1) Lower East Side: Bowery Boogie reports that Temple of Ankh, a hookah place, is now open, though sans alcohol as they have yet to procure a liquor license. Status: Certified open; 58 Clinton St.
2) Boerum Hill: Flo Fab brings word that Pardes, a kosher restaurant serving Mediterranean fare such as smoked mushroom and onion pizza, and sardines with skordalia, is now open. Note that they are closed on Fridays and open on Saturday only after sundown in accordance with Jewish custom. Status: Certified open; 497 Atlantic Ave., 718-797-3880.
3) Midtown: The NYT also has details on Fifty Five, a club/lounge-like place with a hookah den from Todd English empire alum Victor LaPlaca. The food here is Moroccan-Mediterranean and the menu includes dishes like flatbreads, shrimp falafel, and seared salmon with caponata. Status: Certified open; 47 W. 55th St., 212-957-1899.
4) Lower East Side: Bowery Boogie reports that Gaia, an Italian cafe is now open, serving house-baked pastries, imported sweets, in addition to the requisite coffee. Brush up on your Italian because the menu is presently printed nearly entirely in that language. Status: Certified open; 251 Houston St., 646-350-3977.
5) Lower East Side: Also from Bowery Boogie comes word of a new tenant in the space formerly occupied by Golden Carriage Bakery. Still a bakery, the canopy in their picture doesn't have an English translation but a commenter notes that new signage indicates it's called The New Golden Carriage Bakery. Status: Certified open; 162 East Broadway.
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