Two New Vietnamese Restaurants, a Spot For Almond Croissants, a Steakhouse Debut, and More Intel

— Hanoi House opens today at 119 St. Mark’s Pl., a new restaurant serving lunch and dinner from Sara Leveen and Ben Lowell, Starr Restaurant alums. Look for dishes like pho bac with brisket and filet mignon or fish with turmeric and dill. A second Vietnamese restaurant is poised to open in the neighborhood, Madame Vo, at 212 E. 10th St.

— Patisserie Florentine is now open at 280 E. 10th St., the first New York location following its Englewood, N.J. spot, where almond croissants are best-sellers. This pastry shop is a partnership between Guy Jacobovitz, who ran Cafe Silan in this location until it shuttered in the summer, and siblings, Tomer and Itay Zilkha.

— A steakhouse, Royal 35, will open at 1 East 35th St., on or around Jan. 25, a partnership from veteran steakhouse manager, Alfred Cetaj, who worked at Strip House, Michael Jordan's, and Mastro's, along with Adem Sinanaj, who managed Ben & Jack's. The pair have hired Joseph Paulino, former executive chef at Cafe des Artistes, Uncle Jack's, and Burke in the Box, David Burke's fast-casual concept.

"We are featuring double porterhouse dry-aged for 30 to 35 days in its own aging box with Himalayan sea salt blocks that give the meat extra flavor,'' says Cetaj. Other specials include crab cakes and seafood towers. - BL

— Minton’s reopens today with a new menu from Joseph “J.J.” Johnson, Eater Young Gun who earned acclaim as the chef at The Cecil that had been next door until it closed at the end of December. The Cecil’s merging with historic jazz club Minton’s ushers in a menu that includes a short rib roast with pickled okra and yogurt, chicken liver mousse with skillet corn bread and jam, and whole fish with shallots, watercress and pickled jalapeno. Also look for oxtail dumplings, gumbo, and the wagyu burger.

Founded in 1938 by saxophonist Henry Minton, Minton’s Playhouse was a birthplace of bebop, serving as a jazz club until it was shuttered by a fire in the 70s. In 2013, Richard Parsons and restaurateur Alexander Smalls opened the two adjacent restaurants. The space for The Cecil will serve as an event space.

— Breakfast and lunch are now available at Williamsburg’s Rider as of today, where Patrick Connolly will offer strada with mushrooms, greens, and gruyere, avocado toast with poached egg and za’atar, and doughnuts of the day with selections like lemon and fennel with creme fraiche. Expect coffee from Philly-based Rival Bros. for a buck, with refills. Lunch is two dishes for $18, with listings like beets and roasted carrots, grilled trout, and hot roast beef.

— Chefs Club will host an Asian Breakfast for Dinner event on Jan. 18, a three-course prix-fixe menu that’s a collaboration between Wilson Tang of Nom Wah Tea Parlor in Chinatown, Ivan Orkin of Ivan Ramen on the Lower East Side, and JP Park of Atoboy on E. 28th St. See here for details.

— James Beard-winner Jose Garces of Amada will headline three restaurants in Atlantic City’s Tropicana, opening Mar. 3. The Philadelphia chef who opened his Vesey Street restaurant last year will roll out Olon Restaurante, a fine-dining, seafood restaurant, Okatshe, a Japanese sake and noodle bar, and the most casual concept, La Cerveceria.

— In the spirit of keeping new year’s resolutions, Brooklyn Brewery’s Garrett Oliver thinks you should follow your dreams.