Well, here's an interesting little bit of neighborhood drama: Bar Veloce, whose East Village location was once famous for being the scene of a batsh*t crazy kerosene-fueled crime, is once again under attack, but this time from a slightly less dangerous assailant. Someone has been posting incriminating flyers along Second Ave urging patrons to boycott Veloce (which also has a location in Chelsea) because its owners allegedly refuse to pay staff overtime and dip into the staff tip jar on a regular basis. more ›

The NY Times' Eric Asimov highlights the proliferation of wine bars throughout the city (131 at last count by newyorkwinebarguide.com), particularly those offering snacks and small plates far beyond the charcuterie and cheese one might typically expect. And they're not all Italian either. more ›

The Smith: Believe it or not, the The Smith is housed in the spot that used to be a Pizzeria Uno. Virtually anything would be an upgrade. The owners of Jane and the Neptune Room, Glenn Harris and Jeffrey Lefcourt, brought the executive chef from Jane, Brian Ellis to create a hearty, seasonal, American bistro-style menu, with offerings like lamb schnitzel with parmesan crust, hot potato chips with gorgonzola fondue, and steak served in various... more ›

We were recently asked about recommendations for good first date spots: "she's allergic to shellfish, I hate TexMex - any thoughts?" We have plenty of thoughts. The first is that a first date, depending on how well you know the person, should be limited to drinks or coffee. This way, if things become clear that you don't want to stick around, you can leave politely without having to suffer through appetizers, an entree, and possibly a dessert. If the conversation is flowing and you're feeling a connection, you do want to have the option of eating available to you -- no need to get bombed before you get to know each other a little better. more ›

In a city that has everything, there are always a few things that we can use more of. For starters, maybe one or two more cheese shops, an extra beer garden wouldn’t hurt and who wouldn’t like another Trader Joe’s? Just saying. The same rule applies to wine bars. Sure we have a bunch, but after a while, the circuit gets old. Luckily, we have a new stop to add to our list. more ›

Untitled, by Shveckle. more ›

The NY Times has a good article about the second trial of Steven Johnson, who unleashed his anger by shooting people and taking others hostage in an East Village bar almost five years ago. Johnson, who has AIDS, was unemployed at the time and was allegedly looking for "happy people" to "avenge the oppression of black people like himself," according the Times. more ›

The long, narrow, striated-wood counter at chef Will Goldfarb's serves 30, but at the brand new Room 4 Dessert, previously home to Bar Tonno and Bar Veloce, it's a sweets-only endeavor. Goldfarb, the former chef at Cru, known for spontaneous and experimental creations, brings us desserts in themes, like a curry-scented concoction named "Voyage to India," cotton candy and meringues ("Infance"), a vanilla coupe glacee with whiskey sabayon, and quartets of apples in various states (tatin, cider, tartare, and sorbet). Desserts are paired with wines, champagnes, and exotic teas which the newbie staff ever-so-excitedly places before you as though awaiting a reaction. Goldfarb is ever-present with an infectious dessert-making energy, riddled with both sugar and a smile. more ›

Fall is here, and you know what that means -- Fall restaurant preview time. From what we've read in New York Metro and the New York Times, it looks like we've got a lot to look forward to, including openings from not one but two Iron Chefs -- Batali's Del Posto (85 10th Avenue) and Morimoto's Morimoto (88 10th Avenue). Gothamist is pretty excited about a few others, including Bar Carrera (175 Second Avenue), from Bar Veloce's Fred Twomey, who told us about his new Spanish wine and small plates venture a few months ago at a Spanish wine event; the Fatty Crab (643 Hudson St), the latest from 5 Ninth's Zak Pelaccio, which will dabble in Asian street foods, including Jalan Alor chicken wings and chili crabs served with white bread; and Mo Pitkin's House of Satisfaction (34 Avenue A), serving a Jewish/Latin menu, which we have to try, if for no other reason, than to taste the Manischevitini, a cocktail made with Manischewitz wine - what would our bubbes think? Then again, any spot where chopped liver, chorizo meatballs, and crab-stuffed deviled eggs can share the same plate is worth a visit. Mo Pitkin's is open; the others are scheduled to open this month, but you know how that goes. more ›

First it was Bar Veloce, then Bar Tonno. So what's become of 17 Cleveland Place now? After a bit of a management upheaval, we ended up with...sushi. Former Morimoto chef Kyohei Fukushi continues to strut his stuff at Bar Sasa, where a large fishtank now greets visitors as they walk in to the long narrow bar. more ›

We never realized how "on the cutting edge" we were (or possibly over the hill) until this week, when we were about to do a review for Bar Tonno. We went there Saturday night before we knew this was the cool week to review it, we swear! But, given the fact that we have a day job to hold down, we had to wait until now to review it. And despite the fact that, this week alone, the Village Voice, NY Magazine, and even NY Times hit it (highlighting the squid ink shot, pictured at right), we're still going to share our visit with you. more ›

Gothamist remembers this incident vividly, as we had almost stepped into Bar Veloce, the wine bar with great panini, early that June 16, 2002 evening, but decided to pass since it was so crowded. The next day, we heard about the incident: Johnson shot a man on the way to Bar Veloce; tied up Bar Veloce patrons and moved them into the kitchen, later throwing kerosene on them; shooting the Chef Iso, chef/owner of the late Iso, in the hand when Iso came to see what the hubbub was. more ›