Manhattan Chef Sues After Stripper Punches Out His Tooth

A Manhattan chef publicly brawls with a stripper

A Manhattan chef walked into a strip club and left one tooth down, he alleges in a new lawsuit. David Kupferstein, who used to work at now-closed La Cenita, says he went to Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club in March 2015 and told a stripper there she was a bad mother — which caused her to punch him in the face, knocking out his left front tooth. Kupferstein is now suing the club for $1 million in damages to pay for his dental work, which he alleges it originally agreed to do. The Post notes the chef is single.

Chelsea Thai leaves Chelsea Market after 20 years

One of Chelsea Market’s first tenants, Chelsea Thai will now depart the founding food hall. A sign in the space’s window announces the restaurant, which started as a Thai grocery store, will relocate to the East Village, though there’s no reason for the departure. Eater has reached out to find out why and what will replace it.

Gwyneth Paltrow digs the meat at Cote

Famously finicky Gooper and prolific diner Gwyneth Paltrow has not only blessed Korean steakhouse Cote with her presence this weekend, but she also deemed it “fucking fantastic” in an Instagram direct message with the restaurant’s wine director Victoria James. Check out what Cote has to offer in the video below.

LES Sweet Chick pivots concept while gas is off

After its gas was turned off last week, chicken and waffles purveyor Sweet Chick closed for a minute. Its gas is still off, but co-owner John Seymour has found a way to rebound: The restaurant has pivoted to Sweet Chicka for now, serving apparently no-gas-needed waffle shell tacos with fillings like pork belly, blackened catfish, and carnitas.

Here comes a Harry Potter-themed brunch

Midtown theme brunch restaurant 5th & Mad will continue to capitalize on franchise fans — Mean Girls and Clueless already had their turns — with a brunch dedicated to all things Harry Potter. The $40 event on Saturday, February 17 comes with bottomless Butterbeer, Harry Potter-themed food, trivia, and more. Tickets here.

Tom Colicchio leaves food policy organization he founded

Chef Tom Colicchio has left Food Policy Action, the organization he helped found in 2012 over creative differences. He tells the Times, “I think lobbying efforts around food aren’t going to work, and I’d rather spend my time trying to change Congress instead of shouting into the void. Heading into the midterms, I’d rather spend my time getting better people elected.”