EaterWire: Bar Martignetti Closes for Revamp, Obamas Import a Chicago Chef, A Midtown Special

SOHO— Guest of a Guest notices that Bar Martignetti has closed for a renovation: "...apparently the place is going to have a much more 'pub-like' feel with a new bar in the back of the restaurant." Grub Street adds: "The focus of the menu, Martignetti is thinking, will be a prix fixe that allows you to get a great hangar steak and a choice of salad and/or fries, for a reasonable price." [GoaG; GS]

WASHINGTON DC— Alice didn't get her "Food Cabinet" and couldn't usurp the White House chef per se, but in a move that should please the Slow Foodists, the Obamas are importing Sam Kass, their private chef from Chicago: "He will work alongside the White House executive chef, Cristeta Comerford, who was promoted to that job by the Bushes and is being kept on in that role by the Obamas ... Mr. Kass [is] one of the new breed of chefs who are concerned about the environment and about poor eating habits." [The Caucus via ESF]

MIDTOWN— A new recession special in Midtown: "The newer location of Lazzara’s Pizza, located just out of bounds on 9th Ave. btw. 44+45th, has just introduced a recession special from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: If you purchase a soda, you can get a single slice of pizza for 99 cents (and a second slice for $1.50.) They’re also selling a full 6 slice pie for $8.99 (normally $11.50)."

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