River Barrel: This newcomer to the heart of Greenpoint's Franklin Street dining scene opened for brunch on New Year's Day, undeterred by a little spelling snafu on the awnings that mis-identified the place as "River Ballel." That's since been rectified, and the place was packed for brunch last weekend, benefiting from Brooklyn Label spillover and a still-shuttered Paloma. The extensive morning menu includes a fresh pastry basket, housemade granola, house cured salmon with potato and chive latkes, a "Brooklyn burrito" with scrambled eggs, a Roasted Root Vegetable Hash, and oh so much more. They're doing dinner, too, and though the Yelpers were quick to bitch about service kinks during opening weekend, the chandelier above bar looks so charming at night that resistance may well prove futile. 160 Franklin Street, Greenpoint, (718) 389-8881

Udon West: Rising from the ashes of a shuttered Teriyaki Boy on 46th Street comes this Japanese noodle shop. Don't let the name throw you; this is actually on east 46th. Midtown Lunch heralds the arrival, reporting "up 13 different bowls of Udon under $10. They also have teriyaki, curry, and combinations (although the combinations are all over $10), and I believe they are the same Udon West with locations in Flushing and on St. Marks in the East Village. It will be interesting to see how this place competes with Menchanko Tei, one block over on 45th between Lexington and 3rd… But at least while the weather is still cold I’m guessing there is room for both. Let the soup wars begin!"150 East 46th Street (between Lexington and 3rd), (212) 922-9677

Bond Street Chocolate: Here's another one with a geographically misleading name; it's actually on East 4th Street! Go figure. Serious Eats gave it a whirl, fretting that the East Village "may soon turn into a neighborhood of sweets." But reading the site's tantalizing photo essay, one wonders if that would be such a terrible fate: "Glass displays boast chocolates, some filled with liqueur, others with dark ganaches...Elderflower liqueur chocolate is lust worthy, but the Earl Grey, with clear pronounced tea elements and a shell just thin enough, was equally appealing. Dusted in gold, the solid chocolate Buddha is sure to catch your eye. Oh, and yes, there is hot chocolate soon to come."63 East 4th Street (between Bowery and Second Avenue), (212) 677-5103