Tue 12 Feb, 2013 THE BRASSERIE REVIVAL Brasserie Blanc this is not The rebirth of the brasserie has been brewing for some time. It all started with Zédel and Colbert last year, and now it's in full swing with some new heavyweight contenders. The name on everyone's lips at the moment is obviously the magical, mystical Balthazar. Their on-site Boulangerie opened yesterday (there's also one in Waterloo) but the official opening date of the restaurant is still on the DL, though we do have confirmation that the booking line opens at the end of the week. Much like its New York mother, the décor will be classical and the all-day menu (including afternoon tea by an ex-Ritz pastry chef) French bistro-inspired, but with a British edge. As long as the frisée aux lardons make the transfer, we're happy. And then, of course, there's the bar, which is sure to be Covent Garden's latest elbow-rubbing place to see and be seen. Over in Mayfair, Eric Chavot – the two Michelin-starred stalwart who headed The Capital Restaurant for a decade – opens the eponymous Brasserie Chavot at The Westbury hotel this month. His "pimped out" take on the brasserie includes banquettes, a five-seater seafood counter, bar and a menu that moves away from his Michelin alma mater. There'll be no fruits de mer, for instance; instead, look for modern platter offerings like king crab mayo, cured salmon and soft shell crab. Arkady Novikov is taking the "brasserie-with-a-twist" concept one step further at Brompton Asian Brasserie by Novikov, opening next month. This shouldn't come as a surprise – the original Novikov is an Asian/Italian hybrid from Russia. Expect a European breakfast followed by Asian for lunch and dinner. There'll also be Grocer by Novikov next door, with take-home offerings and even a dim sum counter. We digress. The best bit about the return of the brasserie? You can book.   Info Balthazar Boulangerie, now open, 8 Russell Street, WC2B 5HZ Balthazar, booking line opens February 16, 4-6 Russell Street, WC2B 5HZ Brasserie Chavot, now taking bookings, opens mid-February, 41 Conduit Street, W1S 2YF Brompton Asian Brasserie by Novikov, opens March, 223-225 Brompton Road, SW3 2EJ LINK TO THIS FEATURE: Eat & Drink by JC SPOTLIGHT GUESTLIST COMPETITION Ping Pop Up Shoreditch Sponsored Listing Fave Earls Court ping pong spot is taking a trip East for the day. Ping will be ping-pong-popping up in Shoreditch's Village Underground this Saturday for a table tennis party like no other. If you don't want to get involved in the challenges, there'll be DJs and food will come from street food stalwarts Big Apple Hot Dogs. Paddles at the ready. Ping are giving 50 UJ readers a pair of guestlist spaces each. To apply, please email hello@weloveping.com with the names of you and your guest. Successful applicants will be notified. Ping Pop Up, February 16, 7.30pm-3.30am, Village Underground, Holywell Lane, EC2A 3PQ Calendar Picks This Week’s Picks EAT NEW YEAR CARNIVAL V-DAY Enjoy Japanese hot pots at Chrysan's weekly pop up Shabu Shabu. Every Monday this month. 1 Snowden Street, Broadgate West, EC2A 2DQ Ben's Canteen pays homage to San Fran's Mission Street Food for Chinese New Year. February 13. 140 Saint John's Hill, SW11 1SL Enjoy the next best thing to Carnival in Ipanema at Sushisamba's Brazilian celebrations. Tonight. Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY Swap your unwanted Valentine's wares for food at Pizza East Kentish Town. February 14. 79 Highgate Road, NW5 1TL CLICK HERE FOR MORE LISTINGS LIKE SHARE FORWARD PREVIOUS EDITION (c) 2013 Urban Junkies. All rights reserved. Reproductions of any portion of this website only with our express permission. Urban Junkies is a free daily mailer. All listings and features are editorial: We do not receive any payment from venues, artists or promoters. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information listed but we cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.