Image via Grub Street

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I went to Ralph’s Italian Ice yesterday, located on Graham Ave and Conselyea St, to find out it was CLOSED and turning in to a DELI.  Yes, that’s right, a DELI.  Who’s bright idea was that?

I was forced to go to Uncle Louis G’s – the new place that opened last year- who’s existence I cursed because it moved in on my dear Ralph’s.  As I waited in line, I heard my thoughts vocalized by other patrons, “What happened to Ralph’s?! I love Ralph’s!!”   That’s what I’m saying.  I stared at the menu searching for my normal order – Coconut Cream – or in Louis’ language – Coconut Crave. In the taste test comparison, Louis’ did okay in comparison to Ralph’s, the ice is a little less creamy and more hard – but still delicious overall.

When I got home, I turned to Yelp for some answers – it looks like the transition from Ralph’s to All Star’s Deli went down last month.  Booooooooo.

I’m so pissed – I looked forward to Ralph’s every summer! Louis G’s it is… I guess.

There was lots of action over at 366 Metropolitan Ave this weekend, home of the late Black Betty.  The Williamsburg staple closed it’s doors last June and the space remained pretty silent until a few weeks ago.

The new owners go by the Dow Young Group and the restaurant/ potential lounge now has a blue-grey exterior.  No official word on the future of the space – but I pray that it is not yet another Asian restaurant.

++++UPDATE++++

Joseph Foglia, the local designer best known for his work on Saltie and Dressler, is working on this space.  I’m excited to hear more about the progress – although I am really surprised he didn’t decide to do more with the exterior.  It could really use a little more than a fresh paint job.

Thanks @mikepeguero for the tip!

Alma in Williamsburg via RG's camera phone

I almost died today when reading the following in Gothamist:

If you were around Williamsburg’s Southside last night and wondering what those giant swirling searchlights were all about, here’s the answer: The lights were rented to herald the arrival of a new lounge called Alma on Roebling and South 3rd. As you can see, Alma comes fully equipped with velvet ropes, a red carpet, and what appears to be a thick haze of Axe body spray. Conveniently located near the BQE and the Williamsburg Bridge, the lounge also offers VALET PARKING, and is thus clearly poised to become a definitively bangin’ nightlife destination. Our source, local resident Ryan Griffin, didn’t have the stones to venture inside (do you?), but tells us, “I always wanted to live near the meatpacking district—particularly a younger, less rich meatpacking district.” We’ll send an intern over later to get a full report (or lose his/her soul). In the meantime, eat your heart out, Production Lounge!

This is absurd on so many levels.  I used to work with Ryan back in the day which also gave me a good chuckle.   I’ll have to scope out the scene tonight.  It will be cheesetastic.

++++UPDATE++++

Here is the invite for last night’s party.  Don’t feel bad if you didn’t attend.  It was “By Invitation Only”

Want more?! Visit their Facebook page.

Not gonna lie though – I do love Mega 97.9.

It appears Hope Lounge has closed.  The doors have been shuttered for over a week and there are big dumpsters in the outdoor patio.  Not sure if they are just doing renovations or what but I did some digging and the ‘Hope Street Group’ reapplied for their liquor license on February 25th -  it’s still pending.

Hopefully, the venue will be back up and running for summer time.  Love that patio!

Hope Lounge
10 Hope Street @ Roebling

Hello…Fatty Cue

Fatty Cue, the Southeast Asian influenced-BBQ themed sister restaurant to Fatty Crab will be opening within the next week (March 21st or 23rd.)  They are hosted friends and family night last Sunday, and Brooklyn Based was there to give us the dish. Here is a little excerpt, “The make-you-own-pork-bun plate pictured above was also a big hit. Except it’s not so much pork as chewy, delicious brisket (which your Bubby definitely would not recognize) that comes with chili jam, mayo and assorted greens and red onions. The cucumber salad with sesame seeds was essential to keeping our palates cool enough to continue eating, let alone tasting.”  Ummmm.  YUM.

91 South 6th St @ Berry

Goodbye…Penny Licks

I cannot believe Penny Licks has closed for good! Can someone please tell me why? Fork in the Road reports the space will become Radish, a grocery store dedicated primarily to homemade prepared foods. Meh.

158 Bedford Ave (between N8th & N9th)