Street Food Brawl Lands One Vendor in a Coma — and More Intel

A street vendor fight ends with one in a coma

In a turf war dispute that turned violent on Saturday morning, two street food vendors got into a fight caught on camera that ended with one in a coma. The fight reportedly broke out because Mohammad Uddin has been parking his cart in the same Financial District spot for 40 years, and recently newcomer Sameh Amer has been closing in on the location. The two got into an altercation over the space, with Uddin ending up in the hospital in a coma. Amer has been arrested and charged with assault, ABC News reports.

Nick Solares/Eater

Hao Noodle & Tea by Madam Zhu’s Kitchen enters clubby sphere

After opening its 4,800-square-foot branch in Greenwich Village last year, Hao Noodle and Tea by Madam Zhu’s Kitchen is already expanding. The Meatpacking District will get a similarly-large location, set to open this fall. If it’s anything like the original of this China import — which Eater critic Robert Sietsema awarded two out of four stars — then this is something to be excited about.

Two quiet MDW closures

Affordable Middle Eastern restaurant Moustache in the East Village has closed, with the space already gutted. No word yet on why, though CB3’s upcoming agenda shows that Small Plates Inc. is looking to move into the space, EV Grieve reports. Moustache’s West Village location remains open, though the East Harlem one also closed in February.

Plus, Esperanto’s smaller to-go outpost Esperanto Fonda is now closed, after less than a year in operation. An Esperanto rep tells EV Grieve it was due to high rent, but that it will reopen in a new, undisclosed location soon.

NYC’s Indian boom continues

Another new Indian restaurant is set to open at 1768 Amsterdam Avenue, following the recent debuts of Rahi, Badshah, and more. This one is Mumbai Masala Indian Grill, from the owners of Tikka Indian Grill, Tripti, and Dipali. Dishes include lamb madras, jhinga moilee, and red pumpkin thoran.

Iconic Di Fara pizza pops up in Manhattan

The pizza from Di Fara, GG’s, Margot’s, and Paulie Gee’s will all be available in rotations starting today through June at Vic’s. It’s a partnership for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, with proceeds benefitting New York City public schools. All pies will be $18 to $22; here is the schedule:

May 30 - June 6: GG’s square vodka pie with prosciutto, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil
June 7 - 12: Di Fara’s classic round pie with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, parmesan, and basil
June 13 - 10: Paulie Gee’s Monte Cristo pizza with mild Gouda, thinly sliced Canadian bacon, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup
June 20 - 26: Margot’s Ranchero Pizza, a nacho-inspired pizza with extra cheese, pickled jalapeños, and a buttermilk ranch dressing

An evening on fish sustainability

There’s been a lot of talk about the future of fish — an all-sustainable sushi spot even opened recently — and now Greenmarket and GrowNYC are focusing a dinner on the topic. Author and expert on this subject, Paul Greenberg, and North Fork fishery, Blue Moon, are teaming up for a conversation alongside a cocktail hour and four-course dinner from Grand Banks, Oceana, Gramercy Tavern, Del Posto, and Gotham Bar and Grill. Tickets are available here to the June 15 event.

How Di Fara became a NYC pizza legend

Before you grab a slice at Vic’s, here’s why you should care that Di Fara is popping up in Manhattan.