L’Oubli’s Debut, Ramen on Ludlow, Ice Cream Sunday

Brasserie Cognac mixologist Ben Demarchelier is getting ready for tonight’s debut of L’Oubli, his new cocktail and small plates spot at 188 Suffolk Street. No food this evening – but drinks will be served from 5pm until closing.

In addition to all of the standard cocktails, there will always be three drink specials. Tonight’s concoctions (via Thrillest): absinthe & champagne Death in the Afternoon, the modern Grand Marnier Smash (titular liquor w/ lemon & sugar), and the Movie Theater Classic,  a blend of corn whiskey/mezcal/Averna topped with white pepper & root beer.  Ben’s running L’Oubli with his dad, who owns Demarchelier on the Upper East Side.

Other restaurant/food tidbits:

• Community Board 3 might have given Ramen Kuidouraku the cold shoulder, but that hasn’t kept the owners from opening their second location (the original is on 1st Avenue) in the neighborhood, at 121 Ludlow. For now, it’s BYOB (although don’t be surprised if the the State Liquor Authority eventually disregards CB3’s denial). The menu includes six ramen varieties, a selection of cold noodle dishes as well as pork/veggie/chicken buns.

• Looking ahead to Sunday, August 22nd, the New Amsterdam Market is hosting an ice cream fair, featuring regional purveyors using only “seasonal or responsibly sourced ingredients.”  You’ll be able to buy an individual cone or purchase tickets for an ice cream sampler, which will entitle you to six miniature ice cream cones with the flavors of your choice. Tickets cost $20, with  proceeds supporting the market.

• And here’s a last minute tip. Soy, the home-style Japanese restaurant at 102 Suffolk, is offering a dessert making class tonight. You’ll learn how to make sweet rice creations such as mochi and dango. Soy’s owner and chef, Etsuko Kizawa, may also reveal secrets of tofu pudding. The class begins at 6:30pm and costs $65. If you’re interested in making a reservation, call Soy at 212-253-1158, or send an email to: soypower@soynyc.com.