Monday Opening Report: Caracas Brooklyn, Empanada Joe's Chelsea Certified Open, Ortine on Weds

La Barra Signage

1) Lower East Side: NYMag has it that French chef Allen Feldman will open cevicheria, La Barra. They write: “Allan Feldman has cooked fancy French at La Grenouille and New American at Veritas, and next week, inspections pending, he returns to his Mexican (yes, Mexican) roots with La Barra, a diminutive cevichería on the Lower East Side.” Status: Unknown. Phone number not in service, but when we stopped by two weeks ago they said it would open this week. 250 Broome Street; 212-260-3900. [NYM]

2) Prospect Heights: Former Schiller’s/Pastis manager Sarah Peck and her husband will open Ortine this week according to NYMag. They write: “Sarah Peck, a former Schiller’s and Pastis manager, oversees the herb garden, the kitchen, and the eclectic menu (everything from Belgian waffles to braised short ribs). Her husband, Steve Guidi, an acupuncturist by day, acts as the restaurant’s beverage director and thus is in charge of the kombucha and the egg creams. Steve’s mom, Barbara, is the pizza and lasagne maven, and if the bulk of the menu skews Italian, blame it on her.” Status: Not Open. Opening Wednesday midday. 622 Washington Avenue, Prospect Heights; 718-622-0026. [NYM]

3) Williamsburg: Caracas Arepa Bar expands to Brooklyn this week, opening a new location in Williamsburg. The Brooklyn Paper claims it will open today and shares the following: "Arepas are something you can eat every single day — they’re our bread in Venezuela,” said Araujo, who also owns Manhattan’s Caracas Arepa Bar. The menu at Caracas Brooklyn will boast more than a dozen ethereal arepas, including the simple La Paisa (mild cheese, $4.25), the hearty La Pelua (shredded beef and cheddar, $6.25), and the upscale La Playera (fish, onions, peppers and herbs, $6.50)." Status: Certified Open. 291 Grand Street, Williamsburg; 718-218-6787. [BP]

4) Chelsea: A PR rep writes in to inform us that newish chain Empanada Joe’s will be opening another location today in Chelsea. She writes: “In addition to their signature empanadas – which range from only 100 –210 calories, Empanada Joe's will also offer a rotation of daily soups and chili as well as sides including Tuscan Pasta Salad and Spicy Corn Salad. There are also meal deals available including breakfast empanada and coffee for $3.98 or 2 empanadas with 2 sides and soda for only $7.48.” Status: Certified Open. 668 6th Avenue; 917-338-4780. [Eater Inbox]