Star Chef Opening Another NYC Restaurant | Top Stories

Good evening, New York City Patch readers! We've assembled some of the most share-worthy stories from the city for today, just for you.

Here are the top five stories around New York City:

1. At least two people have been arrested and nearly $160,000 in fines have been issued following raids on smoke shops by the NYC Sheriff's Office, according to the department. A City Council member has also been along for two inspections. (Read more on Patch.)

2. An elderly woman died in a late-night house fire that left three others injured, authorities said. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries in the blaze, as well, FDNY officials said. (Read more on Patch.)

3. For the second time this week, Queens authorities said they seized a ghost gun stockpile. Authorities said they seized a cache of firearms from a Cambria Heights home.(Read more on Patch.)

4. After opening a new Mexican spot in January, Chef Julian Medina is now looking to open his first exploration into Italian cooking with Amarena, set to open on the Upper East Side in February. (Read more on Patch.)

5. A throng of asylum seekers who beat NYPD cops in a caught-on-video attack in Times Square have been released without bail, according to police and reports. (Read more on Patch.)