New Wine Program at Fort Defiance; Sen Launches Lunch

RED HOOK ? The acclaimed nonfiction writer Alex Halberstadt is IN as the new Wine Director at Fort Defiance. Halberstadt's taken the very natural, very French wine list and given it more of a mix of different countries and styles (while keeping it mostly biodynamic) and a lower price point. The restaurant is welcoming Halberstadt with a party from 5 to 7 p.m. this Thursday. [EaterWire]

FLATIRON DISTRICT ? The new 21st Street location of Sag Harbor's Sen launches launch service tomorrow. The menu?see the full one below?has sushi from chef Hiro Sawatari and other Asian-inflected dishes by executive chef Bryan Emperor. [EaterWire]

UPPER WEST SIDE ? The new Upper West Side location of The Smith rolled out breakfast service this week. On weekdays the restaurant now opens at 7:30 a.m. Menu items include smoked salmon benedict and a ranchero scramble. [WSR]

EAST VILLAGE ? The Mermaid Inn is not expanding next door, per the rumors. It's just expanded its happy hour to run from 5 to 7 p.m. [The Local]

YELP WANTED ? Because it just wasn't easy enough for online reviewers to shake down local businesses, a "lifelong entrepreneur" has come up with a way to do so even more aggressively. Behold the $100 ReviewerCard, an identification card that purports to secure its holders better service by warning business owners, "I write reviews." [Eater National]

Sen lunch menu by