Opening: Maison Kayser

Shoo Loong Kan, a Chinese hot pot restaurant will soon arrive on 13th St. in the space that old timers will fondly remember as Borgo Antico. (The name means little dragon ridge.) The chain already has locations in Chicago, Houston, and Flushing.

Just what we needed: another beverage outlet. Meet Argo Tea, a small chain of fancy tea shops, which will soon open a new branch in the old Dean and Deluca space on University Place. (You can sample it now at another outlet in the Flatiron Building.)

The holiday shopping season kicks off in November with the opening of the popular Union Square Holiday Market, operated by Urban Space Management.  The market is open every day from Wednesday, November 25th through Wednesday, December 24th with the exception of Thanksgiving. Be sure to stop by for a variety of unique items including handcrafted jewelry, fine art, clothes, handmade ornaments, and toys for kids of all ages. Market hours are Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 8 PM; Saturdays, 10 AM to 8 PM; Sundays, 11 AM to 7 PM; and 10 AM to 4 PM on Christmas Eve. Don’t forget to stop by the Holiday Market Information Booth to pick up coupons for special discounts at over 20 Union Square restaurants and eateries.

The venerable and mysterious antiques store (to the trade only) at University and 11th is gone, leaving a large, high-windowed space that could become anything from a restaurant to a boutique. Time will tell.

The excellent Havana Central on East 17th (212-414-4999) has a three-course lunch from $12.95 through September.

Cava Grill, which specializes in Mediterranean dips and spreads, will open on 4th Ave. near 13th St. soon. In the meantime, you can sample their recipes at Whole Foods.