Ardesia Wine Social; Batali and Castronovo at Rocco

PHOTO INTERLUDE — Here's a picture of Mario Batali hanging with his chef buddy Frank Castronovo at Rocco Restaurant in 1991. At the end of the week, Carbone will open in this space. [Instagram]

HELL'S KITCHEN — Mandy Oser's stylish wine bar Ardesia recently started a Saturday afternoon wine tasting series called Wine. Social. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., guests can sample five different wines for $25. The selection is a mix of new finds and old favorites, and the regular menu is also available. [EaterWire]

MIDTOWN — Chef Antonio Prontelli just introduced a new menu at Rock Center Cafe featuring dishes made with proteins from local purveyors like DeBragga, paired with beer from local breweries. Dishes include New York fish and chips paired with Brooklyn Six Point lager, and a skirt steak with crispy potatoes paired with Six Point Sweet Action. [EaterWire]