Seppi's Shutters; Food Network Wants Newbie Restaurateurs

MIDTOWN— Seppi's, the French restaurant in Le Parker Meridien, has its windows papered up and a flier on the door that says "temporarily closed" with no explanation. A call to the restaurant has this message on the answering machine: "Thank you for calling Seppi's. Unfortunately, the restaurant is temporarily closed." Seppi's is the lesser known of the hotel's restaurants which include Norma's and Burger Joint. [EaterWire]

TV LAND— Tony Bourdain: seasoned chef, acclaimed author, host of a successful travel program, and now...kiddie TV star. On March 10, TB will make a guest appearance on Nickelodeon's wildly-successful, slightly psychedelic children's show Yo Gabba Gabba. On the show, "Doctor Tony" and he even gets his own theme song! Click through for the clip. [Eater National]

CASTING CALLS—The Food Network is looking for new people for The Opener, a new show about restaurant openings: "Are you about to open your first restaurant? Are you overwhelmed? Overworked? Overdrawn? If so, the Food Network wants you for The Opener. In this new documentary series Iron Chef and star of Restaurant Makeover, Chef David Adjey helps first-time restaurateurs open their dream restaurant – often with their life’s savings on the line. If you’re a first-time restaurateur opening your place between now and December 2010, contact us at theopener@franticfilms.com." [EaterWire]