Cipriani Still Living High on the Hog; Another Mechanical Bull Comes to New YorkThe nation can rest easy in the knowledge that Giuseppe Cipriani is still cruising around in a Rolls-Royce, has kept his private jet, and may even build another yacht in addition to the one he already owns. [NYP]
The Shamalian boys opened their rockabilly bar on Essex last night even though it’s unfinished, and there really is a bull! [Eater]
The Federal Trade Commission has launched their second attack against the Whole Foods–Wild Oats merger vowing that even though money has already exchanged hands that the integration can still be stopped. [NYT]
NewsFeed
Ciprianis Get Out of Jail, Open New RestaurantThe Cipriani luck is running strong today, and the troubled restaurant family should be standing drinks all around. This morning the New York Post carried notice of a new Wall Street Cipriani restaurant, frequented by models and high-rolling types. And this afternoon, the clan learned that CEO Giuseppe Cipriani and family patriarch Arrigo Cipriani will not go to jail for tax fraud! The pair pleaded guilty in July to filing false corporate returns and will eventually pay $10 million in fines and back taxes. Giuseppe got three years probation and Arrigo received a conditional discharge that allows him to maintain his residence in Italy. Oh, and there’s a new business monitor peering into the books for the next several years, but the liquor license is still good. The Cipriani diet remains risotto and Champagne, not bread and water.
Ciprianis Sentenced on Tax Fraud Charges [Crain’s NY]
Neighborhood Watch
Chumley’s Will Be Back to Its Old Tricks in the West VillageCobble Hill: Employees at the Key Foods deli counter apparently don’t give a damn if you want your Sausalito turkey sliced thin, or they don’t know how to recalibrate the machine. [Clean Plate Club via Brooklyn Record]
East Village: Sex in the bathroom of Angels & Kings predicted to be less “grotty” than it was at CBGB’s, further lessening the spot’s rocker cred. [Gawker]
Midtown West: The Japanese chain Go-Go Curry, which translates 5-5 Curry, will open at 273 West 38th Street on May 5, unless straining to create quirks that involve the number five delay opening. [NYS]
Soho: Wash your hands and more next to your date in the FR.OG restrooms. [Restaurant Girl]
Tribeca: A divorce is behind the name change of Sosa Borella to Estancia 460. [NYT]
West Village: A former Bungalow 8 bouncer will open a Cuban social club in the former Salon space (with help from Giuseppe Cipriani) that’s supposed have a neighborhood feel. [Eater] Chumley’s plans to reopen June 1, after a partial wall collapse threatened to shutter the historical watering hole permanently. [NYT]
Williamsburg: Bling Kong bandmates Liz “Shredder” Schroeter and Scott “Steakbomb” Gold will demonstrate their recipes featured in the rock-star cookbook at the Brooklyn Kitchen tonight. [Brooklyn Record]
