Openings Roundup

Go! Go! Curry: This Japanese fast food hot spot had lines down the block when they opened in the Garment District last spring; now they’re building on the buzz and branching out in the East Village. We’ve become addicted to their belt-busting Grand Slam (pictured), “a monster platter that comes with fried chicken, pork sausages and a hard-boiled egg, among other things. The thick, sweet sauce has a tiny kick of heat and is served over rice with such toppings as slices of tonkatsu, fried pork cutlet.” Or for half the price and calories, you can keep it simple but savory with the curry rice sans toppings, a classic Japanese comfort food.

Go! Go! Curry claims to be the #1 curry restaurant in Japan, but their fixation is on the number 5 and Yankee outfielder Hideki Matsui; “Go” means five in Japanese and the interior is an eye-popping explosion of bright colors and baseball. In keeping with the “5” theme, their East Village location will open tomorrow at 11:55am. The first 555 customers get 55-cent curries!

Second Ave, at 7th St, (212) 777-1086.

Zen Burger: The hit-or-miss Zen Palate on Union Square may be a thing of the past, but the company that runs the mini-chain is still cooking; they’ve just opened a new vegetarian fast food joint on 45th Street. The goal is to lure in not just veggies but also carnivores craving a healthier McDonald’s fix. They swear their menu options have “the look, feel, texture, flavor and taste of meat”; the ZenBeef Burger, made from soy and mushrooms, comes with a mildly spicy sauce on a whole grain bun. Other fake meat items include ZenChicken Nuggets and a ZenHotdog. There is seafood available too; a ZenTuna melt sandwich is on the menu, along with organic soups and non-dairy ice cream. 465 Lexington Ave, at 45th St, (212) 661-6080

Photo of Go! Go! Curry’s “Grand Slam” courtesy Midtown Lunch’s Flickr.