A certain segment of jaded New Yorkers view the changes wrought to the city in places like Times Square and wonder with dismay - "where have all the bad times gone"? They see the disneyfication of the city making it palatable, if bland. Tourist friendly for mid-western families who come to bask in the glory of M&M stores, giant TGIF's and Aladdin on the great White Way. Well, the children of these jaded New Yorkers eventually reach drinking age, and with the ghosts of Sex and the City haunting their psyche they ask "wither the glam? wither the edge? where can I wear the skimpy black dress and hangout with like minded folk?" The answer is Vandal. A huge restaurant, bar and lounge from Chef Chris Santos and the Tao Group. A multi-level 22,000 square feet with two dining areas, a cellar bar and lounge and a decor that stays to the name, with installations and murals from artists such as Hush, Apex, Shepard Fairy and others. Menu of sharable plates that are eclectic and exotic like Disney World, and cocktails that are bespoken about either because of their unusual ingredients or their wallet busting prices. The crowd is the Tao crowd. Young, up and coming, fashion, finance and media masters of the universe, who cavort and glad-hand in a space that screams cool. What with a giant break dancing bunny, impressive murals, and the hoards of taste–makers leaning against the bar and each other. Vandal is place that works as an impressive simulacrum of an idealized downtown, but like Disney, it smoothes out the edges to create a comfortable if shallow cool.

On the Brooklyn waterfront, steps from the Williamsburg Bridge, Albert Di Meglio, who has worked at Albert Di Meglio, veteran of Le Cirque, Osteria del Circo and Rubirosa, opens his own place on the Brooklyn waterfront at the base of the Williamsburg bridge. Robust Italian fare, including wood-fired pizzas, meatballs, bucatini with rabbit ragù and spit-roasted lamb are served up in casual but intimate spot with an open kitchen.