FLATIRON/WEST SOHO—Despite appearances that it has shuttered, Steak Frites (right), the off-Union Square bistro mainstay of quite some time, is simply closed for a two-month reno, with re-opening date TBD. In bonus Steak Frites news, there is a west Soho sister to the restaurant opening very soon at 225 Varick Street. The goal at present, per restaurant operators reached via the public phone line today, is to have the space open in the next two weeks. [EaterWire]
COLUMBUS CIRCLE—Blogger Hotel Chatter has word of a chef being installed at Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, the restaurant now a few weeks out at the brand Jason Pommeranc's new hotel, Six Columbus. Jose Salazar, late of Bouchon Bakery, will be the guy. [Hotel Chatter]
CHELSEA—Insta-review time. On Chicken & Beer, the new crack-food joint on 23rd and Seventh Avenue: "Finally stopped by the new BBQ Chicken and Beer "fast" food Korean shop in Chelsea. First of all, this is hardly fast food. After being seated by a waiter, we were given menus. First signs of anti-fast food. Second, four beers on tap, a dozen or so by the bottle, and wines (including herbed and pomegranate), not fast food. After diving into the menu and seeing items listed @ 5.95-18, not the typical fast food menu. At $18 you can get three super size meals at Mickey D's. Finally, it took about 10 minutes to have our order taken and another 20 minutes for the food to come out. As for the food, it was quite delicious. The creamed corn was a nice side to complement the fiery chicken drumsticks. The sauce was slightly sweet with a tingling aftertaste from the heat. All in all worth the wait. If you're a fan of Cluck-U (the best wing spot in the tri-state area), you'll love it. As for the classic fried chicken, the spice was quite nice and the chicken not so greasy. Definitely a step up from Popeye's and KFC. Did I mention Guinness from the tap to wash it all down? So if you aren't looking for fast food, BBQ Chicken and Beer is worth a shot. ***Note*** There was a flat screen TV at the bar that was not turned out. Do I hear Karaoke in the near future? Probably not, but not a bad idea." [EaterWire Inbox]
