New Armani Joint Highlights This Week's Openings

1) Midtown: It was reported that the new Armani flagship on 5th Ave in Midtown would have a restaurant, Armani Ristorante. Monday, PR confirms the restaurant opens to the public tonight. Meanwhile, the Times had this to say about it: “The consulting chef, Lorenzo Viani, is the Michelin-starred chef ... His menu in the neutral-tone restaurant will be modern Italian, with dishes like marinated shrimp in gazpacho, venison carpaccio, vegetable risotto, lobster caprese and octopus salad.” Status: Certified Opening tonight. 717 Fifth Avenue; 212- 207-1902. [NYT; Eater Inbox]

2) Park Slope: Update: Last Monday, we reported that the second location of Hanco’s Bubble Tea and Sandwich was slated to open in Park Slope, but calls went unanswered. Now, Effed in Park Slope, Gowanus Lounge and an Eater correspondent all report that it did in fact open on Saturday, with pictures to prove it. Status: Certified Open. 350 Seventh Avenue, Park Slope; 718-499-8081. [TONY]

3) Lower East Side: The recently plywooded White Slab Palace is scheduled to open Wednesday according to UD. But today NYMag had these details to share: “White Slab Palace, opening first for drinks and by March 10, if all goes well, for lunch and dinner ... There are floor-to-ceiling freezers for aquavit and small-brand booze, too, and an inventive cocktail program utilizing housemade infusions and garnishes like Swedish anchovies and lavender biscotti. A raw bar will dispense shellfish platters, and the menu will offer such eclectic items as Västerbotten saganaki, licorice-gratinéed lobster, and the Good World burger.” Status: Not Open. Signs point to opening Weds. 77 Delancey Street; 212-334-0913. [NYM]

4) Tribeca: Here’s one you don’t hear everyday. NYMag has it today that rapper/pizzaiolo Alberto Polo Cretara is opening a pizzeria that serves four-foot-long pies. Here’s the lowdown: “Roman style in shape and substance, Cretara’s pizzas are traditionally topped and sold by the slice; the same dough is used for sandwiches like broccoli rabe and smoked mozzarella, or stracchino with walnuts and radicchio. Intended to be a fast and affordable lunchtime beacon in the Civic Center wilderness, Farinella will also serve frittatas, a baked special and soup of the day, and Italian-accented breakfast items...” Status: Certified Open. 90 Worth Street; 212-608-3222. [NYM]

5) East Village: Jeremiah’s Vanishing NY has learned that the former La Casalinga space has made way for German beer and sausage joint, Wechsler’s. He writes: “Wechsler's Currywurst & Bratwurst opened on Monday for dinner and will be opening next week for lunch as well. Missing Casalinga, I'm happy to see a place open with affordable food. Many of the sausages served here come from local favorite Schaller and Weber of Yorkville, and the proprietor is from Germany...” Status: Certified Open as of last Monday. 120 First Avenue, phone unknown. [JVNY]

6) Chelsea: A tipster has word that the former Burgers & Cupcakes space on 23rd will be replaced by Rin a new Thai eatery that reportedly opened on Friday. They write: “After a year and a half vacant, the former Burgers & Cupcakes space finally shows signs of life. I walked by and saw a new Thai restaurant called Rin setting up to debut tonight. They have done a much nicer job with the space, which looks pretty cozy with a Buddha and one of those water fountains that flows down the wall.” Status: Signs point to Open. 265 W. 23rd Street; phone unknown. [Eater Inbox]

7) Greenpoint: And finally, newyorkshitty reports that the former Brooklynski space has been replaced by coffee shop, Lucky Shot Espresso. Details are still a bit scarce but it looks like the place is already open. Status: Signs point to Open. 145 Driggs Avenue, Greenpoint; phone unknown. [newyorkshitty]

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