We love the smell of hype in the morning: smells like... fresh coffee! Someday L.A. company The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is gonna open in NYC, and we've just been told that day is fast approaching. A representative of The Bean says the first location, at 39th and Broadway, is poised to open by the end of the month with seating for 35. And four more locations, all in Manhattan, will follow on its footsteps by the end of 2011. more ›

Yes, despite their move to the suburban mom haven of Lifetime, the cast of Project Runway is celebrating their return to New York with a street naming and their own holiday. NYC & Company presented a New York City Proclamation deeming Wednesday January 13th as Project Runway Day, and the stretch of 7th Ave named "Fashion Avenue" has been temporarily re-named "Project Runway Avenue." Tim Gunn, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia joined city officials this morning for the naming ceremony in front of the "Needle Threading a Button" sculpture. We're not entirely sure what the traditional celebrations are for Project Runway Day, but we know there is one thing missing: Heidi Klum! more ›

This is Houndstooth Pub, a big new bar and restaurant at West 37th Street that's located in 6,800 square feet of space formerly occupied by a Chock full o' Nuts coffee shop. It's run by the guys behind popular after-work bar Stitch, and, for what it's worth, a couple of blokes from Snow Patrol have sunk some money into it. The bi-level space has three bars; one on the ground floor and two downstairs. more ›

Another NYC dining landmark is on its way to biting the dust - Veronica Ristorante Italiano, the beloved Italian groaning board, steam table, cafeteria delight, where for the last 36 years, gourmet-minded garmentos would load up on beautifully-prepared, well-priced pastas, chicken scallopini, eggplant parmesan and more. Technically still open for business, Veronica's longtime owners recently sold the establishment - and it appears that the venerable, working-class, lunch-only institution is already fading fast under new management. Gothamist has learned from reliable sources that new Korean-American owners have already mucked up the Fashion District fave with the red sauce in dire need of a tune-up and the decidedly un-Italian addition of sushi. more ›