IN THE PIT Management at Wildwood Barbeque (225 Park Ave. S., between 18th and 19th streets, 212-533-2500) — restaurateur Steve Hanson’s latest venture at the space that previously was Barça 18 and Park Avalon — says the restaurant should be open to the public tomorrow. The new pit master, Lou Elrose, left the critically acclaimed barbecue spot Hill Country to join the new eatery.

GREEN ACRES Joel Hough, chef de cuisine of Cookshop, will be joining chef-owner Marc Meyer in the kitchen of Hundred Acres (38 Macdougal St., between Prince and Houston streets, 212-475-7500) when that restaurant opens in the former Provence space, probably in early May.

AUBRY AT THE ALGONQUIN Alex Aubry is the new executive chef at the Algonquin Hotel (59 W. 44th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues, 866-363-9011), where he is in charge of the food at the Round Table Room, the Oak Room restaurant and cabaret, and the Blue Bar. Previously, he was executive chef at Affinia Manhattan.

CLASSIC DUCASSE Benoit (60 W. 55th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues, 646-943-7373), Alain Ducasse’s latest offering to the New York dining scene, opened on Monday in the space that used to be La Côte Basque. Named for the Paris bistro of the same name, which Mr. Ducasse acquired in 2005, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and brunch on Sundays, serving mostly straight-up French classics such as pike quenelles, garlic-roasted chicken, and steak au poivre, all under the watch of executive chef Sébastien Rondier.

OPEN AIR Brooklyn beer garden Gowanus Yacht Club (323 Smith St. at President Street, 718-246-1321) has opened for the season, but without its grill, which apparently was installed illegally. This summer the hot dogs will be boiled.

DOWN UNDER FARE The World War I battle of Gallipoli is not widely commemorated in America. But it is Down Under, where it is observed on April 25 as Anzac Day, in tribute to the troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought there. It also is being celebrated Friday at two Australian-themed restaurants, the Sunburnt Cow (137 Avenue C, between 9th and 10th streets, 212-529-0005) and Bondi Road (153 Rivington St., between Suffolk and Clinton streets, 212-253-5311). Those restaurants will be giving out free Anzac biscuits, cookies that were staples in the diets of the troops.

In addition, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Sunburnt Cow, special three-course meals will start at $16. The restaurant also will be holding a “two-up” tournament: Proceeds from the coin-toss game, which was popular among World War I soldiers, will go to Operation Oz KidsUSA — a charity that brings Australian children to America for urgent medical care. And starting at 6 p.m., Bondi Road dinners, including an entrée, dessert, and glass of wine, are $20.

Mr. Thorn is food editor of Nation’s Restaurant News. He maintains nrnfoodwriter.blogspot.com.