Lupa to Expand to Hong Kong; Ruby Foo's in Danger

EXPANSIONS — A few months ago, Mario Batali mentioned that he was looking into opening a restaurant in Asia, and today, the site Lifestyle Asia reports that Batali and partner Joe Bastianich will open a branch of their Village hit Lupa in Hong Kong at the LHT Tower. Executive chef Zach Allen will head up the new project. Lupa Hong Kong is going to be a part of Dining Concepts, the same group that operates Michael White's Al Molo. [Lifestyle Asia]

WEST VILLAGE— Grub Street learns that Stephen Starr is dropping his attempt at a full liquor license for his forthcoming restaurant in the old Paris Commune space and will present a scaled down version of his initial project when Community Board 2 meets next month. [GS]

EAST VILLAGE— Fans and regulars are throwing a party of sorts tomorrow night to raise money for ailing vegetarian restaurant Kate's Joint. They are in arrears with their landlord and have been sent eviction notices. [EVG]

TIMES SQUARE— According to The Real Deal the new landlord of the building that houses Ruby Foo's in Times Square is looking for a replacement tenant. The restaurant, run by BR Guest Hospitality Group, is fighting the move in court, saying they have right of first refusal and want to renew their lease. [TRD]
[The New York Lupa by Krieger]