Radegast May Soon Bring a Second Oktoberfest to Williamsburg
Difficulties securing a certificate of occupancy have delayed the opening of Radegast Hall for over a month, but owner Ivan Kohut and his partner, Andy Ivanov, tell us they’re hoping to pass a follow-up buildings inspection later today, in which case they could have Williamsburg’s first beer hall up and running sometime next week. As you can see from our gallery of interior shots, the place sure looks ready.
Neighborhood Watch
Matilda the Cat Hosting a Cocktail Party in Midtown WestAstoria: Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden will screen the Czech film Holiday Makers at 8 p.m. on Sunday. [Joey in Astoria]
East Village: Mercat has a downstairs lounge, which they may or may not be calling by a different name, with an even smaller menu. [Eater] Simone is definitely open. [Down by the Hipster]
Lower East Side: Russ & Daughters has taken down its neon sign, but only for temporary refurbishing. [Eat for Victory/VV]
Midtown West: A birthday party held on August 8 at the Algonquin honoring Matilda, the hotel’s house cat, will feature a cat fashion show, live music, and lots and lots of cocktails. [NewYorkology]
West Village: The little owl’s celebrated meatball sliders made it onto the cover of Bon Appetit. [Gothamist]
Neighborhood Watch
Harlem Gets Tapas and Cigars; Floating Pool Is WaterloggedAstoria: The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden opened at 3 p.m. today. Get yourself over there. [Joey in Astoria]
Brooklyn Heights: Floating pool is temporarily closed because of rain issues. Water is a bitch. [Gothamist]
Harlem: Floridita opens up a tapas outpost, essentially taking over the block. [Greasy Guide]. A BYO stogie bar sets up shop while Harlem Vintage’s opening gets pushed back till September. [Uptown Flavor]
Lower East Side: Black cherries now being squeezed at East Side Company Bar. [Down By the Hipster]
West Village: Chumley’s will not go gentle into that good night — it’s poised to reopen by October. [amNY]. Meanwhile darkness may have come for Day-O. [Eater]
Neighborhood Watch
Brooklyn Heights Barge to Feature a Fake Beach, With HamburgersAstoria: Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden opens at 3 p.m. today and next Friday for teacher appreciation days. The public is welcome, and the BBQ’s sure to be fired up. [Joey in Astoria]
Brooklyn Heights: A swimming pool in a floating barge off the waterfront will take its maiden voyage July 4 and feature a man-made beach and concession stands. [NYP]
Chelsea: Hotelier André Balazs may have a hand in restoring the Chelsea Hotel. [NYP]
East Village: You need to send a recent photo of yourself if you plan on applying for one of the many positions still open at Tailor. [Eat for Victory/VV]
Flatiron: Former CBS news anchor Bob Schieffer will step in as front man to country band “Honky Tonk Confidential” on June 27 at Hill Country barbecue. Songs he’s written include “Little Lulu and Sister Hot Stuff” and “TV Anchorman.” [NYP]
Lower East Side: A tipster reports that Kossar’s Bialys has unveiled plans to sell hand-cut sushi from kosher vendor Eden Wok. [Grub Street]
Midwood: Dom De Marco’s scarlet letter from the Department of Health has been covered in expressions of support in the wake of DiFara’s most recent close. [Eat for Victory/VV]
Times Square: Brighton Beach’s Ladder Co. 169 brought home victory last night at Gallagher’s Fire Department grilled-steak-off fund-raiser. [NYDN]
Mediavore
Car Plows Into Hop Kee; Neroni Keeps SpinningA car plows into the venerable Hop Kee restaurant in Chinatown. The restaurant is damaged, and one person is hurt. [Downtown Express]
Izakaya invasion! The city now boasts everything from simple sake joints with food to full-blown small-plate restaurants. [NYDN]
The official Times take on the Neroni Affair includes this classic quote, in defense of the Desperate Chef: “If Marco didn’t want anyone signing checks, including Jason, he should have put the checkbook in the safe.” [NYT]
What to Eat Tonight
Best of Times, Wurst of Times to End This WeekendConfusingly, Oktoberfest happens mostly in September; it ends this coming Sunday. Rob and Robin recommended five top places to kick the month off with; since you’ve surely celebrated at each of those, here are five more to visit before the festival’s all over.