CHINATOWN— BlackBook interviews Spencer Sweeney, the man behind Santo's Party House and gets to the bottom of why the name was changed from "Santa's": "...we were advised by our lawyer not to go with Santa, because if someone really wanted to fuck us, they could say it’s like Joe Camel trying to appeal to young children. So Andrew came up with the shift of Santa’s to Santos. But I found a way around it. I’m actually legally changing my name from Spencer to Santa. Really. I will be Santa Sweeney. It’s gotta be called Santa’s." [BB]
MURRAY HILL— Cutlets reports that Bar Milano is adding 20 outdoor seats on 24th Street. And they're now doing jazz brunches every Sunday with a new menu featuring egg dishes, pork chops, and pasta from $10-$20. [Cutlets]
INT'L— We figured the highly publicized Bocuse d'Or was the only culinary Olympics around, but apparently not. According to their press release, the American Culinary Federation is sending six US chefs, none from NYC but one from Westchester, to compete in the IKA in Germany: "Much like the Olympics, the IKA 'culinary Olympics' is considered the most prestigious competition in the industry. For four days, the world’s best chefs are challenged to prove their culinary skills and vie for gold medals." [EaterWire]
UNION SQAURE— Tomorrow from 12-2 PM, Robert Ransom of Rivendell Winery will make an appearance at the new New York Winestand at the Greenmarket. He'll be pouring his wines next alongside Parlor Steakhouse executive chef Lucas Billheimer, who will be serving Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes with Red Onion Confit and Gorgonzola Mousse. [EaterWire]