NYC Restaurants: Barbenheimer Alamo Union + Members-Only Edition

NEW YORK CITY — Welcome to New York City's food scene, where "Barbieheimer" is poised to make an explosion.

Don't worry, we'll explain.

The dual popularity of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" helped shake up a popular drink-and-dine movie theater, a members-only club made moves and more happened in food news this past week.

And Patch's hungry local newsroom served it all up for our dear readers.

Check out our weekly roundup, and come back next week for seconds.

A rush of Barbieheimer fans inspired workers at Brooklyn's Alamo Drafthouse to start a union petition.

The crush of pink-clad theater goers left workers overwhelmed and dealing with digital systems that couldn't handle the load, an advocate argued.

Employees in the theater's kitchen also want increased safety measures like slip resistance and regular deep cleaning of appliances.

"We've been trying to get some more support," an advocate said. "And it hasn't been working out."

While crowds of people got caught in Barbieheimer fever, the so-called "nightclub king" made moves to start a members-only club.

Robin Birley applied for a liquor license for his planned private club along Madison Avenue.

The spot could be excluding the hoi polloi soon after the liquor authority's decision expected by February 2024.

And the famous Le Poisson Rouge cabaret is back in the black after it had trouble paying its rent.

• BK Alamo Drafthouse Workers Seek Union: Barbenheimer Was Final Straw
• Nightclub King's UES Members-Only Venue Shows Signs Of Moving Forward
• West Vil Venue Le Poisson Rouge Pays Its Rent: Analysis
  

Here's some good news for New Yorkers with deep pockets and a hankering for tinned fish: a new Times Square spot is selling a $44 can of sardines.

The Fantastic World of the Portuguese Sardine in Times Square will be the first U.S. location of a Portuguese chain.

And in new restaurants a little more Uptown, Tang by Mr. Sun had a soft opening this past week.

The Upper East Side fusion spot features high-end takes on classic Chinese fare such as Kung Pao Chicken, beef ribs with red wine sauce and pumpkin cream and Beijing chicken with walnuts and sweet bean sauce.

Across the park, an aptly named Upper West Side eatery — Asset —temporarily closed to bring Asian influences to its menu.

Finally, New Yorkers looking for the best breakfast burrito could try the offering at G’s Coffee Shop in Inwood.

The shop was among eight joints honored by Eater New York for the "best breakfast burritos" in the city.

• $44 Will Get You 3-OZ Of Sardines In Times Square: Report
• Celebrated Restaurateur Opens Elegant Chinese Eatery On UES
• UWS Resto Closes To Bring Asian Influence To New Menu
• Best NYC Breakfast Burrito Served At Inwood Coffee Shop, Eater Decrees

And some New York City restaurants had a bad week.

The Michelin-starred Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare shut down this summer amid a dramatic court battle between owner and head chef.

Both the owner and chef have accused each other of funneling cash from the business, according to court records and reports.

Health inspectors also closed several restaurants in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens because of violations.

• Chef's Table At Brooklyn Fare Closes, Chef Demands Millions: Suit
• NYC Restaurants Ordered Closed Aug. 19-25