Eats

WE lead today with the scoop that a new tavern is opening in the space previously occupied by BLVD Wine Bar at 47-20 Center Boulevard next to Shi Restaurant. We reported back in December1 that the wine bar was simply under renovation, but it looks like they had a change in direction since. The new iteration has the original owners teaming up with Skinny from Skinny’s Cantina across the street on this venture. Originally posited by a reader as a burger place, a quick look inside hints at something a bit more formal, with wood-paneling and a fully stocked bar front and center. The name is TBD, so for a placeholder we’re calling it BLVD Burgers, but we hear they’ll be opening any day…

//Next comes the news that SoFun Noodle Bar has opened at 43-40 12th St. What is SoFun Noodle Bar? According to Eater it’s brought to you by “The team behind the Pete Wells-reviewed Hunan Slurp” and specializes in “all types of slurping noodles, as well as wonton soup in claypots, and durian puff pastry.” You had me at slurping, but nothing like finishing off a meal with a durian puff pastry or two. BTW, Mr. Wells gave it Liang-stars, that’s deux in Hunanese.

The bigger question, is ‘Where is 43-40 12th Street?!?’ It’s in the warehouse district. No comprende? It’s on the northern edge of the big outdoor dining lot adjacent to Focal Point Beer Co. Wha??? Oh sorry, Focal Point Beer Co. is the new name for ICONYC as of this Spring. While the name has changed nothing else has: same owners, same beers. One thing that isn’t the same around Focal Point is that while you can now slurp noodles in their shared courtyard, you will no longer be able to snag freshly made pizzas to go with your Death or Glory Belgian Pale Ale, as Lupo Rosso Pizzeria has quietly (and quickly) closed shop.

//Wow, that’s a lotta restaurant news, want more? Ok, Vert Frais has opened in Court Square. No explanation needed for the location, as for the Nom de France, well, umm, it’s a ramen place. And a breakfast place serving Japanese omelettes and souffle pancakes. And a cafe serving cocktails. Anyway it’s alotta different things and is co-founded by a chef with a Michelin star, you can read the full description in an Eater article linked to below. With that, bring on July!

Queens Noodles From The Team Behind ‘Hunan Slurp’ Is Here – slurp is here, Where? Right here

SoFun Noodle Bar – menu

Focal Point Beer Co. – menu …of beers

Vert Frais Opens In LIC With Ramen and Yoshoku – souffle pancakes too

1. and they confirmed [↩]