In Various Stages of Open: Madison Park Conservatory and The Blue Glass

After a relatively quiet week when everyone was busy roasting turkeys and getting stuck in the snow, restaurant news is piling up since our return from the long weekend.

From the ashes of Sostanza rises Madison Park Conservatory, from Cormac Mahoney, the brain behind Tako Truk. Top Chef alum Zoi Antonitsas is joining him in the kitchen. Mahoney tells Madison Park Blogger the food will be "delicious plants and animals with a squeeze of lemon." In other words, get over there and see for yourself.

He sat down for quite a conversation with Madison Park Blogger last week and it looks like MPC will join the ranks of restaurants offering family dinners:

We’ll be doing them every Sunday and if you want to dine you’ll have to make a physical reservation. In other words, come in, look us in the eye, and tell us you’re going to be here on Sunday and with how many people. We’ll post the Sunday Dinner menu on Thursday, so everyone can see what’s being served, the same meal for everybody. You’ll also get to look at the signup list, so you can see exactly who you’ll be dining with.

Meanwhile, in the nether regions of Ballard-meets-Phinney, The Blue Glass is opening officially on Thursday. This spot from Tractor Tavern owner will serve small-plate "global comfort food." Thrillist has some menu details. The website is still minimal, but check out their Facebook page for details.