• In response to customer demand, Rick’s Cabaret — named the “#1 strip club in New York City” by Playboy — will open at noon on Saturdays and Sundays beginning this weekend. The new venture, dubbed “Brunch and Babes,” will offer a $15 prix fixe menu (which includes a breakfast cocktail) with options like eggs benedict, pancakes, and croque monsieur. General Manager Ken Sistrunk said he hopes the earlier hours will attract couples to the midtown club. [Zagat]
• This week marks the launch of Gotham Bar and Grill’s third annual Greenmarket to Gotham event, a twelve-week initiative that aims to support local farms and bring fresh produce to the table. The restaurant will offer different $25 prix fixe vegetarian lunches each week, all crafted by chefs Alfred Portale and Livio Velardo and featuring crops from area farms. This week’s menu showcases potatoes, zucchini, and eggplant from Cherry Lane Farms in Cumberland County, New Jersey. One dollar from each meal’s cost will be donated to the nonprofit group GrowNYC. [Grub Street]
• Chef Philip Kirschen-Clark will debut this week the long-awaited chef’s table menu at Demi Monde, a chic cocktail lounge that opened last month in the Financial District. The France- and Asia-inspired tasting menu, available beginning Thursday at $130 per person, boasts items such miso-infused mango leather and pork alongside honeydew, peanuts, and curry. The menu features a slew of Champagne and cocktail pairings and will be available for one week. Reservations can be made online. [Grub Street]
• In sad news, Eater has it that King, which not long ago lost Francis Derby as its chef, is now closed, most likely for good. [Eater NY]
• Vai will celebrate National Lobster Day this week with a special menu that showcases lobster in three ways, as chilled carpaccio, sautéed fricassee, and surf ‘n turf. The three-course dinner, presented by Executive Chef Executive Chef Vincent Chirico, is available for $49 through Sunday. Reservations can be made online. [Grub Street]
• Comfort foodies will be happy to hear that grilled cheese go-to spot Melt Shop is expanding. An outpost of the sandwich stand, known for its classic offerings like the three-cheese melt on sourdough and homemade tomato soup, is coming this fall to Chelsea. [Zagat]
• The Lower Eastside Girls Club this Wednesday is holding a charity event at Veselka Bowery to raise funds for a five-week camp for 50 at-risk female youth. “Cocktails for Camp” will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Polish eatery, and will feature an open wine and beer bar as well as Veselka’s signature pierogis. A $25 donation is requested at the door. [Grub Street]
• Beginning tomorrow, the Dutch will offer a $28 three-course “Plate Lunch” at midday, focused on seasonal ingredients. Eat in the main room, or the side Sullivan Dining Room, which will now be open for lunchtime eating.
