METPACKING DISTRICT— Mr. Cutlets reports some rumors that Ilan is coming back to the big city: "The Top Chef winner just might be the executive chef at a massive Spanish restaurant called ¡pasé! in the meatpacking district, at 455 West 16th Street...if things get off the ground, the place will presumably feature food in the vein of Hall’s previous employ at Casa Mono..." [Cutlets]
HELL'S KITCHEN— Urbnite has an update on the classic Market Diner which closed two years ago and is set to reopen soon: "The diner, which will feature an outdoor patio and an updated interior was set to open in early June but apparently has seen some setbacks...The eatery, at West 43rd Street and 11th Avenue, will also feature a bar that will sell frozen drinks." [amNY]
UPPER EAST SIDE— TONY has some news from the owner of Luca and Cavatappo Wine Bar: "He’s renovating his eponymous restaurant and reconfiguring its menu. It is slated to relaunch on August 5 as Cavatappo Grill. He also plans to open a branch of Cavatappo Wine Bar in Gramercy Park on August 25...A small-plates menu hits all of the expected enoteca marks—look out for pizzas, bruschette, cheese and cured-meat plates." [TONY]
PINKBERRY UNIVERSE— Brace yourselves ladies: the lychee flavor is back at Pinkberry. [EaterWire]