NOLITA — The Cleveland is launching a regular Sunday night guest chef series this weekend. $25 buys a plate of food and a beer or glass of wine in the restaurant's garden. Alicia Parter from Pok Pok, Eli Sussman from Mile End, and Brent Young from the Meat Hook are all confirmed for the month and the restaurant says it is working on several more dates. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and at the door. [EaterWire]
MIDTOWN WEST — Bryce Shuman of Betony will host his former Eleven Madison Park colleague, LA-based chef David Nayfeld in a summer "produce playoff" dinner. Each chef will produce an eight-course meal plus hors d'oeuvres from his selected "team" of fruits and vegetables for $95, with a $55 optional beverage pairing. To reserve a spot, call 212-465-2400. [EaterWire]
WILLIAMSBURG — Jewish-Japanese mashup restaurant Shalom Japan is celebrating its one year anniversary with $1 Schaefer beers and mini challahs made with sake yeast. The specials are available this Thursday through Sunday. [EaterWire]
NATIONAL — Red Lobster is going through a bit of an identity crisis. The national chain wants diners to think of it as a fancy restaurant, not just a place to down "endless shrimp." Instead of changing the food, the chain will embrace 1980's plating styles and stack its food into towers. [~EN~]
[The Cleveland by Daniel Krieger]