Neighborhood Watch

Tapas to Settle Into Chelsea and Williamsburg

Amagansett: Eli Zabar is going to operate the farmers’ market from now on, but promises to “preserve the old-fashioned character of the property.” [Gridskipper]
Chelsea: Tocqueville and Bouley alum chef George Mendes is opening an Iberian spot called Aldea, which will actually serve meals instead of tapas and open by the end of the year at 31 West 17th Street. [NYT]
East Village: Billy Joel told Details he likes Ballato for Italian food. It’s the same answer his wife gave in an interview last November, so at least we know they’re on the same page. [Detailsvia Eater]
Long Island: The first outlet of what will be Bobby Flay’s burger chain, Bobby’s Burger Palace, opened yesterday in a Lake Grove mall. [Hamburger Today]
Midtown East: A steakhouse called Club A has opened in the townhouse formerly occupied by Bruno’s Restaurant, at 240 East 58th Street. There’s a Bobby Van’s–trained chef in the kitchen and an American Kobe Tomahawk rib eye on the menu. [Bottomless Dish/Citysearch]
Times Square: The original location of speakeasy turned steakhouse Frankie and Johnnie’s is closing, though the owners haven’t confirmed when. The spot’s been open for more than 80 years. [Lost City]
Williamsburg: Tapas will enter the ‘burg by the fall when Bar Celona opens at 98 South 4th Street. The cocktail program is in the hands of the team that created the beverages for new taqueria Mercadito Cantina. [NYS]

Tapas to Settle Into Chelsea and Williamsburg