Monday Opening Report: Chez Lucienne, Gossip, Aroma UWS Certified Open, Spunto Likely Tomorrow

Spunto, in plywood days

1) Greenwich Village: NYMag has the skinny on newbie, Spunto, the latest in a family of like-named eateries around town including Vezzo and Gruppo. They write: “The West Village outpost is equipped with 64 seats, a beer-and-wine license, a gas-fired brick oven, and entrances on both Carmine Street and Seventh Avenue South. But what most distinguishes it from other local parlors is the range of toppings and combinations, from the Shroomtown (portobello, shiitake, button mushrooms, white-truffle oil) to ChixPotle (chipotle chicken, pineapple, and cilantro).” Status: Not Open. "Probably tomorrow, lunch." 65 Carmine Street, 212-242-1200. [NYM]

2) Harlem: UptownFlavor reports that Carl Redding, former owner of Amy Ruth’s has opened take-out only Southern eatery, Doc’s. He writes: “Doc’s is a scaled down version of the previous restaurants that serves a take-out only menu of Redding’s signature southern favorites, as well as seafood creations like steamed mussels and grilled salmon Caesar salad. Aware of the tough economic times Chef Redding has added a sweet twist to the old formula. Doc’s Recession Rescue Menu serves a family of four a choice of chicken, ribs or fish, plus three sides, biscuits and soda for $24.99.” Status: Unknown. Phone number gives busy signal. 1902 7th Avenue; 212-222-8820. [UptownFlavor]

3) Prospect-Lefferts Gardens: TONY’s The Feed checks in with a handful of openings including BBQ joint, Whiskey Sunday. They write: “A massive wood smoker—capable of cooking 500 pounds of meat at once—is the keystone of Richard Krause’s already-open Texas barbecue joint, featuring an extensive whiskey collection.” Status: Unknown. No answer to calls. 49 Lincoln Road, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens. 718-282-7098. [TONY]

4) Harlem: Back in Harlem, TONY has it that French Bistro, Chez Lucienne has recently opened with two Daniel alums at the helm. They write: “Look for both traditional (beef bourguignonne) and bold (calf’s-foot croquettes) creations at Harlem’s newest French bistro, from Jerome Bougherdani and chef Matthew Tivy, both Daniel alums.” Status: Certified Open as of Friday night. 308 Malcolm X Blvd; 212-289-5555. [TONY]

5) Hell’s Kitchen: And the folks over at Metromix report on the opening of Gossip Bar and Restaurant, including the obligatory Gossip Girl references: “The grub? Shock: predictably utilitarian bar food that's literally all over the map, from quesadillas to chicken satay to mini chicken cordon bleu. Larger plates bust out the fancy-schmancy—can you say duck breast with pomegranate reduction? Ooooh. Prices that top out at $18? Ooooh. Late-night hours that stretch to 4 a.m. on weekends? Ooooh.” Status: Certified Open. 733 Ninth Avenue; 212-265-2720. [Metromix]

5) Gramercy: TONY reports that Red Hook’s famous sandwich shop Defonte’s of Brooklyn, a plywood vet, is getting close to opening a Gramercy outpost: “As has been previously reported, Red Hook’s famed 87-year-old sandwich shop will soon let Manhattanites in on why Brooklyn is so unfuggedable: It’s bringing its flavor-packed heros—including one stuffed with potato, egg and mozzarella—to Gramercy.” Status: Unknown. No answer to calls. 261 Third Avenue; 212-614-1500. [TONY]

6) Upper West Side: Metromix has word that Israeli chain, Aroma Espresso Bar, (not to be confused with the downtown Italian eatery of the same name) has opened its UWS shop this week: “Aroma Espresso Bar expands its Gotham presence with a trendy, bi-level super-café on the Upper West Side. The usual suspects remain: cappuccino, espresso, lattes, as well as Mediterranean-inflected bites. Plus: free Wi-Fi!” Status: Certified Open. 161 W. 72nd Street; 212-595-7700. [Metromix]

7) Williamsburg: And finally, the arepa craze continues with the opening of Arepa Arepa in Williamsburg. TONY has the lowdown: “More than a dozen versions of the namesake South American cornmeal cake (rock shrimp, free-range chicken, chorizo, skirt steak, etc.) will be available at this Billyburg spot. Status: Unknown. No answer to calls. 160 Havemeyer Street, Williamsburg; 718-388-5797. [TONY]