CHAMBERS IS A JAMES BEARD FINALIST
Chambers, the noted restaurant that used to be Racines, has been named a finalist for the James Beard Foundation‘s annual contest in the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program category. The foundation released its list of semifinalists in January, which included more than 30 New York City nominees. The Oscars of the restaurant world is scheduled for June.

NO NEWS IS NO NEWS
A few folks have asked for an update on the supertall tower planned for one of the Independence Plaza sites, and for what it’s worth, the press contact for Stellar Management told me there is no news. Here’s the previous update, from last March.

SHREDDING & E-WASTE COLLECTION
The Downtown Alliance is hosting its annual Shred-A-Thon on Saturday, April 4, 10a to 4p (or until the truck is full) on Fulton between Ryders Alley and Cliff Street. You can also bring old electronics (working and non-working), clothing and accessories. See the full list here.

GRAND BANKS OPENS APRIL 6
Since it was 80 degrees last week, I checked the website and it looks like the Grand Banks opens on April 6. Yay.