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New York Restaurants - Restaurant News
August 2009 Archive

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Keep abreast of what's going on in New York here at Gayot. You can learn all you need to know about new restaurant openings, special events, and more. The information you need on restaurants in New York is here.

RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

David Burke Townhouse is back in action, after a brief retooling to add a meat-carving station and tweak the prices. David Burke Townhouse, 133 E. 61st St., New York, NY 10021, 212-813-2121.
 
The second branch of Yerba Buena Cocina Latina, called Yerba Buena Perry, has debuted in the space last occupied by Matador. It's got all the Julian Medina trademarks, including high-end cocktails, a five-ceviche appetizer and toro tuna tacquitos. Yerba Buena Perry, 1 Perry St., New York, NY 10014, 212-620-0808.
 
The pan-Mediterranean Aqualis Grill is now open in Fort Greene. With a chef poached (get it?) from Kellari Taverna and dishes like grilled shrimp with orzo in light tomato sauce and pan-roasted scallops with beans, look for things to say light and fresh here. Aqualis Grill, 773 Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY 11217, 718-797-3494.
 
Will Goldfarb's barbecue truck on Wall Street is called Picnick, Smoked, to complement his downtown sandwich shack. Goldfarb will offer high-end meats like Bobo Farms chicken and Kobe beef brisket; breakfast is on schedule for Labor Day. Picnick, Smoked, Wall Street Park, New York, NY 10038, no phone.
 
Gabe Stulman is branching out from The Little Owl with Joseph Leonard, his grandfather-themed American restaurant. The eats are similarly old-school: expect bay soft shell crab, steak Rossini and shrimp and grits on tap. Joseph Leonard, 170 Waverly Pl., New York, NY 10014, 646-429-8383.
 
Oceana is open in its new Rockfeller Center location. The 200-seat space is open for lunch only until mid-September (and is offering a 20 percent discount until then as well); look for a bar menu with fish tacos and fried clams to complement the seasonal American fare in the dining room. Oceana, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, 212-759-5941.
 
The expansion of the Michael Huynh's empire continues with the opening of Bia Garden, his Southeast-Asian tribute to al fresco eating and drinking. Outside, diners can consume beers served in six- or twelve-packs, while a roving cart delivers nibbles. Bigger items, like a fish-head hot pot, are also available from the kitchen. Bia Garden, 154 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002, 212-780-0010.
 
At Bhatti Indian Grill, the focus is on the cuisine of Northern India. They boast a collection of kebabs and skewers, all crafted in handmade cooking vessels and other specialized grilling apparatuses. Bhatti Indian Grill, 100 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10016, 212-683-4228.
 
Lesley Bernard's near-permanently delayed project, Permanent Brunch, is now up and running. Aside from updates on brunch classics like baked eggs with short rib ragu, the restaurant also features a bacon menu, where diners can sample up to five different varieties. Meg Grace, of The Redhead, consulted on the food menu. Permanent Brunch, 95 First Ave., New York, NY 10009, 212-533-3315.
 


News Bytes
BLT Bonanza?
The BLT empire may expand way downtown. The restaurant group is in talks to take on a space in the Financial District, though nothing is committed to paper just yet. The location: the W hotel and residences, a long-delayed condo and hotel project.
 
Bowery Boys
San Francisco import Nate Appleman, fresh off his stint at SPQR and A16, will helm Keith McNally's (Pastis) upcoming pizza project. Pulino, on the Bowery, is set to open by year's end. Pastis, 9 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10014, 212-929-4844.
 
Easy Ed's
Meanwhile, Ed Brown (of Eighty One) is updating the Center Cut space with a soup restaurant called Ed's Chowder House, serving soups and seafood. Center Cut will close on August 22nd and Ed's will become operational in mid-September. Ed's Chowder House, The Empire Hotel, 44 W. 63rd St., New York, NY 10023, 212-956-1288.
 
Midtown Momo
The Momofuku empire moves north of 14th street this fall, when David Chang will take over the space in the Chambers hotel, last occupied by Town. And, according to Chang, the restaurant will even feature chairs with backs on them. Momofuku Noodle Bar, 171 First Ave., New York, NY 10003, 212-475-7899.
 
Restaurant Week Extension
New York City's Restaurant Week has been extended through Labor Day for participating restaurants.
 
Mermaid Expansion Update
After Smith's closed, the plan was to turn it into a Mermaid Inn. Now word comes down that is almost accurate: as it will become the Mermaid Oyster Bar when it returns, complete with 16 types of bivalves as well as ceviche and soups.
 
Bar sQuid?
The West Village space last occupied by Bar Q is slated to become a seafood restaurant. The owner of Johnny Utah's is behind the project. No word on a name or a full concept just yet, as it's slated to open later in the fall.
 
Shell Games
Grand Central's Oyster Bar & Restaurant nearly lost their liquor license for a day last week after failing to fill out the proper paperwork to have it renewed. It was so close that some staff at the restaurant were warning diners there would be no liquor that night, but at the last minute, they got a renewal. Phew! Oyster Bar & Restaurant, Grand Central Terminal, Lower level, 42nd St., New York, NY 10017, 212-490-6650.
 

Chef Shuffle
Cedric Vongerichten, Jean-Georges' son, is the new executive chef at Perry St. Perry St., 176 Perry St., New York, NY 10014, 212-352-1900.
 
Joe Isidori is out at Harbour; his sous chef, Anthony Fusco, is now steering the ship as the executive chef there. Harbour, 290 Hudson St., New York, NY 10013, 212-989-6410.
 


Closings

Café Boulud is closed for renovations and will re-open in early October. CafĂ© Boulud, Surrey Hotel, 20 E. 76th St., New York, NY 10021, 212-772-2600.
 
Persimmon, the modern Korean prix-fixe spot in the East Village, has closed. Persimmon, 27 E. Tenth St., New York, NY 10009, no phone.
 
The East Village mecca for all things cured meat, Cure, has shut down.
 
The two-year-old sleek-looking pan-Asian eatery, Aja, has closed in the West Village.
 
The David Burke Townhouse is closed for a retooling of the look and menu to make things more casual. It’s going to have the same name and basic concept, however, so don’t expect a complete overhaul. David Burke Townhouse, 133 E. 61st St., New York, NY 10021, 212-813-2121.
 
Alfama, the Portuguese restaurant in the West Village, has closed. Alfama, 551 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014, no phone.
 

CULINARY EVENTS
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learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.


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