Hi Collar, Milkflower, and More Certified Open

1) East Village: Sprudge reports on a very Japanese café called Hi Collar, from Bon Yagi of EV spots Rai Rai Ken and Curry-Ya.Hi Collar is Yagi's attempt to bring the slower Japanese approach to coffee to New York, with a long narrow bar serving up a handful of different coffees. Right now it's open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for coffee service, reopening at 6 p.m. with alcohol, but morning hours are coming soon. Status: Certified Open; 214 E 10th St., 212-777-7018.

2) Forest Hills: A new restaurant and bar called Forest Hills Station House opened in mid-April on 71st Avenue in Forest Hills. It's owned by a handful of neighborhood locals, including the brothers Michael and Steve Elkins. It's got a beer list well over 30 deep, with upscale pub grub (think fancy burgers, kimchi empanadas, and charcuterie) generally running from nine bucks to the low teens. The restaurant opens at noon daily and serves through the late night. Status: Certified Open; 106-11 71st Ave., 718-544-5000.

3) Astoria: Brownstoner Queens reports that a new pizzeria called Milkflower has opened on 31st Avenue in Astoria. Owned by two brothers from Jersey who grew up working in their uncle's pizza shop, Milkflower has wood-fired pizzas, housemade mozzarella, and a handful of salads and Italian apps. Status: Certified Open; 34-12 31st Ave., 718-204-1300.

4) East Village: Laguna Beach-based pizza chain zPizza has opened its second NYC location (after one in JFK), EV Grieve notices. It's got healthy pizza by the slice and pie, salads, and sandwiches. Status: Certified Open; 26 First Ave., 212-982-7499.

5) Crown Heights: I Love Franklin Avenue learns that a new Italian restaurant called Cent'Anni has opened just south of Sterling Place. The food is Sicilian and the decor is reportedly rather old-school, with a backyard dining area. Status: Certified Open; 742 Franklin Ave., 718-942-5201.
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