Henry Street Restaurant Renaissance?

Quickly they come and quickly they go. At least that's been the pattern on the north end of Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights. No sooner had the sub-par Afficionado Cafe and the painfully named Food Maestro opened their doors, when they were shuttered.

Now, a new lease on life - and a new literal lease - are being taken out at both locations. Afficionado is under construction and reinventing itself as Oven (door signage pictured above). One can only assume that the place will be heating something up.

Food Maestro (Really - Who the hell named that place?), has re-opened as Busy Chef, a take-out gourmet shop with freshly baked breads and muffins. If the pleasant aromas eminating from their front door are any indication, this store might be able to break the Cranberry and Henry Street southwest corner curse.

In addition, the short-lived Cranberry Place party space for kids is transforming itself into a coffeehouse - with a liquor license and the occasional jazz quartet performance. A bonafide coffeehouse is sorely needed in the nabe. So, if Uncommon Grounds Brooklyn does it right, they might able to break the Cranberry and Henry Street northwest corner curse.

Next on the Henry Street revival list - rumors that a cigar lounge is opening in the old bodega spot.