• Tonight's waiter may be yesterday's trader: "Carlos Araya used to order lobster, filet mignon and $200 bottles of red wine at the Palm Restaurant in midtown Manhattan. Now, he seats customers at its Tribeca branch." [WSJ]
• Somewhat related: Swiss bankers depressed about the downturn are finding comfort in Italian food because of its "soothing factor." Go figure. [NYT]
• It's not all bad news: Some 28 new restaurants opened in May. [Eater]
• Time Out has issued a list of the best new pizza places in NYC. [TONY]
• Momofuku Noodle Bar has applied for a full liquor license. [DBTH]
• The East Village yakitori spot Mr. Jones is now closed. [Eater]

• The good news/bad news about Marea. [Eater]
• Sean Avery chats about his decision to branch out with Warren 77. [Vogue]
• Hawaiian Tropic Zone has reopened in Times Square, in case you care. [GS]
• The worst chain restaurants if you're trying to lose weight: T.G.I. Friday's, Chili's, Olive Garden, Applebee's and The Cheesecake Factory. [NYDN]
• Dunkin' Donuts would like you to know Friday is National Donut Day. [AMNY]