Neighborhood Watch

Friedman and Bloomfield Eyeing Oliva Space; Falai Panetteria Back in Business

Bushwick: Heads up, vegetarians (and the resolution-bound): Portobello jerky from Kings County Jerky Co. is a healthy and delicious alternative to classic beef flavors. [Tasting Table]
Chinatown: The neighborhood is getting its own Restaurant Week this year, with the tentative dates of March 9 to March 18. Participating restaurants have not been announced yet, but will be featuring three-course dinners for $18.88. [NewYorkology]
Chowhound chronicles the best Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodle spots in Chinatown, with a spotlight on newcomer Lao Di Fang, at 28 Forsyth Street. [Chowhound]

East Village: Compete with amateur and professional chefs at Jimmy’s No. 43’s fourth annual Cassoulet Cookoff on Sunday, January 8, from 1 to 4 p.m.; tickets are $20 at the door, and all proceeds benefit the Greenmarket’s Hurricane Farm Relief. [Edible Manhattan]
Lower East Side: Recently reopened Falai Panetteria is now serving lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a special deal for Grub Street readers: Customers who stop by after 5 p.m. and mention Grub Street will receive a complimentary tasting of veal meatballs with tomato ragu. [Grub Street]
Though the deal isn’t finalized, the Spotted Pig’s Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield are considering opening a restaurant in the former Oliva space. The eatery would, unsurprisingly, specialize in British cuisine. [Bowery Boogie]
Midtown West: Though BCD Tofu House planned to shutter for renovations on December 31, the Korean restaurant recently announced via a sign on their door that they are closed for good, with plans to open a new Manhattan outpost sometime in 2012. [Midtown Lunch]
The Russian Tea Room will host a Russian Christmas celebration on Saturday, January 7, where they’ll serve a traditional three-course dinner with vodka pairing (6:30 or 9:30 p.m.; $105 per person). [Zagat Presents]
West Village: François Payard is celebrating the New Year by adding a new dessert to the menu. The bakery’s version of the Galette des Rois (king’s cake) will be offered beginning today, January 3, through Sunday, January 15, in three sizes ($24 to $46), and can be purchased at any Payard location or delivered throughout Manhattan. [Grub Street]
Williamsburg: Save 50 percent on a meal for one, two, or four at either Crif Dogs location. [Groupon]

Friedman and Bloomfield Eyeing Oliva Space; Falai Panetteria Back in Business