NYC Restaurants: Night Market Season + Original Häagen-Dazs

NEW YORK CITY — Night market season is in bloom across New York City.

But twilight dining fans weren't the only group of culinary connoisseurs with cause to celebrate this past week — the city's food news plate was bountiful as ever.

Here's the latest from Patch's hungry local news team. Come back next week for more.

Thousands of New Yorkers stuffed themselves — and Industry City in Sunset Park — this week.

The Brooklyn Night Market held its opening night Monday, with more than 50 food vendors.

"The biggest trend we're seeing is more Latin and Caribbean food —more grilling and meats," an organizer said.

"Vegan food was the star of last year's market, but this year there will be a rotating lineup of vendors. We're excited for the people to see."

The night market wasn't the only to make headlines.

The Vegan Night Market in Columbus Circle prepped for its opening May 7. The animal food-free event will be held the first Tuesday of every month until October.

Besides night markets, there was other sweet food news.

The original Häagen-Dazs store held a grand reopening in Brooklyn Heights.

Between free scoops of ice cream, customers got to check out the store's new interior design, featuring a mural honoring the founders Rose and Reuben Mattus. Their daughter Doris opened the first Häagen-Dazs shop on Montague Street.

Another food celebration galloped up this week in Harlem.

The neighborhood hotspot Red Rooster got ready for a Derby Day — as in, the Kentucky Derby — event Saturday.

A new Buffalo Wild Wings outpost officially landed on the Upper East Side.

And, finally, another Upper East Side eatery — The Mansion Diner — hosted a bittersweet celebration for cherished employee Earl Wilcox, who is heading into hospice care amid a battle with cancer.

"As Earl has helped numerous neighbors over the years, we are asking our community to return the favor," the celebration's organizers posted.

• Opening Night of Brooklyn Night Market Draws Thousands
• Return Of Vegan Night Market Looms In UWS: What To Know
• Original Häagen-Dazs Shop Reopens After Month-Long Renovations
• Harlem Restaurant Celebrates 'Derby Day' With Annual Event
• New Buffalo Wild Wings Outpost Lands In Upper East Side
• UES Diner Honors Longtime Employee Battling Cancer

Other New York City eateries had outright sad weeks.

A local Italian eatery in Lenox Hill — Mini Deli — closed its doors for good after nearly five decades of bringing authentic Italian staples to Second Avenue.

Likewise on the Upper East Side, the popular café and takeout spot Veritable abruptly closed after seven years in business.

And three restaurants across the city were temporarily ordered closed by health inspections.

• Upper East Side Deli Shutters After Nearly 50 Years
• Upper East Side Cafe, Veritable, Abruptly Closes After 7 Years
• NYC Restaurants Ordered Closed April 19 - 26