Padma Lakshmi Hosts Syrian Refugee Benefit Dinner — and More Intel

A Syrian refugee benefit dinner with star power

Il Buco owner Donna Lennard is hosting a dinner that benefits Syrian refugees on Monday, May 22, with a collection of food and fashion types, including Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., refugee-built Syria Supper Club will prepare Syrian appetizers in conjunction with the Il Buco staff, with proceeds benefitting the International Rescue Committee. Tickets are available here.

Things you never needed to know about Eleven Madison Park chef Daniel Humm

Eleven Madison Park’s press tour continues: The Post has managed to reduce chef Daniel Humm’s life to numbers, such as “22” (for the number of gears on his bicycle) and “15,781” (the height of the mountain Humm recently summitted). For more inane information, head right this way.

Another Real Housewives restaurant in New Jersey

Restaurants are apparently the side gig of choice for Real Housewives, as now New Jersey cast members Joe and Melissa Gorga will follow in Kathy Wakile and Ramona Singer’s footsteps. The Gorgas are opening Gorga’s Homemade Pasta & Pizza in East Hanover, New Jersey at 360 Route 10 West with pizza, panini, and more.

East Village Japanese restaurant Hi-Collar makes critic almost clap her hands in joy

The East Village is this week’s destination for the Times’ Ligaya Mishan, who reviews Hi-Collar, a four-year-old Japanese coffee and tea house that turns into a sake bar at night. One dish inspires her to almost clap her hands, so suffice it to say she likes what she found.

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Fornino’s new Williamsburg location ready to pop

OG pizza chain Fornino’s new Williamsburg location at 291 Kent Avenue — the old space at 187 Bedford Avenue has closed — is ready to make its debut this Monday, May 22. This location is branching beyond pizza with the availability of a full kitchen in this space, which means basked pastas, wood-fired meats, and more. Check out the full menu below.

L’Apicio makes its grand exit tomorrow

Tomorrow marks the final service for L’Apicio, the large Italian restaurant from the L’Artusi team. Next up in that space at 11 East First Street is an Indian molecular gastronomy restaurant.

Live performances and Mediterranean food combine in Astoria

Astoria is gaining an all-day coffee house and Mediterranean restaurant with a stage for live performances from comedy shows to music groups. Beans & Lager will open at 33-01 36th Avenue, once all the proper permits are obtained.

Beatrice Inn cookbook is on the way

Angie Mar, chef-owner of meaty West Village steakhouse The Beatrice Inn, just keeps killing the game. Next up for the phenom is a cookbook called Butcher & Beast, to be published by Clarkson Potter.

Joe Coffee’s 15th location opens today with Union Square Hospitality Group bent

Westfield World Trade Center is the latest location of Joe Coffee (on the West Concourse Balcony Level), complete with pastries from Union Square Hospitality Group. It’s now open weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For opening day, coffee will cost whatever you want to pay from 4 p.m. to close.

Chefs Club Counter extends its hours with a free pizza deal

The fast counter location of rotating chef restaurant Chefs Club will now be open for dinner. Starting today, Chefs Club Counter (62 Spring Street) will offer the same menu for dinner, plus free pizza from chef Magnus Hansson of Manna Bread Company for every pitcher of sangria purchased. Hours are now weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends starting at 9 a.m.

Your Saturday, May 20 plans

Looking for something to do tomorrow? Essex Street Market is hosting a block party from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. with all of its food on display. Tickets and more information here.

What you might be able to expect from the Beatrice Inn cookbook

Finally, here’s a look at the very meaty pies on the Beatrice Inn menu: