Catching up on some food and drink news around the LES.
- Nearly a month after a much-touted opening date has passed, Brooklyn chicken and waffles joint Sweet Chick has yet to open its doors at 178 Ludlow St., the former home of Max Fish. The restaurant’s publicist tells us: “We’re hoping for this week but just can’t confirm a date.”
- Icelandic eatery Skal has a new chef because the old one is leaving to take up fishing; also, brunch starts at the Canal Street restaurant June 12, according to Grub Street.
- The Rangers are in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in two decades, and local bars are competing to lure fans. Leave Rochelle Out of It on Chrystie Street is offering Rebel IPA drafts with a whiskey shot for $5 as a game-time special, along with lots of bar snacks.
- The reboot of Paulaner Brauhaus is complete; the Bowery brewpub reopened this weekend under new ownership and with new decor, according to Eater.
- If you suspect your reputation precedes you at your favorite high-end restaurant, that doesn’t make you paranoid. From Google searches to customized databases, restaurants around the globe are increasingly using new tools to research and manage diners, an Australian website explains.
- Next Tuesday, June 10, the newly revamped Barramundi hosts a gin tasting with expert Steven Parissien; details here.
- Robert Sietsema files a history lesson and a tasting report on black and white cookies.
- The city is proposing tougher regulations for coal ovens in restaurant kitchens, Brooklyn Paper reports.
