🚕 Cambodian Flavors Arrive in Red Hook with Hōp

Good Morning NY!

From Cambodian street food to classic Italian expansion, this week’s culinary news is all about bold debuts and big ideas.

Red Hook is getting a rare taste of Khmer cuisine—and you can try it early at a limited-time pop-up.

A fast-growing pasta empire is making major moves in Manhattan and beyond.
Midtown prepares to welcome a wrestling-themed bar like no other, honoring a late icon.

New openings across Brooklyn, Queens, and the East Village are heating up the July dining scene.

And while fresh spots rise, some beloved NYC institutions say a heartfelt goodbye.
Let’s take a bite.

Cambodian Flavors Come to Red Hook — Meet Hōp

A new Cambodian restaurant is making its way to Red Hook in late 2025, and it’s already turning heads.

Hōp, from former Red Hook Tavern chef Bun Cheam and wine director Cait Callahan, will open at 58 Van Brunt Street under the Four Clover group.

Until then, they’re giving diners a sneak peek with a month-long pop-up at Billy’s Place, the event space inside Hometown Bar-B-Que’s Industry City location.

The pop-up runs Fridays through Sundays from August 1 to 24, with seatings from 6 to 8:30 PM.

Expect grilled beef skewers, fried noodles, and rum-forward cocktails inspired by Cambodian flavors.

Reservations are open online and expected to go fast.

Hōp means “to eat” in Khmer, and it’s a fitting name for a project rooted in cultural pride and culinary excitement.

Cambodian cuisine is rare in NYC — this one’s worth watching.

La Pecora Bianca Doubles Down on NYC — and Heads to Florida

La Pecora Bianca is growing fast, with two major new locations coming to Manhattan.

A Theater District outpost at 1633 Broadway will seat 300 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces.

Another is opening at 61 Columbus Avenue across from Lincoln Center, taking over the former Rosa Mexicano space.

Both locations will feature bold new designs and menu additions like Neapolitan pizzas.

The brand is also going national, with a Coral Gables, Florida location opening in fall 2026.

Founder Mark Barak is simultaneously launching Giulietta, a massive Italian Riviera–style restaurant in the MetLife Building by January 2026.

His group is also behind Mama Mezze, a Mediterranean concept that opened earlier this year in Nomad.

Barak is making headlines not just for expansion, but for offering rare employee benefits like equity plans and 6% 401(k) matches.

It’s pasta with a purpose—and a plan for growth.

Hulk Hogan’s SLAM Bar to Open in Midtown as Tribute

A new $7 million wrestling-themed bar called SLAM is set to open across from Madison Square Garden this fall.

The project was developed with Hulk Hogan’s name and branding before his recent passing at age 71.

Located at 461 Eighth Avenue at 31st Street, the 9,000-square-foot space is designed as a tribute to Hogan’s legendary wrestling career.

SLAM will feature memorabilia, highlight reels, and a rooftop bar overlooking the city.

There will also be a jumbotron-style centerpiece and Hogan’s own Real American Beer on tap.

Brooklyn nightlife veteran Rich Rosen licensed Hogan’s image for the venue and says the project will move forward in his honor.

Hogan wasn’t an owner but was deeply involved creatively before his death.

Rosen calls SLAM an “unshakable promise” to fans and to the icon himself.

It’s set to become Midtown’s loudest new shrine to wrestling history.

July’s Hottest New NYC Restaurant Openings

Brooklyn Heights just got a sleek new waterfront hangout with the debut of Fini Patio Bar at Pier 5.

From Sean Feeney, co-owner of Lilia, the space serves New York-style and Sicilian pizzas alongside Italian bar snacks.

It’s perched right by Brooklyn Bridge Park, making it an ideal summer dinner-and-drinks spot.

Over in the East Village, Monkey Sushi has opened its second NYC location at 120 First Avenue.

The Toronto import brings a playful twist to sushi with bold rolls and eye-catching presentations.

Other July openings highlighted by Eater include Hundredfold in Queens and Dolores, a stylish newcomer to Brooklyn’s evolving food scene.

Eater’s full roundup showcases the most buzzed-about spots now taking reservations or serving walk-ins.

If you’re hunting for your next go-to, this month’s crop offers plenty to explore across the boroughs.

Get in while the lines are still short.

NYC Restaurant Closures Shake Up the Scene This July

July marked the end for several beloved NYC spots across the boroughs.

East Williamsburg’s iconic music venue and bar, Our Wicked Lady, closed after ten years.

Greenpoint said goodbye to dive bar staple Pencil Factory, which lost its lease.

Harlem’s Japanese cocktail bar ROKC wrapped up a decade-long run by not renewing its lease.

Hell’s Kitchen’s Desi Deli shut its doors after 25 years, making way for Bollywood Rasoi.

Prospect Heights also lost Patti Ann’s, a popular Midwestern-themed eatery.

Ramen lovers had to bid farewell to Minca, while Hector’s Diner and West Village’s Cora also closed.

Chef Daniel Boulud shuttered three spots to prepare for rebranding later this year.

These closures remind us how quickly NYC’s food landscape can change—and what’s next to come.

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