1) FiDi: Some exciting news from the tipline regarding Nicky's Sandwich Shop in FiDi: "Walked by last night and the owners were there. They told me '2 weeks max, we are tied up with city issues, you know how it is' I peeked in, they look to be about 70% done with interior constructions which isn't much considering the minimalist decor and equipment needs. Assuming they pass pre-opening DOHMH inspection, I give it 10 days. I will update when its certified open." [POST-PLYWOOD]
2) Flatiron: A tipster sends in photos of the forthcoming Eataly and Hill Country Chicken spaces, saying, "One is of Hill Country Chicken. They usually keep it pretty well sealed up...There's already what looks to be some wall paper up. The space looks pretty small in comparison to the other location, but I couldn't tell how far back the room went, or if there is a second level. It looks like they are making good progress though. The second shot is from the Eataly space one block down. Cavernous." Another tipster says of Eataly: "Eataly taking shape, they've installed sleek counters and white tiled seating with a glass serving counter and a giant map of Basilicata back drop! workmen seem stressed and hurried!;)" [PLYWOOD]
3) West Village: A reader sends in a photo of Vino, a new restaurant/wine bar going in on Greenwich Ave. near 6th Ave. [PLYWOOD]
4) Meatpacking District: The Cafe Bruxelles space, which is becoming a French restaurant from an alum of La Goulue, is now gutted. [PLYWOOD]
5) East Village: East Village Feed posts a photo of signage going up at Just Sweet Dessert House, which will offer "Asian-themed" desserts at 83 3rd Avenue. [PLYWOOD]
6) East Village: EV Grieve relays rumors that a bar/restaurant is set to take over the old Monk Thrift Shop space at 165 Avenue A, right next to sexy Tex-Mexy Diablo Royal Este. [PLYWOOD]
7) K-Town: Midtown Lunch reveals signage for Korean bakery chain Paris Baguette, which will open its first Manhattan branch (there are two in Flushing already) on 32nd St between 5th and 6th Aves. [PLYWOOD]
8) Midtown West: A Midtown Luncher reports that Burger King's revamp of one of their branches at 40th St and 7th Ave into a Whopper Bar is well underway, with signage up and employees being trained inside. [PLYWOOD]
9) Flatiron: Fork in the Road spots signage for Andy Yang's previously reported "express" outpost of his Michelin-starred Rhong Tiam. Located on 21st St near Broadway, the new restaurant will focus on take-out and will be missing many of the items on the original restaurant's menu and will have more to-go staples like build-your-own salads, frozen yogurt and even a juice bar. Rhong Tian has had an difficult year, closing its original location to relocate to Yang's failed East Village space, Kurve. [PLYWOOD]
10) West VillageFitR also reports that the second location of Flex Mussels in the West Village at 154 W 13th Street is opening in four to six weeks. The new location will feature the same menu as the original, and will additionally serve brunch. [PLYWOOD]
11) West Village: Grub Street notices brand new plywood for a second outpost of East Harlem's Joy Burger Bar. Located in the former Baluchi's space at 361 Sixth Avenue, this burger joint features three sizes of burgers and 12 different sauces. [PLYWOOD]
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