News that the landlord who essentially kicked Florent to the curb plans to keep acutally keep the resto open broke today and has Florent fans in a tizzy. Using the excuse that her daddy was there first with R&L Restaurant, which Florent immortalized when he decided to keep the signage intact, she plans on keeping the menu the same, the staff the same, the decor the same. She will probably do her best to dress like Marie on Bastille Day. But she will never be Florent and hopefully the tourists will figure it out sooner rather than later.

We just found out that Flirt’s Smith Street location is set to close after eight years on the block since it seems their building has been sold. For those who heart their darling and punchy outfits, don’t fret: not only is their Park Slope shop still in full swing, but until June 30, everything at their Smith Street shop will be 50 percent off. 

Today the news was revealed that KB Network News and The Hall Co. would merge to form KBHall Creative Group. The companies alerted their respective clients yesterday and some today, but planned to let the press in on the news tomorrow. Early leakage from Eater got to them before KBHall could. From the release:

“We can’t think of a more natural partnership than this one with The Hall Company,” says Karine Bakhoum, President of KB Network News, founded in 1993.  “Steven Hall and I worked together many years ago and have been friendly competitors for the past 12 years. In fact we were among the first to open hospitality specific PR companies creating a niche business that has since spearheaded several other boutique agencies. Together we are now able to take our client services one step further by offering a wider range of marketing, consulting and public relations capabilities that have become crucial to our ever evolving industry.”

A celebration is planned for Monday night at the Empire Hotel Rooftop - Jeffrey Chodorow's rooftop spot that he and the Empire went to greath lenghts to deny he had any involvement in. That didn't last long. Let's hope KBHall does.

 

 

George Carlin, the NYC-born comedian with the caustic wit, died Sunday afternoon of apparent heart trouble. He was 71. Instead of mourning, take a look back at the comedy genius, and his many apperances in New York, through this photo gallery.

 

So, Toronto-based (and frequent New York visitors) Fucked Up have signed to indie stalwart Matador. Considering the band's disdain for all things commercial—which includes not maintaining a profile on MySpace or other social networking sites, as well as releasing the majority of their work on vinyl—this almost counts as "selling out." Almost.

Meanwhile (and with much derision from Fucked Up), Alexis Petridis of London's Guardian newspaper goes off on the seemingly ubiquitous use of "Fuck" in a band's name, including two recent blog faves (Holy Fuck and Fuck Buttons), as well as the more obscure (I don't know who the Fuckin' Shit Biscuits are, but count me in next time they're in town! Actually...as the "world's first Punk Jam Band" [sic], count me out...)

 

 

 

Islero (247 E. 50th St. 212.752.1414)  is kicking off their new late night menu in style. The Cintron Brothers, cousins of the famed Gipsy Kings, will be performing live at the restaurants Saturday, June 21st and Saturday, June 28th with no cover charge! The menu of tapas and  cocktails will be available until 2AM and the show starts at 9.

Tickets went on sale today for the first ever NY Food & Wine Festival. Events range from a cooking demos with Paula Deen and Giada, to tastings to a parties like the Big Burger Bash with Rachel Ray and  Chelsea Market After Dark party hosted by Bobby Flay  - both of which are  already listing "limited' availability.

It will be a strong showing by Food Network celebs, as the network is a sponsor. Tickets and "juice" on the event are available at

http://www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com/2008/index1.php 

Days after his James Beard win, wonder boy David Chang announced that the price of the prixe fixe menu at Momofuku Ko would rise from $85 to $100. The menu changes often, so when items justify the hike, the price will reflect. When they are basics like a giant bowl of frozen foie gras shavings, then back to the $85 range. 

We all remember what happened to Fiamma when Bruni got wind of their hike. So does Chang get a pass because he is, well, Chang?

It's highly unlikely anyone will be sitting outside for dinner tonight, but what if you could be outdoors and still bask in the coolness of  air conditioning? Now that sounds like an idea. And what goes best with the great outdoors? BBQ of course. Anita Lo's Asian BBQ restaurant bar Q has officially opened the doors to its air-conditioned outfitted glass atrium. For those who can take the heat, 20 seats are of the al-fresco kind. See you at 5:30.

Bottlerocket Wine and Spririts (5 W. 19th St. at Fifth Ave.)  is continuing to entertain it's public. This Wednesday, June 4 from 6-8pm,  the place welcomes wine and travel writer Alice Feiring for a wine tasting and book signing of her new book The Battle for Wine and Love or How I saved the World from Parkerization. If you are a wine lover and love to read about wine and debate the experts, this is a book for you. Those who attended the Judith Jones reading know to get there on the early side and settle in for an entertaining night. Kudos to Bottlerocket for the roster of guests thus far. Let's hope it keeps up fans!