Hoppin' John at Seersucker; Birch Coffee Donates Tips

FLATIRON DISTRICT ? The 27th Street coffee shop Birch is donating 100 percent of all tips to the family of Victoria Soto, a teacher killed in the Newtown, Conn. school shooting. Not only that, but the shop is matching all contributions. [EaterWire]

CARROLL GARDENS ? Seersucker is doing New Year's Day the traditional Southern way, running a special of Hoppin' John and collard greens all day. The restaurant will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day, with no dinner service. [EaterWire]

MEATPACKING DISTRICT ? The MePa bar Brass Monkey has opened a pub?inside the same space. This is called The Copper Room, and it has nine dedicated lines with a changing selection of American beers and a food menu that includes curry beef pies and fish and chips. [EaterWire]

VINTAGE AMERICA ? Eater National talks to a handful of leading young wine people about their influences and how they got into the industry. Here's Joe Campanale on why he loves wine: " I'm a city kid who likes to travel. I love how wine can connect you to some place and some person far away. Also I'm a fat kid, and I love to eat and wine makes food taste better." [Eater National]