EAST VILLAGE ? Avenue B Mexican restaurant Mercadito has launched lunch service. It's available from 12 to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, with tacos, burritos, and the like for under ten bucks. [EaterWire]
PARK SLOPE ? The French bistro Belleville closed on Monday for renovations. It will reopen as early as next week with a new name, new look, and new chef. The restaurant was sold to new owners last year. [Park Slope Stoop]
SOHO ? Back Forty West is hosting a Cassoulet Festival next Monday, February 25. Participants include Alex Raij of La Vara, Nick Anderer of Maialino, The Meat Hook's Tom Mylan, and the Back Forty team. Head to the official site for tickets or more details. [EaterWire]
HOT CHEFS 2013 ? Ladies and gentlemen, the people have spoken and we have a winner for Eater's Third Annual Hottest Chef in America: Portland chef Pascal Sauton. The PBR-swilling Milwaukie Kitchen & Wine chef talks to Eater National about his wild run to glory and his triathlon past. Also, yes ladies, he's single. [-EN-]
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