Cityfile: New York's Most Notable and Influential

New York restaurateurs may be panicked about the economy, but all is well in Qatar! This week it was reported that the Four Seasons in Doha will be home to the latest incarnation of Nobu. (A Dubai outpost opened earlier this month.) Gordon Ramsay is supposedly looking at two different sites in town for an eatery he has planned. And when Doha's new W Hotel opens in a couple of months, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Spice Market will be located in the lobby. Less exciting news, at least as far as New Yorkers are concerned: "Bollywood legend" Asha Bhosle has also opened a high-profile restaurant in Doha, and a branch of the Hard Rock Café is coming, too. [The Penninsula via Luxist]

This probably isn't the news that enviromentalists wanted to hear: After an embarrassing investigation turned up evidence that the London branch of Nobu was serving endangered bluefin tuna, Nobu's general manager Richie Notar (left) now says the sushi chain will list which dishes contain the endangered species on the menu. It will be up to customers to "decide whether to order the fish despite environmental qualms, or to choose a 'greener' alternative." Why not take bluefin off the menu entirely? Notar says that was what he wanted to do, but "the move was being resisted by the chain's Japanese chefs." (And you never go up against a sushi chef, especially if he has a knife in his hand.) Just in case you're wondering if this means that Nobu might add other endangered species to the menu with a similar disclaimer, you needn't worry. "Mr. Notar said he would not serve chimpanzee and tiger meat, because it was illegal, but while bluefin remained legal, there was a "ludicrous situation" where some said it was unethical to serve it but Japanese fishmongers said it was a well regulated trade. "I would love to see a law because then there is no grey area." [Telegraph UK]

• The Times' Diner's Journal weighs in on the Wine Spectator scandal. [Diner's Journal]
• The owners of the clubs Mansion and Pink Elephant have filed for bankruptcy. [DBTH]
• The median price of drinks at the Eldridge (which is 90% complete, says owner Matt Levine): $25. [Radar]
• Daniel Boulud on his new Maison Boulud in Beijing. [Haute Living via Observer]
• Richie Notar on his early years at Studio 54 and the challenges of opening a Nobu in Russia. [BlackBook]
• Wass Stevens celebrated his birthday with a big party at Marquee last night. [GoaG]

• Drew Nieporent chats about the forthcoming Nobu in Herzliya, Israel and shares details about his singing career. Yes, he sings, too. [Blackbook]
• Top Chef may be filming at Eric Ripert's Le Bernardin tomorrow night. [Eater]
• Six New York chefs reveal who they'll be voting for this fall. [TONY]
• John McDonald loves Jean-Georges and Peter Luger's, hates parking tickets and paying taxes. [NYM]
• Anthony and Tom Martignetti have shuttered Bella's. [GoaG]
  
• It's a miniature Gordon Ramsay! [Style.com]

There's probably been a time or two when you've been tempted to check out a restaurant or bar simply because some celebrity supposedly "owns" it. Maybe I'll see Justin Timberlake devouring a plate of ribs at Southern Hospitality! Or I'll spot Robert De Niro slurping on some pasta at Ago! Restaurateurs know this, too, of course, which is why they're all so eager to attach a celebrity name—any one will do!—to their ill-conceived bistro, brasserie, speakeasy, lounge, or barbecue shack. We don't want to be the ones to crush your dreams and tell you that there's no chance you'll see these famous faces at these venues. Just in case you're the more optimistic type—or just curious who has a stake in what—we happily introduce the Cityfile celebrity-owned restaurant/bar map!

• Celebrity Restaurant/Bar Map