Undercover Ops at Marquee, One Star For Socarrat
♦ It seems the closure of Jason Strauss and Noah Tepperberg's Marquee this summer had more to do with a drug-related sting operation than a water main break. [NYO]
♦ Frank Bruni gives one star to Socarrat Paella Bar in today's Times: Although Socarrat's signature dish isn't perfect, it's "better than the paellas at many other Spanish restaurants in New York." [NYT]
♦ The fro-yo wars are heating up: Both Pinkberry and Red Mango have hired branding firms to help define their places in the fro-yo market. [AdAge]
♦ The East Village nightclub Mr. Black has been shut down after failing to pay taxes. [VV via Gawker]
♦ Rachael Ray says her Midtown burger joint—which has been in the works since 2006—will be a "60s back-in-the-day Rat Pack-y kind of hangout." [NYP via GS]
♦ Ono's outdoor garden appears to be shutting down after Halloween to make way for a new nightclub. [DBTH]
♦ As you probably guessed, your gender plays a role in the service you receive at upscale restaurants around town. [NYT]
♦ A roundup of your miserable eating options at LaGuardia Airport. [Newsday]