UWS Greek Favorite Kefi Reopens in Original Location

Kefi finds a new home in its old home

UWS Greek restaurant Kefi officially reopened in its original location at 222 West 79th Street. The restaurant, opened by chef Michael Psilakis in 2007, previously lived at at 505 Columbus Avenue until it shuttered last month. By returning to its original location on 79th street, Kefi kicks out Psilakis’ other restaurant Fishtag, which is currently in the process of finding a new home.

A look at lifelong hospitality workers in NYC

Bon Appetit’s new series on legacy front-of-house staff spotlights Carolyn Wandell-Widdoes, a Union Square Hospitality Group server for three decades who often goes by her nickname “Mama.” She has spent most of her time with USHG at Union Square Cafe but currently works at Gramercy Tavern and says that she considers hospitality to be its own form of social work, which she got a degree for in 1995. “I set the tone for a blissful experience, whether it’s for my guests or my entire restaurant team to work together in harmony,” she says. “So I look everyone in the eye, ask the hospitality angels for help, and generally send good vibes. And I make sure the water glasses are always filled. Hydration is key.”

Junzi Kitchen expands to Greenwich Village

Fast-casual Chinese restaurant Junzi Kitchen opened its second NYC location at 170 Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village. In August, the new location will partner with DuClaw Brewing for a special Junzi beer. On the restaurant’s summer toppings menu, there’s garlic chives, summer squash, and lightly pickled celery. Later this summer, the Greenwich Village Junzi Kitchen will also start Junzi After Hours, with late-night offerings of cocktails and street-style eats.

More openings and coming attractions

Serafina opened its new UWS location at 105th and Broadway. Down in East Village, Ready-to-cook meal kit service Thai Direct is opening a new location at 131 Avenue A, selling bowls available for pickup or delivery. Signage has also gone up in the neighborhood for VVNs Teas, an art-centric teashop coming to 154 First Avenue.