GRAMERCY—Today, we hear that the DOH has shut down coffee shop Pete's Place on Third Avenue and 21st Street. A tipster writes, "Dunno if this is news or newsworthy to you, but I just walked by Pete's Place (classic Gramercy coffee shop) and it was shuttered, with a "seized by marshal" flier on the front door." [EaterWire Inbox]
SOHO—Recently-opened Italian restaurant Aurora is now serving lunch. Sayeth a reader, "Aurora Soho just added lunch to their roster and I might be forced to shill a little insofar as their porchetta panini with fennel (on grilled Grandaisy Pizza Bianca no less) is maybe one of the most satisfying sammy’s I’ve ever tasted. Paninis are 8 bucks, pastas in the $10-$12 range. Overall, a very welcome addition to the neighborhood." [EaterWire Inbox]
CHELSEA—After hearing from a reader that Chelsea piano bar Helen's might be shuttering, we received this note from another reader: "You had the eater inbox mention yesterday about a DOH posting on Helen's and their possibly closing forever, plus the other rumor about "for sale" at the end of the month. I phoned Helen's yesterday afternoon and they were open all night business as usual, and I called their nextdoor neighbor GYM, and they reported no news of Helen's supposedly closing either." So for now, looks like the coast is clear. [EaterWire Inbox]
CENTRAL VILLAGE—A reliable shill source notes that tonight, Grey Dog at 90 University place will be offering free beer to any and all neighbors that decide to stop by at 7:30. If you don't live close by, don't worry: we doubt they'll be checking addresses. [EaterWire]
