Casa Mezcal's Sneak Peek; Samuelsson Previews Red Rooster

LOWER EAST SIDE— It's been a long time coming, but Casa Mezcal, the three story Mexican restaurant, bar, art house, cinema, and community center, promised back in December '08, is finally beginning to open. The restaurant section is still on the way, but the bars—and there are three—hosted locals brave enough to cross the plywood shed last night. For a video tour of the space, there's a good interview with the owner here. [BB]

MEPA— Reps for private club and hangout Soho House send word that Top Chef Master's Marcus Samuelsson will be previewing dishes for his upcoming Harlem restaurant Red Rooster there on June 8. [EaterWire]

GOWANUS—Outdoor event space and now beer garden BKLYN Yard is reopening this weekend. From Memorial Day to Labor Day it will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Find more details here. [EaterWire]

UPPER WEST SIDE— Shake Shack will serve a special this holiday weekend only at their Upper West Side location: a special corn dog. Served with Rick’s Picks Handy Corn Relish, it's $4.50. [EaterWire]

BOOZE NEWS—Because of a budgeting issue, the State Liquor Authority will keep the popular and successful self certification process in place. [Diner's Journal]
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