Dans Le Noir to Open Next Week; New Info on Lenny's

BLIND DINING— Though there have been some false reports going around that blind dining restaurant Dans Le Noir is opening tonight after a series of delays, a call to the restaurant reveals they are now planning on opening on February 19. So, cancel those Valentine's Day plans. [Eaterwire]

SOHO— Brinkley's in Soho is hosting a speed dating event tomorrow night starting at 10 PM. There will be a host, a DJ, and "various sruprises," according to reps. [EaterWire]

EXPANSIONS— Eater LA hears that Travis Lett, the chef and co-owner of Venice's wildly popular Gjelina is looking at spaces in the West Village for possible expansion plans. [Eater LA]

EAST VILLAGE — To coincide with the release of the book Shucked, Peels is offering Island Creek oysters, oyster shooters, and plates of Andouille sausage with oysters tonight until 7:30 PM. [EaterWire]

HAMPTONS—The team behind a restaurant called Swallow in Huntington has taken over Lenny's out in Montauk. They plan on "remain[ing] very true to the place's roots as a dockside restaurant, do amazing food (with a focus on fresh local ingredients), and create a fun and family oriented atmosphere." They will probably drop the Lenny's name. [Curbed Hamptons]

EAST VILLAGE—Back Forty is hosting a Mardi Gras party with Sixpoint Brewery next Tuesday. Chef Michael Laarhoven is preparing a three-course, family-style dinner including gumbo, spicy chicken, shrimp and bacon beignets, and Andouille sausage served with beer and sazeracs. It goes for $50 or $64.45 with tax and gratuity.

SWEETS—Restaurant Girl round up some of the best old-school layer cakes that have been making their ways onto NYC menus of late. [RS]