Yesterday, we got word that that one 'Sam Talbot and corp.' had applied for a liquor license at 312-314 Bowery—a fact quickly denied by Top Chef alum Sam Talbot, in a comment to Eater. To get to the bottom of things, we dispatched Eater Radar editor Kelly Dobkin to the community board meeting last night. Her report, the debut of a new Eater feature called First Word, follows.
Last night's board meeting proved a big disappointment on the Sam Talbot front. Per Talbot's attorney, his hearing for a liquor license will be laid over until the next meeting. Bummer—though the agenda did confirm the license is for the address 312-314 Bowery. As for the question of which Sam Talbot this is, that too was left unclear. They made an announcement at the start of the meeting that certain cases would be laid over, and Talbot's was one of them.
On the bright side, there was a lot more revealed about other forthcoming venues. A Tenjune promoter is looking to take over the Double Happiness space and open a restaurant/lounge called Fem Fatale, and faced heated opposition from locals. Several members of the community were there to complain about the recent approval of multiple liquor licenses in the area (ahem, Forty Deuce), and repeatedly referred to the area as: rapidly turning into "party central." [N.B. Cutlets has much more on this story.]
Annisa chef and co-owner Anita Lo was there to apply for a liquor license for 308-310 Bleecker Street in the old Vittorio Cucina space which she said would be an Asian-style BBQ spot. The restaurant will have a garden in the back with outdoor seating. No major opposition voiced.
The owners of Midtown Italian eatery La Masseria are seeking a license for 10 Downing Street. Walking by the area on the way home, noticed a bunch of plywood right on the corner of 10 Downing, but as locals pointed out, the address is that of a whole building and they questioned what part would be partitioned off. So that plywood is likely unrelated. Complaints from locals about "too many restaurants and bars" already on Downing.
Actor William DeMeo, known mostly for his small role on the Sopranos, wants to take over troubled Chelsea spot Dirty Disco and open a new venture. He's putting in charge a fellow named Papalato (sp?) who apparently managed Salon (before it was bought out by Cipriani for Socialista). Some minor complaints from locals about noise control.
A chef, whose name eluded me due to his heavy French accent, who has worked in the Boulud family of restaurants for 15 years, wants to take over The Place on W. 10th Street space at 142 W.10th Street and turn it into his first solo venture. The space is to be called Seven White. No complaints from locals.
The team of Bao Noodles/Bao 111 wants to turn Japanese restaurant JCool's space (143 Grand Street) into a noodle and tapas joint. No opposing parties spoke up.
And finally, popular Thai spot, Lovely Day wants to add 40 more seats and a bar to its downstairs space. They faced some heavy flack again from the same angry crew that has spoken out against new licenses being granted in the area. These folks aren't kidding around! —Kelly Dobkin
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