Monday Opening Report: Gospel, Merchants BBQ, and More

1) Battery Park City: The Broadsheet reports that Picnick, Smoked isn't the only new bbq operation to open downtown. Located in the plaza between Battery Park City's World Financial Center and North Cove Marina, Merchants BBQ opened on Aug. 7. They serve "hamburgers, cheeseburgers, salmon burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches and a St. Louis Style Pork Rib Platter accompanied by a variety of side dishes, beverages and desserts." Status: Certified Open.

2) Harlem West: The Feed and Metromix file on Gospel Uptown. Writes the latter: "The menu leans Southern/soul food/comfort-y, with beer-braised short rib and Cajun-style tuna alongside fusion bites like yam ravioli and smoked-duck roll with tamarind sauce. As for the entertainment, Holland....has plans for jazz nights, open-mic nights and Broadway-themed dinner theater. Status: Certified Open; 2110 Seventh Ave., 212-280-2110.

3) Midtown West A press release announces the opening of Bianca's, the latest steakhouse to open in a strip joint. The chef, Briana Swanson, has worked at Surf Lodge and as a private chef for clients like Paul Haggis, George Soros, Joshua Bell and Patrick McMullan. "The restaurant will be a moderately priced steakhouse with modern twists on the classic American steakhouse menu and beautiful presentations. Signature dishes include the Filet Oscar, a filet mignon topped with fresh lump crabmeat in a bearnaise, the Lobster Roll, and a playful “Peanut Butter and Jelly Dessert Sandwich” cooked French Toast style on Brioche." Status: Opening tomorrow; 550 West 38th St., 212-967-4646.

4) Astoria: The Feed reports that Sweet Afton, the new Astoria bar from the team behind Wilfie and Nell and Bua and a chef at Nobu 57. will open this week: "Bar fare includes homemade Irish sausage rolls and a burger built from LaFrieda meat." Status: Not open. Friends and family now, soft opening maybe later this week, official opening on the 30th; 30-09 34th St at 30th Ave, Astoria, 718-777-2570.

5) Park Slope: The Feed also brings word that The Double Windsor, the newest project from the owners of Cake Shop on the LES, is about to debut: "Classic cocktails from the 20-seat horseshoe bar will include the dark and stormy and the Sazerac, though craft beers and cask ales are the real focus, with a rotating selection dispensed from 14 taps...the pub-grub menu...includes a duck-confit sandwich with fig jam and arugula, and his take on fish-and-chips." Status: Not open, still awating final inspection; 210 Prospect Park West, 347-725-3479.

6) Park Slope: Finally, the Feed has it that Provini, a new European café and wine bar by the Bar Tano folks, is opening with Italian pastries and craft beer, Intelligentsia coffee, and hearty pasta dishes. Status: Unknown, no answer to calls; 1302 Eighth Ave., Brooklyn, 718-369-2154.
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