Monday Opening Report: Nios Certified Open; Emporio, Lord Knows

1) Soho: We've already discussed Emporio here, the latest venture from the folks behind Aurora in Soho and Williamsburg, set to open in the old InTent space. This week NYMag brings word they're opening: "Chef Riccardo Buitoni references Rome in dishes like Frascati-wine-braised rabbit, favas with mint and pecorino, and housemade tonnarelli cacio e pepe, but the menu also exhibits signs of a concerted effort to integrate local products like Flying Pigs Farm pork and Cato Corner Farm’s Hooligan cheese...there’s pizza from a wood-burning brick oven." Status: Not open. Staff says, "We don't have any idea." 231 Mott St., 212-966-1234.

Noho: Hotel guests and passersby alike have been able to drink at the 2nd Floor bar at the new Cooper Square Hotel for a few weeks now. But the PR folks tell us that tonight the bar opens officially for reals. The back patio is still cordoned off and there's still no sign alerting guests to the bar's existence, but the cocktail program's a go. Status: Certified Open. 25 Cooper Sq., 212-475-5700.

East Village:EV Grieve reports that yet another hookah bar has opened its doors, this time on Avenue A and East 7th Street. Status: Signs point to open. 107 Ave. A

East Village: The trio behind Carroll Gardens' always reliable EM Thai have a new place on 3rd Avenue and 10th Street, plywood vet Bodhi Thai. Though this one is a bit more adventuresome than your standard pad thai and curry joint: grilled honey pork with white beans and tofu in a five-spice sauce is on the menu, next to the papaya salad and chicken satay. Status: Not Open. 58 Third Ave., 212-677-5199

Times Square: The space formerly occupied by District just moved a little to the west, as two San Francisco-based beverage consultants were brought in to help revamp the menu and turn it into Nios. Fifth Floor sommelier Emily Wines and Starlight Room mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout designed new drink lists to complement chef Patricia Williams' upscale American comfort food. Status: Certified Open. 130 W. 46th St., 212-485-2999