City Grazing: 11.19.08 - 11.25.08
Anne Apparu, the chef behind The 18th, the monthly restaurant run out of the Art Production Funds Greenwich Street offices, might have closed up her operation this week, but shes already got December on the brain.
Apparu, who served five lunches at the space, including a recent one of fried-chicken-style veal stew, will move alongside the APF to a new office on Wooster Street where she says shell begin a new dining event.
Well do something differentprobably more like a sit-down cinema with snacks and drinks, she says. Its so ephemeral, it depends on so much.
Despite attracting friends from the art world, Apparu hopes that her cooking will draw in those who might not otherwise fall in with the APF crowd.
A couple of people have come a few timesmost of the time its a completely different crowd, she says. Its New York City, you cant always be the same!
------
Atomic Wings, home to the spiciest action most NYU freshman football fans ever see, recently opened its largest location to date at 321 Ninth St. in Park Slope. Though best known for authentic (and sometimes creative) wings, the menu includes a variety of dishes, from wraps and salads to burgers and fries. Already a natural habitat for the sports-loving Park Slope dad anxious to escape another afternoon of baby Pilates, the new location comes with four flat-screen TVs, Internet access, a lounge area and even an NFL ticket service. Move over stroller derby, youre not the only game in town anymore.
------
Sopranos actor, radio personality and all around quintessential Italian John Cha Cha Ciarcia, has just launched his own brand of red wine, Grandpa Cha Chas Home Style Wine. Cha Cha, who has held the title of The Unofficial Mayor of Little Italy for over 30 years now, developed the wine from his grandfathers secret family recipe, originally conceived in a barber shop under the bustling streets of Little Italy in the early 1900s. Known for his eponymous eatery at 113 Mulberry St. and the Coney Island spot Cha Chas Coney Island Bar & Café, Cha Cha had this to say about the launch: Im very happy that Im now able to share this old Ciarcia family homemade wine. My family and close friends have enjoyed it for years and now everyone can.
------
Mortons The Steakhouse will open a new location in Downtown Brooklyn this weekend, bringing a hearty dose of swank to the Marriott hotel near Borough Hall and the Federal Courthouse. Among its classy accoutrements are private dining rooms, top-shelf martinis, digital theaters, mahogany paneling and some pretty fine grub, too. We expect Marty Markowitz to be a constant presence. And for those of us who just beat a possession-with-intent-to-sell charge, we now have a place to celebrate with style. Whatever your purpose, youll be able to get your first Mortons dinner at the Brooklyn location, at 333 Adams St. near Willoughby St., on Friday night.