Burst Pipe Closes The Modern; Crab Feast at Back Forty

MIDTOWN WEST — A burst pipe last night in the ceiling of The Modern has forced the restaurant to close temporarily for repairs. The restaurant's team hopes to reopen for dinner on August 20, says a press release. [Union Square Hospitality Group]

ALPHABET CITY — Back Forty will host its annual Crab-a-Palooza from August 26 through August 30. Tickets run $55 and buy diners a mountain of spicy crabs that are served on newspaper draped tables, along with sides like corn bread, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, and string beans. Tax, tip, and a processing fee aren't included, and they bring up the fee to $74. [EaterWire]

MADISON SQUARE — When Mad. Sq. Eats. returns on September 5 it will be home to several new vendors including Breads Bakery, The Gumbo Bros, and Italian beer company Turan. Roberta's, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Asia Dog, and others will also return. The pop-up runs through October 3. [EaterWire]

BOOK CLUB — It's almost fall book season and Eater National reports on three new local book deals. Keavy Blueher and Allison Kave, who wrote First Prize Pies, will write cocktail and dessert book Butter & Scotch (the pair will also open a Crown Heights spot by the same name). Another book will chronicle the rise of Jonah Miller of Huertas and artisan gefilte company, The Gefilteria is working on The Gefilte Manifesto. [~EN~]
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