Jacob Isakov, 26-year-old owner of Gan Eden restaurant at 74 West 47th Street, was arrested and charged with bribery last month when he attempted to bribe a Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Inspector according to the Department of Investigation. They alleged an investigator posing as a DOHMH inspector informed Isakov about violations at Gan Eden Restaurant, to which Isakov responded by trying to give him $100 to "look the other way." 
The "for lease" sign that used to hang at 5 King Street, just south of Houston, is soon to become a "just opened" sign. The optimistic owner has posted flyers around the neighborhood reaching out to residents, hoping to allay any fears and 'build community.' Poor guy must have nightmares about Anna Wintour showing up at the Community Board 2 meeting next Wednesday and speaking out against the restaurants application for a liquor license. To head her off at the pass, the owner has posted flyers posted around the neighborhood inviting residents to call or email with any questions or concerns they might have, in advance of the CB2 meeting. 
Manhattan is getting more and more Brooklynier everyday. Specifically, West Houston Street is getting Brooklyneer, a new restaurant set to open at 220 West Houston in space formerly occupied by Bar Cichetti, on a long sleepy block between 6th Avenue and Varick Street. Situated across the street from the Film Forum, The Brooklyneer (not to be confused with The Brooklyner) will showcase "leaders in local, sustainable and organic" food and drink artisans of Brooklyn, incorporating their products "into our signature dishes and cocktails." The hope is to provide "those less familiar with the borough the opportunity to enjoy some of its unique local fare." Now you don't even have to leave Manhattan to get a taste of Brooklyn. The transformation is almost complete.
Morini, a new restaurant opening soon at 218 Lafayette Street south of Spring, (in the former space of the notorious The Falls) has removed the construction shed and unveiled their new colors, Italian Riviera style. 
A customer at Yonah Schimmel Knishery on Houston Street helpfully illustrated how his girlfriend farted on him while in the knishery. (Click through for larger version).
Yesterday afternoon, a construction crew began building a temporary wall outside the exterior of New York City's first Papaya King location on the corner of 86th Street and 3rd Avenue. Workers on site expect the place to remain closed for the whole month of July while they renovate. It is "...a mid-summer break to polish up the crown jewels," the King explained on their website. 
Senor Tacombi, a taco stand that operates out of an old VW bus, has given 267 Elizabeth a fresh coat of paint, and a beautiful hand painted sign. Just a little revitalization, or preparation for food service to the public? They did not respond to an email with questions about their plans for a full-service restaurant here. As seen below, the interior still functions only as a garage. 
A public hearing will be held tonight at the NYU Silver Building at 32 Waverly Place, Room 206 (map) to address a request by Village Tart, opened earlier this year on the corner of Kenmare and Mulberry, seeking a permit for an unenclosed sidewalk cafe for ten tables and 20 seats.
All you can eat sushi for $32.00 at Ikura in the East Village, but never mind that. More importantly: it is all you can drink for $40.00, including tax and tip. If those troublesome college kids running amuck in the neighborhood had any self-respect they would be trying to, and succeeding, in getting their moneys worth at Ikura. First person to become persona non grata gets a badge from Foursquare. 
at the former Kitchen Club at the corner of Spring and Mott Street in Nolita. Kitchen Club and adjacent Chibi's Bar, both owned by Marja Samsom and beloved by the neighborhood, closed in December of last year after twenty years in business. 
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