In the magazine this week, Alex Morris examines the rise in alcohol use — and abuse — among women. The Underground Gourmet reviews Vinegar Hill House, the new Brooklyn restaurant dominated by a wood-burning oven. “It’s Little House on the Prairie crossed with Freemans,” writes the UG, who awarded three stars. In this week’s openings, Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld preview Michael Psilakis and Donatella Arpaia’s renovated Kefi; a new wine bar, Brookvin, in Park Slope; and a French gelette restaurant called Bar Breton. Rob and Robin also mapped the coffee-shop explosion in the West Village, so keep it handy if you need something hot or an emergency Wi-Fi fix. Rob and Robin also found plenty of edible stocking stuffers, from black-truffle butter to bacon brittle. Grandaisy pastry chef Peggy Jacobs shared her ginger-spice cake recipe with Rob and Robin, who also have news of a new happy-hour menu at City Bakery.
