New York

33 Havemeyer St, near N. 7th; 718.599.9899

From the not-Chang behind Momofuku, Star's a skinny sleeve with colonial-style wood paneling, a room-dominating slate-topped communal center table, dual ceiling fans, and a wood-burning brick oven visible through a large service window. Wine and beer's coming soon (PBR on tap; Anchorsteam, Lone Star, and Brooklyn Lager bottles), but the southern eats are ready to go, including BBQ catfish w/ fried cucumbers, collard greens w/ Ham Hock, country fried steak, smothered pork chops, and Dr. Pepper ribs, a big step up from Chili's Baby-Back Pibbs.

Preview route starts 6pm Friday at 23rd St b/w 7th and 8th

NY's first gourmet cupcake truck, C-Stop's the inspired creation of an New York Law schooler who, after the economy wiped out his post-grad job, decided other people should eat his feelings. Treats come mini-style for $1 and traditionally plump for $2.25, and include both standards (triple chocolate, red velvet, etc) and occasional specialty items (peanut butter & jelly, black & white cookie…), with all leftovers donated to homeless shelters -- because social responsibility starts with giving sweets to guys without dental.

From two Harlem-based designers, this aggressively stee'd cake of dirt-destroying glycerin's cast from genuine brass knuckles -- so when someone yells dirty words at you, you can punch their mouth out with soap.

Because only amateur hosts cook for their friends, Southern Hospitality's now catering their artery-hardening eats (Memphis spareribs, sliced brisket, etc) three ways: Family Style for eight, a la carte, or build-your-own-sandwich. Also newly catering, tapas savants Boqueria, who'll drop off or staff occasions for 20-300, bringing passed or small plates (Bikini de Tres Quesos, Bocata de Boquerones...) plus a full premium bar (wine, beer, sangria, cocktails), offered on a sliding scale: 1st hour $25pp, 2nd hour $20pp, and every additional hour $15pp -- so either a reward for drinking like a man, or a calculated gamble that you won't.

Thurs-Fri online and at the store: 16A Orchard St, between Hester and Canal; 917.470.9367

Up to 40% off Gargyle's collection of premium designers, including jackets and crew shirts from YMC, check polos from Surface to Air, and summer pleated shorts from BBlessing -- lightweight, for airing your BBalls.