Shelsky's, Rosarito, Ports Coffee, Milk Street All Certified Open

1) Cobble Hill: Pardon Me For Asking and The Brooklyn Paper both report that Shelsky's Smoked Fish is open on Smith Street. The Brooklyn Paper notes that the owner worked under Kurt Gutenbrunner, and is an alum of Eleven Madison Park. He vows to try and make as many of his products as possible in house, such as pickled herring, salads, spreads, baked goods, and some of the smoked salmon. Shelsky's will also offer very large sandwiches. Status: Certified Open, 251 Smith St., 718-855-8817.

2) Chelsea: Zagat learns that Ports Coffee & Tea, a new specialty espresso and tea bar serving Stumptown coffee, is now open just steps away from The Chelsea Hotel. The coffee shop will primarily use the pour over method, and will offer plenty of goodies from Balthazar and Mast Brothers. Status: Certified Open, 251 W 23rd St., 646-290-6151.

3) Williamsburg: The Downtown Diaries has the details on Rosarito Fish Shack/Mezcal Tequila Bar. The new Mexican spot serves ceviche and other seafood dishes, as well as tequila, sangria and Micheladas. It is currently open for dinner but plans on offering brunch soon. Also, you can get your fish fix at their market every Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM - 1 PM. Status: Certified Open; 170 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn.

4) Financial District: Midtown Lunch notes that Kosher food hall Milk Street Cafe is now open, and they're happy to report that it looks "way better than most generic delis." Status: Certified Open, 40 Wall St., 212-542-3663.

5) Park Slope: TONY brings word that Kulushkät Gourmet Falafel opened last week. Owner Yagil Kadosh melds his Israeli-Moroccan roots to create a Middle Eastern takeout shop full of his mother's recipes. The falafel comes in four different flavors (classic, mushroom-spinach, spicy, and Mediterranean chicken). You'll find hummus platters, salads and also a shnitzel sandwich made from antibiotic- hormone free chicken. Status: Certified Open, 446 Dean St., 347-799-1972.
—Maite Alvarez
[Photo: Pardon Me For Asking]