Financier Patisserie, Ichibantei, Marche du Sud Now Open

1) East Village: Zagat Buzz brings word that Ichibantei, a “Japanese Soul Food” restaurant, is opening for dinner tonight. From the provided menu, it would appear that soul food, Japanese style, involves a lot of meat served with sweet sauces or fried. Status: Opens tonight; 401 E. 13th St., 877-731-4339.

2) Upper East Side: Travels in Taste reports that Marche du Sud, a gourmet French market, restaurant, bakery, and wine bar all in one spot, is opening today but only from 4 to 6 PM. After today's short preview, the soft opening commences tomorrow but only for the market portion while the restaurant will open soon thereafter. Status: Certified soft open; 1136 First Ave., 212-207-4900.

3) East Village: EV Grieve is reporting that Nai, a tapas bar, will open tonight in the former Xunta space. The signage on the storefront indicates that there the menu will have over 55 tapas and six varieties of sangria. Status: Opens tonight; 174 First Ave.

4) NoHo: The newest location of Financier Patisserie is now open on Astor Place in the space formerly occupied by The Original SoupMan and Cold Stone Creamery. At present, their hours are from 6 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week but they're hoping to stay open later eventually. Status: Certified open; 2 Astor Pl., 212-228-2787.
—Gary Wong