Restaurants open and close, and some get to enjoy the elation of making it through another year. Momofuku Ko is the newest hurrah in the world of those eager to try the newest and the latest. Created by one of the hottest chefs in town David Chang, Momofuku Ko has people sweating to get in. Due to an online reservation system that's meant to level the playing field no longer does money, prestige and looks rule. The only way to land a spot is to go to Ko's Web site, create an account, register with a credit card and take your chance. Seats are released at 10 a.m. everyday for the current seven-day period. There are only 12 seats so you can imagine the competition. It is not cheap what an $85 tasting menu but it beats his other venues where it can run $400 for 2. Watch out for the scalpers, for at this level of desire they made their appearance even before the restaurant opened. For those who neither have the patience nor the tolerance you can always eat at Momofuku Noodle Bar and Momofuku Ssam Bar. 
The place I dream of when I think Mac and Cheese celebrated their 2 year anniversary last Tuesday. 24 Prince street threw a party that had chic clients and neighborhood locals clamoring for space. Hosted by part owner and Top Chef, Chicago celebrity Nikki Cascone and her business partners Brad Grossman and Chris Heller this was a well run event. Sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails were passed in abundance. I was given a Rosemary-Mint Watermelon Mojito and I have now found a great summer cooler. Unfortunately no mac and cheese so I will definitely be back.
Showing staying power is Bill Telepan an avid Greenmarketeer, whose seasonal cooking has 72 West 69th Street purring with contentment. Telepan, is known for their blini's. There's an assortment including buckwheat, sweet-potato (it’s layered with spaghetti squash and crushed almonds). If you crave Eastern European style there are potato dumplings, borscht, pierogi and short ribs. The ambiance is stylish, comfortable and, oh yes, great food. The food looks like works of art and the dishes are creatively served up on dilapidated floor boards. tonight if you are looking for something to do they are serving a wine dinner featuring pasta's and the wines of Piemonte. Expect a Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto d'Alba and a few surprises, not bad for a winner of the best of excellence by the Wine Spectaor.
Restaurants remind my of the Byrds song "Turn, turn, turn for everything has it's turn and that is a F.A.C.T.
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