Eating & Drinking: Friday Edition
• Jonathan Benno, Per Se's acclaimed chef de cuisine, has confirmed his plans to move on: He'll be part-owner and executive chef at a new (and as-yet unnamed) restaurant under construction in the plaza of Lincoln Center. [NYT]
• Has Minetta Tavern stopped accepting reservations from people who don't happen to be close, personal friends of owner Keith McNally? [GS, Eater]
• If you don't have a credit or debit card, don't go to Commerce. As noted previously, it's one of the only NYC eateries where cash isn't welcome. [WSJ]
• The '21' Club auctions off 640 rare bottles of wine at Christie's tomorrow. [BN]
• Yet another cupcake bakery chain is planning to open its doors in NYC. [VV]
• Another peek around Los Feliz, the taco/tequila restaurant/lounge by the people who brought you Spitzer's Corner, Fat Baby, and the Darkroom, which opened this week in the former Suba space on Ludlow Street. [Eater]
• The 2nd annual NY Craft Beer Week begins today, just so you know. [TONY]
• A look at Saltie, which opens next week in Williamsburg. [GS]
• Looking for a Lebanese food pick? Outgoing Morgan Stanley CEO John Mack (who is of Lebanese descent) is a fan of the Flatiron's Ilili, apparently. [NYT]
• Tom Colicchio's ties to the sons of Bernie Madoff: revealed! [Dealbreaker]