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1) East Village: Word comes through the tipline that Bluebird Coffee Shop, a new cafe from the team behind Nolita's Botanica bar, will open tomorrow. Bluebird will brew Counter Culture Coffee, and offer a variety of housemade baked goods including cookies, cakes and pies, daily. Status: Soft Open this week, grand opening next week, 72 East 1st Street between 1st and 2nd, no phone yet.
2) East Village: The Feed reports that the chef/owner of the recently shuttered Absinthe Wine Bar has reopened the space as French joint, Lautrec Bistro. Expect a menu of by-the-numbers bistro fare, with a few internationally-minded items like tuna steak thrown into the mix. Status: Certified open. 111 First Ave, between 6th and 7th Sts, 646-429-9243.
3) Greenpoint: New York Shitty has some intel on Kestane Kebab, a new Middle-Eastern spot that opened this weekend near McCarren park. Coupled with the recent opening of Mediterranean Shawarma, Greenpoint seems to be in the midst of a kebab house boom right now. Status: Certified Open. 110 Nassau Avenue(between Leonard St & Eckford St), 718-349-8601.
4) Brooklyn Heights: Fork in the Road brings word that Iris Cafe, a new coffee shop in Brooklyn Heights, is now open. The kitchen is helmed by a River Cafe alum and serves light fare for breakfast and lunch including sandwiches, salads, egg dishes, and cheese plates. Status: Certified Open, 20 Columbia Place near Joralemon, no Phone yet.
5) Flatiron: Midtown Lunch breaks the news that Fresh-N-Fast, an In-N-Out knock off, is now open on 23rd street, aiming to bring the coveted California-style fast food burger to the hungry masses of 23rd street. Burgerfiends who can't tolerate long Shake Shack lines now have a new plan B. Status: Certified open. 111 E. 23rd St at Park Ave, no phone yet.
6) Upper East Side: The Feed also reports that Cafe Blossom, an offshoot of popular Chelsea bistro Blossom Vegan, is opening soon. The new spot will be less formal than the original, with a similar emphasis on meatless renditions of the dishes vegans secretly miss. Prepared foods for takeaway will be also be offered. Status: Calls go to message, but likely opening this week. 1522 First Ave between 79th and 80th St, 212-988-2221.
7) Long Island City: Via a press release, Penthouse 808, a ritzy new club restaurant is now open atop Hotel Ravel. The rooftop space is enclosed in glass, and offers great views of the city. Status: Certified open. 8-08 Queens Plaza South, 718-289-6101.
