There's been a flurry of activity on the openings front recently. Even if spring hasn't quite made it to town, these new spots are starting to bloom and shake off the winter blahs:

- Insieme, the new restaurant from the folks at Hearth (Paul Grieco and Marco Canora, pictured at right), is scheduled to open on Monday. It will be serving an Italian menu, focusing on "uncomplicated food" and "sincere hospitality." If Hearth is any indication of what's to come, it's bound to be a gem. Located in the Michelangelo Hotel at 777 Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

- Housed in -- what else -- an old zipper factory, Zipper Tavern channels the old-school 9th Avenue butcher shops. Chef Larry Kolar creates home made charcuterie: sausages, kielbasas, and salumi and fires up a hearty menu including old world sandwiches, prime rib, and home made sauerkraut. 336 West 37th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues, 212-695-4600.

- Jefferey Chodorow recently opened Wild Salmon in the old English is Italian space. He's flying in five types of wild salmon for the menu and has flown in Chef Charles Ramseyer, formerly of Ray's Boathouse in Seattle, as well. All we can say is that we're looking forward to the Bruni review, if he's even allowed into the place. 622 3rd Avenue at 40th Street, 212-404-1700.

- Provence has recently re-opened with new owners, Vicki Freeman and Marc Meyer of Five Points and Cookshop, and a makeover. 38 MacDougal St between Houston and Prince Streets, 212-475-7500.

- Christian Pappanicholas, whose background includes some time at both Otto and 'inoteca, has opened Resto, an homage to Belgian food. He has paired up with chef Ryan Skeen, formerly of Café Boulud, to go way beyond the waffles, fries and mussels that immediately come to mind. They'll also be offering over 60 varieties of Belgian beer. 111 East 29th Street, 212-685-5585.

- One of our Fro-Yo challenge contenders, Yolato, is opening at 168 West 27th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues today. They've got plans for three more locations in the works, including 125 Park Ave at 42nd Street, Smith Street, Brooklyn, and the Empire State Building.

- Via Urban Daddy: After being ravaged by a recent fire, Bond Street Sushi emerges from the ashes and is expected to re-open on Monday. 6 Bond Street, between Broadway and Lafayette, 212-777-2500.