“i’m home on maternity leave and have been spending more time in the neighborhood… i’ve been nosing around some of the construction sites…. some gossip for you…

MEET is becoming a high-end Mexican restaurant.

Indeed, Sue Torres of Suenos has partnered with the boys from Lotus (David Rabin & Will Regan) to open Los Dados.

Sacha is becoming an “African” restaurant. (I lived in South Africa during the ratification of the new constitution–when I asked the construction workers what kind of African restaurant, they said “African.” Frankly, Africa is a big place. Ethiopian food? Sub-Saharan? Vegetarian? The fact that they don’t know the difference worries me…)

Word on the street is that not only is this an African restaurant, but it will also incorporate elements from Brazil and the Caribbean. Is this a Sushi Samba inspired identity crisis? Marcus Samuelsson (the executive chef of Aquavit and author of The Soul of a New Cuisine: A Discover of the Foods and Flavors of Africa) will be the chef.

Now, who has the goods on what is due to arrive in the old Rhone space?

Ground-breaking is scheduled for November (things like ‘abatement’ the careful and safe removal of harmful substances like lead and asbestos must come first), and then it is anticipated that the first phase of the High Line to be converted (from Gansevoort Street to 15th Street) will open to the public in late 2007 or early 2008. I can’t wait….

Wanna learn about the history? FHL is sponsoring a walking tour of the high line (street level) and Hudson River Park led by architectural historian Matt Postal.
Meeting Place: Southeast corner of 23rd Street and 11th Avenue
Cost: $10 for the general public – $5 for members of Friends of Hudson River Park
Date: Tuesday, June 28, 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Want a sneak peek at the designs? On view at the MOMA is a really cool (and widely acclaimed) Preliminary Design for the first phase of the High Line’s transformation (from Gansevoort Street to 15th Street) until October 31, 2005.

Interested but can’t be bothered to leave the air-conditioned comfort of your home/cubicle/desk? The preliminary Design can also be viewed at here and a nifty video of the high line is also available at here. But seriously, get up – it isn’t THAT hot out there.