In today’s Times, Frank Bruni picks his top restaurants for 2007. His take for the year? Casual is in; stuffy is out. But, frankly, that’s not really news. Casual has been in for a long, long time. Yes, attaching a market to your eatery to show you’re earthy bona fides is a new wrinkle, but basically the trend toward casual is as old as the hills.

I haven’t eaten at all of Bruni’s favorites, but his 10 best new restaurants of the year definitely contain some winners. Insieme was outstanding, and gets extra points for being in midtown, an area not known for its great culinary choices. On the other hand, Anthos, was solid, but less impressive than Bruni’s reviews had led me to believe.

Of all his choices, Momofuku Ssam Bar, which he ranks number 1, is the standout for the year. Bellying up to the bar at the diminutive East Village eatery is a trip to culinary heaven.

Related posts:

1. Food and the Arts: Symphony Space Lets You Eat with Artists in their Homes