Mayan Bistro, a restaurant started by three brothers, is now open on Amsterdam between 101st and 102nd Streets, where Café Roma used to be. Chef and co-founder Margarito Guzman has worked in restaurants for 18 years, including Bistro 1018 (which is now Marlow Bistro) on 110th and Amsterdam. They’re serving dinner – the menu has a wide range of pastas, burgers and seafood – and brunch on weekends.

There’s still work to be done at Mayan Bistro: the bar doesn’t have stools because they’re still waiting on their liquor license, said co-founder Benito Guzman, who does the electrical and plumbing work. “We’re trying to get better every day,” he said. In a nod to their neighbors, they are offering a 10% discount to police, firefighters and students at Columbia University.

Vision Lab Optometry opened this week on the corner of Columbus and 96th Street. Dr. Matthew Pupparo has worked at hospitals and clinics in the city over the past 10 years and this is his first time opening his own private practice. He said he chose the UWS because of the “local neighborhood feel.” Dr. Pupparo sets himself apart by using the latest optometric technology, such as Olleyes VR Visual Field equipment – a virtual reality headset that can detect glaucoma, strokes and other neurological disorders. He said that “[test] results come out better because it’s easier for patients to use.” He also mentioned that while older machines are “bulky and clunky,” the portability of the headset means that he could potentially do home visits “for patients who might be older or have special needs.” For patients who use contacts, Vision Lab will match 1-800-Contacts pricing and add a 10% discount.

Signage is up on the scaffolding at Amsterdam between 75th and 76th Streets for Coddiwomple, a sandwich shop with locations in Hell’s Kitchen and East of Union Square. Coddiwomple means “to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination,” and the chain’s tagline is “Travel by Sandwich.” The menu includes sandwiches with names like Roman Holiday, Greek Goddess, El Cubano and Veggie Wompler, in addition to a few salads and soups. It replaces VIP Cleaners but from a look inside it seems like the opening may be a ways off. (Thanks to Tierney for the tip.)

A skateboarding shop is opening on Broadway between 106th and 107th Street, replacing an AT&T store. We will follow up with more details. (Thanks to Amelia for the tip.)

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