Re-opening Jo Jo For a while there, the fine-French-food future of the Upper East Side looked grim. But then, to the relief of molten-Valrhona-cake addicts everywhere, Jean-Georges Vongerichten opted to not only renew his lease at Jo Jo, but to embark on a million-dollar renovation by Christophe Tollemer, the St.-Tropez-based designer who's building the megachef's Riviera retreat. The once-staid townhouse has been rendered nearly unrecognizable via an emerald-and-plum color scheme, sumptuous fabrics, and terra-cotta farmhouse tiles. But to avoid alienating his finicky clientele, Vongerichten has preserved must-have signatures like roast chicken with chickpea fries, goat-cheese-and-potato terrine, and a tuna spring roll with soybean coulis. 160 East 64th Street 212-223-5656 · Cuisine: French Fusion   Looking Ahead... October Fiamma, 206 Spring St., 212-653-0100 Set-up: Tri-level space in SoHo with exterior glass elevator and 130 seats Cuisine: Italian Chef: Michael White (formerly at the four-star Spiaggia in Chicago and chef di cucina at Ristorante San Domenico in Imola, Italy) Owners: Stephen Hanson (Blue Water Grill, Park Avalon, Ruby Foo's) Marseilles, 630 Ninth Ave at 44th St., 212-333-2323 Set-up: Two-story, 4000 square-foot space designed in 1940's French-Moroccan style with zinc bar and ebonized mahogany accents. Cuisine: French/Mediterranean Chef: Alex Urena (Blue Hill) Owners: Simon Oren (Sushi Samba, Le Express, Maritime) The Minnow, 442 Ninth St., Park Slope, Brooklyn Set-up: Cozy 60-seat space with exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and private garden. Cuisine: Eclectic American/Seafood Chef: Aaron Bashy (Slate, Alva) Owners: Aaron Bashy and wife, Vicki (Former pastry chef at Boston's Four Seasons Hotel) Suba, 109 Ludlow St., 212-982-5714 Set-up: Subterreanean, multi-level grotto with moat, underwater lamps, and floor-to-ceiling glass-paneled doors. Designed by Andre Kikoski. Cuisine:Pan-Latin Chef: Stephane Bucholzer (L'Actuel) Owners: Yann De Rochefort and Phillip Morgan The Harrison, 355 Greenwich St., 212-274-9310 Set-up: Designer Mark Zeff creates a 100-seat dining room filled with wainscoting, handmade chandeliers, and a walnut bar. Nine French doors will open onto the street, with an additional 40 seats available for sidewalk dining. Cuisine: Eclectic American Chef: Joey Campanaro (protégé of Jonathan Waxman) Owners: Jimmy Bradley and Danny Abrams (The Red Cat) April, 2002 Blue Smoke, 116 East 27th St. Set-up: Jazz joint with a built-in barbecue pit at former 27 Standard space. Cuisine: Barbecue Chef: Pitmaster Kenny Callaghan (Sous Chef, Union Square Cafe) Owners: Danny Meyer (Gramercy Tavern, Union Square Cafe, Eleven Madison Park) — TISA COEN Hear about a restaurant opening? Post an announcement - even a rumor - in the Food Forum.

Openings Archive
Week of September 17
Tarallucci e Vino, Salute!, Cicchetti Bar at Scopa
Week of September 10
Bid, Long Tan, Enoteca at Sapori d'Ischia
Week of September 3
La Corniche

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