Neighborhood Watch

Tiki Monday Nights Begin at Lani Kai; Alouette Files for Chapter 11

Chelsea: Join the Red Cat for Tune In Tuesdays, their new promo YouTube channel where a red cat on a record player will play a song of the classic variety. Mention the song in the restaurant and enjoy a glass of wine on the house. Today’s is “Drift Away.” [Grub Street]
East Village: Momofuku fans will delight in Ssam Bar’s new lunch and dinner takeout option; you need only follow this link to their website.
[Eater NY]
Midtown: Beginning February 1, Casa Lever will host Antonio Guida from Hotel Il Pellicano in Italy. Teaming up with Casa Lever executive chef Alessandro Caporale, the two will create an exclusive dining experience featuring a rotation of three different tasting menus — Gelsomino, Rosmarino, and Calamandino — which will be served every day for dinner ($98) through February 14. [Grub Street]

Soho: Lani Kai will begin celebrating its Tiki Monday Nights again starting January 30, which will be presented by Lani Kai’s own Julie Reiner and master mixologist Dale DeGroff. Each Tiki Monday will host an additional guest bartender to its lineup of mix masters. [Grub Street]
Upper West Side: French bistro Alouette is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection two years after new ownership. A $60,000 starter loan and increased debt played a major role in the restaurant’s current financial state; however, increased estate taxes from an initial $6,000 to a whopping $28,568 this year have also contributed to Alouette’s monetary drawbacks. [Crain’s NY]
Williamsburg: Basque-style restaurant Mercado on Kent welcomes its second chef, Mikel Trevino, since opening a month ago. Trevino will be replacing Peru Almandoz, who is reportedly leaving the Mercado as a result of “visa issues.” Also, the restaurant’s market addition will open on Friday. [Eater NY]

Tiki Monday Nights Begin at Lani Kai; Alouette Files for Chapter 11