Neighborhood Watch

New Nordic in Williamsburg; Queens Kickshaw Celebrates One Year

Chelsea: For us, the arrival of springtime is marked not by budding blossoms as much as by the return of outdoor seating. It must be spring, then, because The Americano has opened its terrace. We’ll be there. [Grub Street]
Hell’s Kitchen: Totto Ramen is opening a second location in Hell’s Kitchen. Does this mean we’ll finally be able to find a seat? [Zagat]

Midtown East: Foundation Rwanda will host “An Evening of Food & Fotos NY” on April 4 at 6 p.m. to support women and children affected by the 1994 genocide. Signature dishes from a range of restaurants, including Gramercy Tavern and Recette, will be featured. Tickets start at $125. [Grub Street]
Nolita: The price has gone up again for the four-course menu at Torrisi Italian Specialties; it will now cost $65, up from $60 (and $50 last year). We’re bummed. [Price Hike]
Queens: Queens Kickshaw will be celebrating its first birthday next week, but why wait to celebrate? Beginning this Friday, they’ll be featuring a special lineup of beers to mark the occasion. [Grub Street]
West Village: Betel will debut its brunch menu this weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They’ll have one-hour bottomless cocktails, suitable for the speed-drinkers among us — and why not sit on the patio while you’re at it? [Grub Street]
Williamsburg: New Nordic cooking, as tasted (and buzzed about) at Acme, has found a home in Williamsburg at Frej, and Chowhound is swearing by it. Five-course dinners are served weekly, Monday through Wednesday, and for just $45. [Chow]
Brian Quinn events will host an evening of Port cocktails and small bites on Friday, April 6 from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. Tastings of all types of port will complement a lecture from an expert on the wine. Tickets are $45. [Grub Street]

New Nordic in Williamsburg; Queens Kickshaw Celebrates One Year