Neighborhood Watch

Half-Off Lunch at Osteria Morini; Beer Table Arriving in Grand Central

Bay Ridge: Former Brooklynite Kate Payne will be reading from her book, The Hip Girl’s Guide to Homemaking, at Brooklyn’s Bookmark Shoppe tomorrow, April 20, at 7 p.m. The book explains how to grow strawberries on a fire escape, as well as can and preserve produce, among other DIY topics. [Skint]


Chelsea: JBF LTD has proved to be more than just any old pop-up, and this week it will be hosting a discussion and signing of Blood, Bones & Butter with chef-cum-author Gabrielle Hamilton. The signing will take place at 2:30 p.m. on April 21. [Grub Street]


Financial District: Wall & Water has launched its spring menu to try to lure warmer weather. It’s also added a make-your-own-sandwich option on the new lunch menu. [Grub Street]


Greenwich Village: Argentine restaurant Alma 33 is now serving lunch Monday through Saturday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The menu will have a little Italian flare thanks to executive chef Enrico Primarti, and will serve items like a pesca sandwich with seared branzino, crisp arugula, red onion, tartar sauce, and chimichurri. [Grub Street]

Hell’s Kitchen: See some top-notch singer-songwriters perform at the Tenth Rail this Thursday, April 21 for their Japan Benefit Show; $10 at the door is suggested. More information here. [Grub Street]


Gowanus: The Bell House is hosting Guactacular 2011, a competition on May 8 that will feature 20-plus amazing guacamoles for sampling. Every guest gets a free beer from Brooklyn Brewery to wash town their guac and chips. We even hear there will be a scavenger hunt. Tickets here for $15, or $18 at the door. And if you feel like your guac can compete, e-mail Rachel@NachosNY.com. [Grub Street]


Midtown East: Commuters from Connecticut and upstate New York are in luck — Brooklyn’s Beer Table has just signed a seven-year lease for a retail shop in Grand Central Station. The store will sell growlers of mostly local beer and bottles of international beer. They’ll also be selling mustard, vinegar, and other things that typically go well with beer. Mental note: Always stop here before heading back upstate for a weekend barbecue. [Crain’s]


Gramercy: On May 3, Bocca will be hosting a four-course menu with wine pairings from the region of Lazio. The menu will feature traditional Roman dishes like friend zucchini blossoms, cacio e pepe, and roasted lamb, and will be paired with wines are from Casale del Giglio, a highly esteemed winery. The event begins at 7 p.m. Reservations required. [Grub Street]


Soho: Osteria Morini has added some new items to their lunch menu, and they want you to taste them! From April 26 through April 28, their four new panini (porchetta, polpette, petroniana, and ortolana) will be 50 percent off. Lunch is served between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. [Grub Street]


Williamsburg: In honor of Earth Day, on April 22 Cadaqués will light the entire restaurant with only candles. To make it even more special, executive chef Guillaume Thivet is serving up a $35 three-course vegetarian menu with a complementary glass of wine. Just make sure to bring candles of your own — Owner Mathieu Reboul can only light so many, and doesn’t want you dining in the dark! [Grub Street]

Half-Off Lunch at Osteria Morini; Beer Table Arriving in Grand Central