Openings Roundup

Giano: Owned by three Milanesi paisans, this new addition to the East Village’s Italian scene is a high-concept homage to duality. (You know, the Jungian thing.) Named for the two-headed Roman god Janus, the restaurant (pictured) sets the modern and traditional side by side to see how they inform each other. In the back room, the typical rustic affectations contrast with a sleek, minimalist design at the front of the space. The menu, too, is bifurcated into traditional Italian fare, such as Lasagne alla Bolognese, and new experiments like soy-marinated tuna with apples or risotto with pear radicchio and Taleggio cheese. A bar in the front serves the requisite tapas; there you can also sample their selection of 20 Italian wines and 3 Italian beers. 126 7th St, near Avenue A, (212) 673-7200.

124 Rabbit Club: Death & Co. co-owner Ravi De Rossi has his finger in another discreet specialty watering hole, this time with an emphasis on beer. Located in an unmarked cellar on MacDougal, here you can escape from the B&T rabble (be sure you’re not followed) and scurry down the stairs into a cozy warren of capital-A Ambience. The elegant mood is set by felt wallpaper, candlelight, exposed brick and a long brass bar where you can choose from over 30 fine international beers, dozens of old world wines, and wine cocktails. There’s a small food menu as well, which includes ham and camembert sandwiches, plus a pickle plate. (Thrillist has the beer menu for your perusal.) 124 MacDougal St (at Minetta), 212-254-0575.

Remedy Diner: When it’s late and you want some classic diner comfort food to take the edge off, it’s not always easy to find a place you won’t regret in the morning. The new LES Remedy Diner keeps greasy spoon hours (24/7) but with better quality and a spacious, stylish interior. All the bread, pastries and challah is made from scratch in Remedy’s bakery. In addition to the usual burgers, shakes and breakfast items, there’s grilled Norwegian salmon, chicken pot pie and penne ala vodka, among other things. Oh, and booze too. 245 Houston St at Norfolk, (212) 677-5110.

Photo by Sam P.