Black Shack, By the Ounce Certified Open; La Lucha Tomorrow

1) East Village: Urban Daddy writes about La Lucha, the Mexican wrestling-inspired taqueria and T-shirt shop opening on 9th Street and Ave. A. Says UD: "Here, the ground rules of Mexico City are in effect—no guacamole, no sides of rice and beans, and a staunch anti-burrito position." Careful readers will recall that CB3 gave the restaurant's owner an unreasonably tough time when she came before them to present for a beer and wine license. Glad she finally made it. Status: Opening Friday; 147 Ave. A, 212-260-0235.

2) Tribeca: In her Off The Menu column, Flo Fab discusses the recently opened David Bouley project By The Ounce: "The elegant corner room at Bouley Bakery where people snack during the day becomes this wine bar from 6 p.m. to midnight. Wines are sold by the ounce, the half-glass and glass. Food by Shea Gallante, like charcuterie, cheeses and caviar, is also sold by the ounce." Status: Certified Open;120 West Broadway, 917-237-3207.

3) East Village: Grub Street brings word that the EVill is getting just what the doctor ordered: another banh mi place. Banh Mi Zon, as it's called, is the first venture from Tai Dang and Truc Lien Huynh (no relation to the Great Empire Builder Huynh), a Vietnamese couple that decided to translate their tradition of weekly dinner parties with friends into a small business. Expect "banh mi, rice plates, salads, traditional beverages, and more." Status: Certified Open; 443 E. 6th St., 646-524-6384.

4) Boerum Hill: FloFab also brings word that former Michael's chef Robert Ribant has struck out on his own with Cafe Mei Mei, a restaurant serving seasonal seafood. Status: Certified Open; 231 Court Street, 718-852-8571.

5) Murray Hill: Rebecca Marx of FitR posts an interview with Jeff Maslanka, one of the owners of Black Shack, a two week-old burger joint. How does the place differ from 67 Burger, the other spot from Maslanka and business partner Ed Tretter? "It's a smaller burger than at 67, a little bit faster to make. We went for a simpler menu; at 67 there are 14 different toppings...But we're using the same blend we use at 67." And it ain't LaFrieda. Status: Certified Open; 320 Lexington Ave, 212-213-0043.

6) Fort Greene: A few weeks ago Brownstoner posted the news that Fort Greene was getting "its first refuge for cigar smokers," Diamante's Brooklyn Cigar Lounge. The pet project of a local boxing promoter, it's your classic cigar bar, where members get their own lockers and the majority of customers are dudes (the lounge's website advertises bachelor parties). One catch: it's BYOB for now. Status: Certified Open; 108 S Oxford St, 646-462-3876.
- Gabe Ulla