Monday Opening Report: Sycamore Certified Open, Bao Bar Possibly Today

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Sycamore: Despite Sign, This New Bar/Flower Shop is Certified Open [Photo Credit]

1) Ditmas Park: The latest in bizarre dual purpose venues comes direct from Flatbush Vegan who has the inside track on the opening of bar/flower shop Sycamore. Here’s some of their report from Friday’s opening night: “When we were there the crowd seemed like a mix of people in their mid-20s to mid-30s. We overheard someone say he was from Fort Greene, so we assume other neighborhoods along the Q were also represented. We didn't take a close look at drink prices, but our Buds on draft were a very reasonable $3. Patrons enter through the cute flower shop, where a few stools provide a quiet drinking spot and a neat lookout on Cortelyou Road. A jukebox sits at the entrance of the bar and in the back are two cozy horseshoe-shaped couches tucked into the corners.” Status: Certified Open. 1118 Cortelyou Road, Ditmas Park; no phone. [Flatbush Vegan]

2) Upper West Side: In the Times Fall Dining Preview, Flo Fab reports that Michael Huynh’s Bar Bao is set to open today in the former Rain space. Menu details are scarce but The StrongBuzz offered these interior details last Wednesday in addition to our own floorplan porn: “Designer Jason Volenec (Allen & Delancey, Elettaria) has created a space inspired by modern Vietnam with elements like antique whitewashed brick walls, rough-cut wood paneling, and banquettes upholstered with antique violet and rose colored fabric.” Status: Unknown. Answering machine message mentions only the closing of Rain. 100 W. 82nd Street; 212-501-0776. [NYT; Strongbuzz]

3) East Village: Lady Strongbuzz reported in late August on the opening of Ella, a new bar/music venue that she claims will open on Wednesday. She writes: "They plan on showcasing emerging pianists, local bands and solo musicians. So far Regina Spektor, G Love, and Alexa Ray (daughter of Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley) are slated to perform. At this 1,700 square space, they’ll serve a list of haute cocktails ($12 each) like the Plum Gin Fizz—muddled sour plum and gin, shaken with simple syrup, and lemon juice. To complement the cocktails, there are bar snacks—cheese and meat platters and local artisans like Gus’ Pickles and other Greenmarket-inspired plates." Status: Not open. The opening party has been pushed to October 1. 9 Avenue A; 212-777-2230. [Strong Buzz]