•Cheers for Gourmet -- the Gourmet Diner, that is. The business has been sold to spousal restaurateurs Sia and Nicole Hemmati. Not only do the new proprietors swear to keep up the standards to which we have become accustomed, they are now in possession of all the diner's recipes. That includes the custard fruit tart, which former owner Jean-Pierre Lejeune's daughter Danielle bakes. In fact Danielle and the rest of the staff have remained at the diner. Looks as though the only changes will be on the business end: The restaurant now will accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express and will stay open during the holiday season. 'Tis joyful tidings indeed.
•Heads up: Former Red Square executive chef Frank Copestick has resurfaced in Fort Lauderdale. He'll be top toque at Tails, a new waterfront restaurant overlooking the Hillsboro Inlet. In other local chef news, Robbin Haas of Baleen is into expansion. His latest project, Baleen in San Diego, debuts this weekend.