While enjoying an unseasonably cold early spring stroll to assess the changing restaurant-scape in Greenwich Village, I discovered some pretty significant restaurant turnovers.

Quinto Quarto, Bedford Ave, Greenwich Village

A.O.C. Bedford, a beloved, though short-lived neighborhood Spaniard mysteriously shuttered in late 2007 now has Quinto Quarto Osteria Romana, a chain from Italy, specializing in offal, occupying the space. It would appear that Roman chain is poised to open any day now.

Berimbao, Carmine St., Greenwich Village

Deborah’s Life Love Food of Carmine St., a neighborhood charmer with killer cheeseburgers and moderate prices is also gone as of January. Mirroring Deborah’s three worded life-affirming moniker, a full operational Brazilian restaurant, Berimbau Food, Rhythm & Joy has taken up the space. With a canary-yellow and promising good music, it seems like it might bring some needed liveliness to the block.

Spice, W. 13 St., Greenwich Village

The stylish fall 2008 newcomer and a restaurant that I had positively endorsed, Tong Thai Brasserie has also closed its doors. Tong’s original concept and menu are being replaced with the generic NYC Thai chain, Spice.

On the brighter side of things…it beats an empty storefront with a grim “for rent” sign in front of it.

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