Third Man Offering Cocktail Classes; Il Mulino Reopens After Basement Fire

ALPHABET CITY - The Third Man is now offering Cocktail Connoisseur classes for those wanting to shake things up like the pros. The classes teach students how to make make classics, as well as original cocktails, and include appetizers from the kitchen, plus a bartending kit to take home. Email drink@thethirdmannyc.com for reservations. [EaterWire]

UPPER EAST SIDE - Pricey Italian eatery Il Mulino was forced to close down yesterday following a fire in the basement during lunch service. While the flames didn't make it out of the basement level, clouds of smoke began to fill the dining room and waft out onto the street. After initially expecting to be closed for at least a week, staff has been working round-the-clock and the restaurant is now back open again. [ENY]

CHELSEA - Food Network regulars Anne Burrell and Adam Richman join forces with famed Pat LaFrieda in hosting a charity dinner in support of The Armed Forces Foundation. The gourmet food tasting will be held at the Metropolitan Pavilion and will also include a special viewing of "That Which I Love Destroys Me." The menu will also feature food from Alex Guarnaschelli, Jacques Torres, and more. Tickets are available at aff-nyc.eventbrite.com. [EaterWire]

THEATER DISTRICT - This morning the news broke that Times Square stalwart Cafe Edison will be forced to close, and now the Times learns that it will be replaced by a white tablecloth restaurant with "a name chef," as part of a multi-million dollar renovation of the Hotel Edison. Fans of the lunch counter, however, aren't going down without a fight. Someone has already started a petition, which is currently at over 600 signatures and counting. [NYT; Change.org]