New Tenant for Astor Place 'Bucks, Rumored Soho Socarrat

EAST VILLAGE— Workers on the scene today revealed that the former (beloved) Astor Place East Starbucks is going to become a cafe for the New York Film Academy, which apparently rents some space in the building. [EaterWire]

SOHO— Feast hears that Socarrat Paella Bar is considering expanding to Soho. Reps at the restaurant tell them, "[we] happily encourage you to stay tuned..." [Feast]

GIMMICKS— In a PR stunt for Tobasco, chef and restaurateur Laurent Tourondel will be handing out free food out of a truck (sounds familiar!) from 7 - 9:30 AM in Midtown and from noon - 2PM in FiDi. On the menu "double smoked bacon pizettas, classic sirloin sliders, corned beef hash sunny side egg sandwiches and his take on the classic Bloody Mary (served virgin)." [EaterWire]