2018’s Biggest Critical Flop Bluebird Is Trying to Revamp

Bluebird revamps following negative reviews

After a less-than-enthusiastic initial reception, Bluebird — an outpost of the London restaurant that opened in September at the Time Warner Center — is determined to turn things around. The zero-star restaurant has hired new chef Bogdan Danila, who worked for Gordon Ramsay and Clocktower’s Jason Atherton, to head up Bluebird and the group’s Hudson Yards restaurant Queensyard. Bogdan says the team “took stock in the previous feedback and made adjustments to the menu.” British staples like beef wellington are still on the menu, but new dishes have a more seasonal focus, including duck breast with endive and braised fennel; halibut with coco bean, green olive, and violet artichoke; and salmon with cucumber gin and horseradish. The changes follow negative reviews from both Eater and the Times. — Beth Landman

Openings, closings, and coming attractions

And at 69 Clinton St., cheeky izakaya Ronin’ Stones has opened from the owners of Yopparai and Azasu. The focus is on skewers from chef Kazumi Motoi. Taiwanese boba tea chain Tiger Sugar Bubble Tea opened its 48th location in Flushing at 40-10 Main St. In Park Slop, Thai restaurant SkyIce will open another location at 437 Fifth Ave., and a new owner will reopen Yayo’s Latin Cuisine at 36 Fifth Ave.

Frevo, a contemporary French tasting menu restaurant from chef Franco Sampogna will open at 48 West Eighth St. with a $124, five-course menu, plus Jackdaw will open at 213 Second Ave., serving craft beer and cocktails from the owner of Galli.

But Kings Beer Hall at 84 St. Mark’s Pl. in Park Slope has closed. So has Sandwicherie at 127 Fourth Ave. and Ravi DeRossi’s vegan Fire & Water in the East Village. The latter, at 95 Ave. A, may be revived as something else from the now-vegan restaurateur behind Amor y Amargo.

Park Slope Food Coop employees are trying to unionize

Paid employees at the famed, exclusive Park Slope Food Coop are fighting to unionize. They reportedly filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board alleging unfair labor practices surrounding staffing and scheduling. They claim that in retaliation, coop management “threatened and punished” those involved. The Park Slope Food Coop is known for its member employment, though there are about 75 paid employees, too.

Two new restaurant sneaker collabs

Two NYC restaurants have custom sneakers out. MáLà Project has teamed up with Feiyue and Hickies to release low- and high-top laceless sneakers called “flying pig” in honor of the 2019 year of the pig. They sell for a very lucky $88. Cronut overlord Dominique Ansel has also come out with his own Koio brand sneakers. His version is a bit pricier at $348, featuring croissant-like elements such as butter-colored laces.