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1) Greenwich Village: We heard talk of the long anticipated Minetta Tavern opening tomorrow, and Flo Fab confirms. Status: Opening tomorrow. 113 MacDougal Street; (212) 475-3850.
2) Park Slope: A drive by of plywood vet Zuzu Ramen (from the owners of Sheep Station) revealed a packed house for friends and family last night. A tipster, after talking to an owner, tells us it's opening tomorrow. TONY chimes in with more: “The ramen explosion crosses over to Brooklyn with this compact spot from the owners of Sheep Station. Look for creative varieties with international twists including a Thai-influenced green curry–miso ramen.” Status: Signs point to opening tomorrow. 173 Fourth Avenue, Park Slope; 718-398-9898. [TONY]
3) Greenwich Village: In other ramen news, a tipster reports that long-plywooded Ramen Setagaya on University Place soft-opened last night. Here's an early report/review: "Due to limited gas-service, temporarily serving 3-4 dishes only, 1 Ramen, 1 spiced chicken/rice w/ egg, 1 curry, 1 other. To me, items tasted same as 1st Avenue location." Status: Certified Open. 92 University Place; phone unknown. [Eater Inbox]
4) Red Hook: TONY also has it that another plywood vet will finally be opening this week, Anselmo’s Pizza: “Smoke-free coal will keep the oven infernal at Red Hook’s latest pizzeria. The brief menu includes individual-size pies.” Status: Not Open. "Hopefully we'll be opening Friday or Saturday." 354 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook; 718-775-5386. [TONY]
5) Midtown: Food in Mouth has the skinny on Irish chocolate café Lily O’Brien’s, which has recently opened. Here’s an excerpt from their early review: “For a chocolate store located by the Bryant Park Hotel, you would figure they would charge more than $4.25 for a standard hot chocolate but they keep it real. I think it's kind of sad that I've grown accustomed to a $4 dollar cup of hot chocolate.” Status: Certified Open. 36 W 40th Street; 212-575-0631. [Food in Mouth]
6) Greenwich Village: TONY also reports on the opening of new Italian eatery, La Carbonara. They write: “This Italian restaurant, from the owners of Gallo Nero and Puttanesca, was conceived specifically for hard times: Nothing on the menu costs more than $15, and most wines are under $20.” Status: Unknown. No answer to calls. 202 W 14th Street; 212-255-2060. [TONY]
7) Astoria: Grub Street reports that another location of Afghan Kebab House has opened in Astoria. They write: "The menu is similar to those at other locations (the signature here, of course, being kebabs that are expertly marinated and prepared on a charcoal grill), but as you can see, the new look (in addition to being extra patriotic!) is brighter, with a focus on tile and marble work rather than the usual burlap wall coverings and Afghan rugs. This location is open from 11 a.m. till 11 p.m., boasts 45 seats, and it delivers." Status: Certified Open. 25-89 Steinway Street, Astoria; 718-777-7758. [GS]
8) Hollis: And finally, TONY has word that American/soul food restaurant, Premo’s Perfection is opening this week way out in Hollis, Queens. They write: “Having worked as a personal chef for hip-hop sensation Salt-N-Pepa and Congressman Charles Rangel, Dexter “Premo” Sanders now turns his attention to his first restaurant. Expect creative American dishes and regional classics like chicken and waffles." Status: Not Open. Opening Sunday. 109-18 Farmers Blvd, Hollis, Queens; 347-809-7605. [TONY]