times of change.

the bice group will soon premiere its newest restaurant montenapo in the times building. named for the most important street in milan's fashion district, chef german lucarelli aims at tradish italian fare with a mod twist like saffron risotto with edible gold flakes and honey mint ricotta. opens mid may. 620 eighth avenue. at 41st. 212.764.7663.

avenue cool.

nightlife pros noah tepperberg and jason strauss (marquee, tao (pictured)) are throwing their hat in the resto ring. avenue, their resto in the former earth place, will feature all the luxe of a lounge but with the perks of a gastropub, like asparagus and fried egg paninis by chef roble ali. opens early may. 116 10th avenue. between 17th and 18th. 212.337.0016.

crazy 8s.

govind armstrong brings his market driven cuisine to nyc at the third outpost of his famed table 8 empire (NY locale pictured). his menu brings local and global influences together, headed by exec chef willis loughhead. try the porterhouse for two inside the double decker space or dine al fresco. opens mid may. 25 cooper square. between 5th and 6th. 212.475.5700. www.thecoopersquarehotel.com

upper west side story.

save the date for the new taste of the upper west side where 30 celebrated chefs including jean-george vongerichten, jacques torres, bill telepan and michael bao huynh, along with long island wineries will be on hand to offer tastings. nicolas feuillatte kicks off the event with a champagne reception. may 30th. 72nd street and broadway. 212.721.5048. www.newtasteuws.com

griff hanger.

now late day brunch goers have a new place to continue the good times. griffin, the new MPD club set in the former PM space is owned by chris reda of cheetah and rachel uchitel of pink elephant. expect top notch drinks amidst the velvety banquettes, chandeliers and hardwood. opens thursday. 50 gansevoort street. at greenwich. no phone yet.