
• How do you snag a table at Minetta Tavern? Try passing a fat wad of cash to Keith McNally: "I never take gifts, ever. It's against my principle. I do take cash, however. And as much of it as I can get." (Yes, he's kidding.) [Eater]

• The Standard Grill will "be the Botox that makes it [the meatpacking district] look young and hot all over again," according to Gael Greene. [IC]
• Just in time for your 4th of July barbeque, a handful of chefs offer up a big bunch of tips and tricks for preparing the perfect burger. [NYT]
• Related: A bunch of suggestions on where to drink up for July 4th. [AMNY]
• Village Pourhouse is promoting a "King of Pop Pub Crawl." Tasteful, no? [GS]