Out with the old restaurants, in with the new

I'm still mourning the demise of two of my favorite eastside hangouts--Ferraro's and The Mexican Affair. Both had great food and great service and a relaxed no frills atmosphere (if you don't consider Ferraro's amazing and constantly changing assortment of holiday decorations to be frills). Now Brulee, a French Californian restaurant, has opened in Ferraro's old stomping grounds. It's open from & am to 9 pm everyday and has an a la carte brunch on Sundays from 8 am to 2:30 pm. There's a $7 lunch special weekdays from 11 am to 2:30 pm and 50% off coffee, lattes and cappuccinos with purchase of breakfast pastry 7 to 10 am on weekdays until September 24.

The building where The Mexican Affair once held sway is undergoing a major renovation. The banner out front promises that Thiptara Restaurant will be opening soon.