MIDWOOD—We've just learned that Di Fara has been shut down by the Department of Health. Slice has a quote from proprietor Dom DeMarco, ""They say I've gotta wear gloves now—and a hat. It's all little things, like everybody else." DeMarco hopes to reopen on Tuesday. The DOH would be smart to keep the name of the agent who initiated said shutdown under wraps. [Slice]
MIDTOWN WEST—A reader, who's obviously been denied his coffee today, writes, "Starbucks 49th St. (just west of 8th Ave) shuttered by DOH. Enough is enough!!!" [EaterWire Inbox]
EAST VILLAGE—Cocktail destination Death & Co. has been issued a quick reprieve from the SLA, over two weeks after they were ordered dry. They'll be serving drinks tonight, but the future of the nightspot is still uncertain. Daniel Maurer for Cutlets has this ominous news from SLA spokesman Bill Crowley, "[the bar] is still under investigation and has merely been granted permission to operate while the Authority decides whether or not to renew its license." [Cutlets]
SOHO—Stephen Hanson, owner of B. R. Guest restaurant empire, is working with hotelier Barry Sternlicht to open and run restaurants in Sternlicht's hotels. A possible candidate is the Craft chain, though nothing has been decided just yet. [Crain's]
UNION SQUARE—Chef changes are afoot at Lucy Latin Kitchen, an eatery located inside ABC Carpet & Home. A tipster sends this note, "Chef Maximo has left. This place needs a real revamping of staff or else I think it won't make it." A call to the restaurant confirms that they are auditioning new chefs. [EaterWire Inbox]
MIDTOWN EAST—Smith & Wollensky Group is at the center of a bidding war. It had been reported that the company, which owns Quality Meats and Cité, had been purchased by Patina Restaurant Group for almost 80 million dollars. Now, we've learned that the deal hasn't been finalized, and that Landry's Restaurants, Inc., a huge company that owns, among other things, themeparky mall eatery Rainforest Café, has sent an offer to Smith & Wollensky offering them 50 cents more per share than Patina. [PR Newswire]
