Neighborhood Watch

King Debuts Tonight; Junoon Adds a Lunchtime Thali Deal

Dumbo/Fulton Ferry: Pete’s Downtown, which has been serving classic Italian dishes since the eighties, closed at the end of December. The landlord is reportedly seeking a high-end restaurant to take over the lease. [DUMBO NYC]
Flatiron: Junoon introduces Thali, a new lunch special that includes a selection of dishes served in small bowls on a round tray ($25 per person, $21 for the vegetarian option). The main course changes daily, but daal makni, mint raita, and homemade naan are always included. [Grub Street]
Lower East Side: Recently opened coffee bar Grit N Glory will offer free weekly coffee tastings starting this Friday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. Guests can sample Stumptown Coffee brews, paired with SCRATCHbread pastries like buttercream brownies and shortbread shorties. [Grub Street]

Rumors circulated last month that EMM Group reps were vying for the space at 199 Bowery, and today an online petition, and plans to go before the community board on Monday, January 9, confirm it. The petition lays out their plans: The 20,000-square-foot space will house a bakery, a lounge, and a Latin/Asian restaurant. [Eater NY]
Midtown East: Midtown Lunch reports a recent expansion of Gregory’s Coffee at 12 East 46th Street, with a full bakery that serves fresh pastries. [Midtown Lunch]
Midtown West: Tasting Table Tuesdays at DB Bistro Moderne will begin on January 24 at 7:30 p.m. The evening will be hosted by sommelier Alexander LaPratt, who will pair a four-course menu with Burgundy wines. Future dinners (February 24, March 20) will explore the wine and cuisine of the Rhone and Loire Valleys. Tickets are $150 per person, and can be purchased here. [Grub Street]
Soho: After some delays, Francis Derby’s King will at last debut with dinner service tonight. [Grub Street]
Union Square: Aldea will kick off weekly Sunday dinners on January 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. There will be two tasting-menu options: a five-course menu ($65 per person, $90 with wine pairings) and an eight-course menu ($95, $140 with wine). [Grub Street]
Upper West Side: Join A Voce’s wine director on Friday, January 13, at 5 p.m. for a seminar about Piedmont wines, where you’ll also get to enjoy appetizers from the restaurant and wine tastings ($65 per person; tickets can be purchased here). [Official site]
Italian restaurant Vai reopened recently with a new look (that includes a full-service bar) and new weekly dinner and tasting menus. [Grub Street]

King Debuts Tonight; Junoon Adds a Lunchtime Thali Deal