New eateries Marlow and Daughters, La Cave des Fondus and Hanco's sure to please

Eight million mouths need somewhere to eat, and NYC's overwhelming number of bistros, cafes, restaurants, delis and other establishments make it no simple task in deciding where to feast. Paste:Local looks at some recently- and soon-to-be-opened spots making the choice even tougher.

Marlow and Daughters (open now)
Judging by the success of hip meateries like Fette Sau and Dumont Burger, carnivorism is the new vegetarianism in Williamsburg. Add to the list this progressive butcher shop from the owner's of Diner and Marlow and Sons. M&D specializes in responsibly reared livestock involving adjectives like local, sustainable and grass-fed. All meat is butchered on site from whole carcasses, including beef, pork, rabbit and goose. (95 Broadway, Brooklyn 11211.)

La Cave des Fondus (open now)
Last year on a trip to Paris, I stumbled across Le Refuge des Fondus, a fondue restaurant serving wine in baby bottles and requiring ladies (especially those in dresses) to climb over tables to reach their seats. It was totally skeevy in a French kind of way. Inspired by this sure-fire business model, restaurateur Jacques Ouari has opened a similar restaurant in Nolita. The subterranean eatery will feature cheese (a blend of Gruyere, Swiss and Comté), hanger steak and Valrhona chocolate fondue. And, like its inspiration, house wine will be consumed through a rubber nipple. (20 Prince St, New York 10012.)

Hanco's (tentatively opening Jan. 2, 2009)
Gowanus Lounge reports that Hanco's, the beloved Vietnamese sandwich and bubble tea shop in Boerum Hill, is opening a Park Slope outpost in the old Tea Lounge spot. Just-OK coffee and stroller brigades will be replaced by fresh and flavorful sandwiches on crusty baguette. Assuming the menu stays the same, expect pork, chicken, sardine and tofu options, all with a cool garden crunch thanks to cucumbers, pickled carrots, daikon radish and cilantro. And if you're not freaked out by tiny orbs of tapioca floating around your beverage, wash it all down with a bubble tea. (350 Seventh Ave, Brooklyn 11215.)