Thursday Opening Report: Las Chicas Locas, Jing, Cataldo's Certified Open, Brook-vin tonight

Brook-vin, in plywood days [Photo Credit]

1) Park Slope: Update: A little over a month ago, we learned that wine bar Brook-vin was at least two weeks out from its reported opening date. Today, (over a month later), Brooklyn Paper reports it will finally open tonight, writing: “Manager Brian Mitchell (pictured) makes his own bacon-infused bourbon and fruit-soaked vodkas (don’t get him started on his homemade syrups, either). And chef Dave Townsend (formerly of Savoy in Manhattan) will be offering small plates, including house-cured meats and salamis, local cheeses and salads that top out at $10.” Status: Certified Open at 5pm tonight. 381 Seventh Avenue, Park Slope; 718-768-9463. [BP]

2) Murray Hill: TONY reports on the opening of Momokawa, whose offerings sound a lot like “Japanese tapas”: “It’s time to learn about another subsection of Japanese cookery: ippin, small and large grazing plates traditionally paired with sake. At this small eatery, chef-owner Mie Okada forgoes sushi for seasonal fare that utilizes as many locally grown ingredients as possible. Look for dishes such as grilled fresh bamboo shoots, as well as classics like shabu-shabu and sukiyaki.” Status: Unknown. No phone yet. 157 E 28th Street, no phone yet. [TONY]

3) Chelsea: Metromix brings word of a new opening in Chelsea—the curiously-dubbed Las Chicas Locas, which could also be the name of a Mexican strip club somewhere. They write: “?a tight Mexican menu that co-owner Chris Romano describes as "modern Mexican gourmet cuisine." Gourmet, you say? Cue the menu, por favor: ancho-chili-rubbed beef filet; gazpacho salad; and shrimp diablo with jalapeño, bacon and crème fraiche, among others. (Bonus points for the homemade chipotle ketchup.)” Status: Certified Open. 160 W. 25th Street; 212-337-8301. [Metromix]

4) Prospect Heights: Chatter on the Brooklynian message boards tells of a new Italian eatery called Cataldo’s, recently opened on Vanderbilt Ave. Here’s an early review from the boards: “Just had a veal parm sub from Cataldo's, and it was excellent. Way better than the alternatives in the neighborhood (Antonio's, Michael's.) Also, the people working there were very friendly and gave me a lot of attention (mostly because I was the only person in the restaurant at the time). In any case, it's recommended.” Status: Certified Open. 554 Vanderbilt Ave., phone unknown. [Brooklynian]

5) Hell’s Kitchen: Flo Fab does some brief reporting that Chinese/Japanese eatery Jing is now open on 9th Ave: “The menu here announces Chinese cuisine, but it also offers sushi, soba and pork loin stuffed with goat cheese. Status: Certified Open. 689 Ninth Avenue; 212-245-0800. [NYT]

6) Williamsburg: Flo Fab also has it that Lovin’ Cup Café has opened adjacent to the Cameo performance space on N. 6th: “This place is attached to Cameo, a performance space, and offers homey American food prepared with a free-range, grass-fed philosophy.” Status: It's been for a couple months at least, though they sent out press releases for an "official reopening" last week. 93 North 6th Street, Williamsburg; 718-302-1180. [NYT]