The Plywood Report: Dainobu, Tasting Room Space, Kool Bloo, and More

Dainobu space, opening tomorrow via MidtownLunch

1) Midtown East: Midtown Lunch brings word of an imminent opening: "They were hoping that yesterday would be the big day, but it is looking like tomorrow (the 24th) will be opening day for Dainobu- the latest Japanese bento/lunch/grocery store to hit the Midtown Lunch scene (on 47th btw. Lex+3rd). They 'are working crazy' to get it all done". [POST-PLYWOOD]

2) Lower East Side: Grub Street reports on a new tenant for the original Tasting Room space on East 1st between 1st and 2nd: "Simon Mammon, who operated the Simon Sips kiosk near Bryant Park for over a decade before a Starbucks took over, tells us that he’s opening a new place in the former Tasting Room Café space, and he hopes it’ll be right up there with Café Grumpy and Ninth Street Espresso. In fact, he’s aiming to trump them with his wines, three craft beers on tap, and a Greenmarket-driven small-plates menu designed by consulting chef Ronna Welsh." He hopes to open by January 17. [PLYWOOD]

3) East Village: A tipster has reported that the new Kool Bloo moving into the old Cock space on 12th and A is moving along and should be close to opening just across the street from the week-old Ost Cafe soon. [PLYWOOD]

4) West Village: Blackbook interviews Serena Salvo of the upcoming re-do of Casa La Femme, set to open at 140 Charles Street, and gets some new details: "The music will switch up in the evening. There will be people sitting with bottles of champagne, relaxing and watching the belly-dancer. We’re going to stick to chill world music, like Hotel Costes type of loungey music. We’ll also have a Middle Eastern influence in the back." [PLYWOOD]

5) Harlem: Uptown Flavor brings word of both a Subway and a Cheesesteak Factory moving into the upper reaches of Harlem. A commenter notes that "Tabouli," a new Middle Eastern spot, is coming to 164th and Broadway. [PLYWOOD]