1) Williamsburg: On Saturday night, the owners of neighborhood beer hall Harefield Road opened a very similar bar called Matt Torrey's just about four blocks away. The space is massive, as is the beer list. Hopefully, when permits go through on the space next door, there will one day be food as well. A huge get for the block. Status: Certified Open; 301 Ainslie St., Williamsburg.
2) West Village: The Feed reports that Satay Junction, an Indonesian restaurant from the owners of Brick Lane Curry House has opened. Status: Certified Open; 28 Greenwich Ave., 212-929-9400.
3) West Village: Urban Daddy reveals Betel, a "Thai street-food joint," with menu options like crispy pork hock and hung lae curry of pork belly with peanuts. The Aussie owners have also added a foreign twist to the cocktail menu with a Brazilian Blackberry Passionfruit Caipiroska. Status:Unclear; phone unanswered. 51 Grove St, between Bleecker and 7th Ave. 212-352-0460.
4) Cobble Hill: When Tasti D Lite closed last November on Court Street, no one knew what would become of the empty storefront. Low and behold, Blue Marble - a tastier, albeit more expensive, ice cream parlor - has just opened over the past weekend, reports Lost City. Status:Certified Open; 196 Court Street, No phone number yet.
5) Greenpoint: Headed by Brooklyn Standard and Papacitos chef Cody Utzman, Greenpointers claims that newcomer Cafe Royal has a "bar tabac" vibe going on, where customers can linger and enjoy themselves in an "artfully decorated venue." Currently, the menu consists of Stumptown Coffee and Ceci Cela baked goods, but a daily menu will be introduced soon. The beer and wine license, however, is still in the works. Status: Certified open; 195 Nassau Avenue, Greenpoint, no phone number yet.
6) East Village: Cheep's the replacement for Snacklicious Cinderella spot opened last Friday. The menu is fairly small, serving falafel, shawarma and french fries. According to EV Grieve, the only thing really going for it is the price. One reader commented, "they didn't skimp on the falafel (I think there were five in the pita) and the price ($2) was great." Status: Certified Opened.2nd Ave, near St. Mark's Place.
7) Morningside Heights: After awaiting what would become of the never-ending construction next to Columbia's cherished campus bar, The Heights, students were pleased to welcome Vareli this past Friday - a three-level Mediterranean restaurant packed with a lounge, bar, outdoor patio, and underground wine cellar. The owners will be using fresh ingredients from their own Westside Market across the street, and Chef Amitzur Mor (from Gramercy Tavern and Bouley) will be heading the kitchen. Status: Certified Open. 2869 Broadway between 111th and 112th Sts, 212-678-8585.
8) Greenpoint: Paulie Gee's, a new Greenpoint pizzeria, is confirmed to open tomorrow at 6 PM. Named after the pizza fanatic owner, this 58-seat pizzeria will offer Neapolitan-style pies baked in a brick oven - until the dough runs out. Status: Opening tomorrow; 60 Greenpoint Ave, 347-987-3747.
9) East Village: Senegalese-French cuisine will be on offer at the former Boucarou spot, which is now named Betty's. If Minetta's $26 Black Label Burger sounds pricey, brace yourself The Feedfor Betty's $35 burger - a beast of bison meat and kobe beef, "topped with shaved black truffle, a fried egg and melted foie gras." Status: Confirmed to open Thursday night, March 11th; 64 E 1st St. 212-529-3262.
10) Midtown: A new deli named Mustang Cafe just opened, according to Midtown Lunch. This entire week the menu will 50% off and items include udon, teriyaki, salads, and Tex-Mex. Status:Certified Open. 22 W. 38th St, between 5th and 6th Aves, 212-354-5522.
— Natassia Miller
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