A Michelin-starred taco counter from Mexico City — famous for its gaonera, a thin-sliced beef filet taco seared to order and finished with simply salt and lime — is headed to Flatiron. Taquería El Califa de León, a decades-old, standing-room-only restaurant, is opening its first U.S. location at 20 West 23rd Street, near Fifth Avenue, taking over the former Chanson space. Michelin also likes its chuleta (pork chop), costilla (beef rib), and praises the salsas. Eater has reached out for more information on the opening.
The original Radio Bakery location is expanding
Radio Bakery, the cult-favorite Brooklyn bakery known for its long lines and seasonal pastries, is expanding its production footprint in Greenpoint. Led by chef-owner Kelly Mencin, a pastry chef who once helmed the pastries at Rolo’s, the original shop at 135 India Street in 2023, with a follow-up in Clinton Hill in March. To keep up with demand, Greenpointers reports that Radio Bakery is taking over the adjacent former World of Flowers space at 971 Manhattan Avenue — a flower shop that closed in 2025 after more than 30 years — to build out a larger kitchen and prep area. Because the same owner held both properties and was ready to retire, the deal came together quickly, and construction is underway. The team expects the expanded space to be ready by March or April, giving staff more room to bake without altering the cozy retail experience on India Street.
A Japanese cocktail maven is opening a bar
Yoshikatsu Maeda, an alum of Tokyo’s acclaimed Mori Bar, is moving to New York City to open Bar Maeda, attached to Sushidokoro Mekumi, at 70 Charlton Street, in Hudson Square, on Friday, February 13. Maeda will bring Mori Bar’s long-stir technique, which creates a super-smooth martini that apparently draws out the aroma and flavor of the base spirits. The drinks menu will also feature a Roku martini made with Japanese craft gin, custom Negronis, and seasonal cocktails inspired by fresh fruits. The 25-seat lounge will be open from 5:30 p.m. to midnight, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
