In the space formerly occupied by Prey, a new 1940s-themed bar and lounge called Catch-22 is the latest venue aiming to attract the Flatiron crowd.

Hits: Hungry drinkers can sample goods from behind enemy lines--like spiced ricotta-stuffed squash blossoms (Italy)--or re-ally themselves with lobster and crab cakes from the good ol' U.S. of A.

Misses: Despite the be-vested barstaff, drink-appropriate glassware and swaths of seating, historical purists won't find themselves in a 1940's looking glass, nor, perhaps, will they be inclined to linger amid the hopped-up decor.

Check out our full editorial review of Catch-22, then peruse other new and notable bar reviews, nightlife news, recent closings and our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you bombed).

Next week, we'll take you inside the latest Chinatown cocktail spot that causing a stir, Apotheke.

Spotted last night: A suspender-clad Sasha Petraske behind the bar at White Star, evoking the spirit of the speakeasy style for which he is famous. Kind enough to converse with me a bit, he mentioned that his minions at Milk and Honey are fully capable and trustworthy, so he can spend most of his time at his new spot. By midnight the place was packed, so I'm guessing his plight to push absinthe on New York is working pretty well so far. Either that, or I was hallucinating.

Photo of White Star borrowed from Yelp

We heard through the grapevine that the boiler at Tom Valenti's new UWS project West Branch is busted, delaying the restaurant's opening and causing Valenti to let his staff go. The same boiler was to be used by the new Fatty Crab, meaning Zak Pelaccio's restaurant might be experiencing similar setbacks. Calls to Valenti's other restaurant, Ouest, and the On the Ave Hotel (where both restaurants are located) failed to get confirmation from Mr. Valenti himself, so don't set this bit of gossip in stone. Still, this is potentially devastating news for Upper West Siders looking forward to one of the neighborhood's hottest fall openings.

UPDATE (3:29pm): A commentor who identifies himself as Tom Valenti says:

"Hello, all....we're still here! The boiler is new, as is Fatty Crabs (two separate units)...inspection was what we were delayed by. Our secondary staffing was set on hold as we were awaiting the boiler inspection. Now that we've been given the green light,we're hoping to feed you all very soon."

McCain? Obama? We prefer Kenny Shopsin. That's why we voted Shopsin's as the best comfort food spot in 2008. Don't worry voters, your voice was heard too: Veritas for Best Wine List, Blue Smoke for Best BBQ, Nice Green Bo for Best Chinese Food. Yes, we know, you have great taste. Check out all of our Best of Citysearch results, plus our picks for the top restaurants in New York.

Our favorite show is currently shooting around the corner from the IAC Building at 1 Oak. They'll be there 'til 10pm, and although we saw only the empty chairs marked "Chuck," "Serena" and "Blair," above, others in our building say they walked by and saw the whole GG cast on 17th Street ...

Photo courtesy of Bravo

According to an industry source, the Top Chef heartthrob, who has been packing the beau monde in all summer at Surf Lodge, is looking to open up an eatery in Chelsea. The move couldn't make more sense: Talbot needs to leverage his cheesy sex appeal and quasi-celebrity while it lasts, and Montauk in the winter isn't the place to do that. Of course, on the other hand, it's not like we have the business plan in hand either. But don’t be surprised to hear that Chelsea is going to get some some beefcake delivered soon, either. Whether the result will be as lucrative as Surf Lodge, though—that's another story.

Photo of White Star borrowed from Yelp

Another day, another drink ... This time, though, the drinks are made of absinthe, and they come courtesy of cocktail impresario Sasha Petraske's new Chinatown drinking den, White Star.

Hits: The refined, relaxing environment in which to relish old-school absinthe service and a sweet selection of herbaceous spirits.

Misses: After the novelty of the green fairy wears off, slow bartenders backlogged by time-consuming absinthe orders may become frustrating. Also, who knew so many bankers hung out below Delancey Street?

Check out our full editorial review of White Star, then peruse other new and notable bar reviews, nightlife news, recent closings and our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you bombed).

Next week, we'll take you inside Catch-22, the Flatiron District's latest attempt at coolness.

Parking space on Thompson Street taken over by DEGW consultancy

My walk to work this morning was unmemorable, save for the fact that people who did not actually appear to be homeless were squatting in the parking space outside my apartment building. My first thought was that it would be really nice to join them, rather than spend the day indoors, staring at a computer screen until my eyes start to bleed. My second thought was that my interest in the spectacle marked me as a sucker for some gimmicky advertising campaign. My third thought was ... scratch that, it was way too early for a third thought. Luckily, the nice man with the laptop (above) saw me looking on in bewilderment and spoke up: "It's New York City Parking Day," he exclaimed. Apparently, 50 spaces throughout the five boroughs have been taken over today by individuals and groups aiming to showcase how wonderful our streets could be if they were filled with inventive decor and outdoor lounge space instead of environmentally unfriendly, unsightly automobiles. Parking Day is in fact an international initiative in which 50 cities participate worldwide. So, enjoy the citywide displays--if not because you're an eco-head bent on making a difference, then because it's a distraction from the fact that our economy is in staggering decline, your company is downsizing and you are totally replaceable. 

For more ways to spend your ever-thinning paycheck, check out our Weekly Go List.

Yes, the pint of vodka in your desk drawer is calling your name, pleading for some well-deserved attention. But instead of dipping into your stash at the day's end, head to Blue Owl in the East village tonight at 5pm to celebrate hump day. There's no cover to join the Wonderful Wednesdays fun at this cocktail den. Simply RSVP to thehumpnyc@gmail.com and start sipping specialty and well drinks for $6 a pop, and don't stop until 3am. The guest DJ tonight is Blu Jemz, joining resident DJ's Myles and Lindsey. For more details, just click on the invite to the left. And for similarly awesome opportunities around town, check our list of bar and restaurant deals.

Don't let a little rain scare you from heading out tonight--why stay home when there are so many new places to drink the pain away? This week we review Public Assembly the new (but mostly unchanged) incarnation of the old Galapagos in Williamsburg.

Hits: If you liked Galapagos, you'll love Public Assembly's full slate of weird and wonderful acts, as well as the affordable beers.

Misses: Arrive early in the eve or on an off night, and Public Assembly can feel oppressively huge and intimidating. It's a venue best patronized on packed nights.

Check out our full editorial review of Public Assembly, then peruse other new and notable bar reviews, nightlife news, recent closings and our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you bombed).

Next week, we'll take you inside Sasha Petraske's new absinthe den, White Star.