1) Union Square: The long awaited Tim Horton's has opened in the old Zen Palate space on Union Square East. One can only hope the promised TGI Friday's isn't too far behind. Status: Certified Open; 34 Union Square East.
2) Nolita: Last week, the Robs reported on the opening of Torrisi Italian Specialties. Both a grocery and a cafe, the small space was opened by a couple of Cafe Boulud alums. They serve heroes and antipasti at lunch for now but hope to launch dinner by Feb. Status: Certified Open; 250 Mulberry St., 212-965-0955.
3) Midtown: TONY reports that HaruHana, a new Japanese restaurant in Koreatown has opened on 32nd between 5th and Broadway: "the menu includes standards like sushi, yakitori and hot pots, but global touches can be seen in fusion dishes, such as a pork cutlet stuffed with kimchi and mozzarella. Status: Certified Open; 28 W 32nd St., 212-736-5393.
4) Midtown: Midtown Lunch learns that a new Urban Lobster Shack has opened at a downstairs food court on 3rd Ave. between 49th and 50th. Status: Certified Open; 805 Third Ave.
5) Park Slope: Fork in the Road brings word that Balaka, a Punjabi-Bengali hybrid, has opened in Park Slope on 6th Ave.: "here are plenty of generic Northern Indian restaurant dishes on the menu (chicken saag, anybody?), but there are also more regionally specific offerings, like Bengali-style crab." Status: Certified Open; 522 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-788-1397.
6) Lower East Side: Fork in the Road also notes that BaoHaus, "a subterranean shop peddling Taiwanese gua bao, or steamed buns" opened on Christmas Eve. Apparently, it's not related to the growing Michael Huynh empire. Status: Certified Open; 137 Rivington St.
7) Upper West Side: The West Side Independent reports that 999, a new lounge, has replaced Le Negrita on Columbus near 109th. British pub food is coming soon. Status: Signs point to open; 999 Columbus.
[photo credit]