CONEY ISLAND— Ruby's, the iconic Coney Island boardwalk dive, still hasn't nailed down a deal with landlord Joe Sitt, who has doubled the rent. Grub Street reports: "Asked whether he’ll have to operate at a loss if he agrees to a higher rent, Sarrell says it depends on the weather and also on how many people return to the boardwalk now that Astroland is closed." [GS]
PARK SLOPE— Top Chef alum Mark Mark Simmons, recently of Public, is now working at Get Fresh Table and Market: "At dinner their menu offers a variety of plates ranging in price from $4 to $14. Four dollar plates include the likes of Roasted Beets with Fleur de Sel and Satur Farms Herbs, and Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Olavé Oil." [Strongbuzz]
CHELSEA— Wined and Dined files a report on the Top Chef screening last night at Halfsteak, aka "perhaps the most memorable, entertaining and indulgent 5-hours we’ve ever spent in a restaurant." [W&D]
COLUMBIA STREET— Lost City reports Piccolo Cafe, one of the few restaurants we've heard of to open with just two items on the menu, has expanded its options. You can now gets almost a dozen things on a roll. [LC]
