Scabby the Rat Joins the Line for Babbo in Greenwich Village | Eater NY

"Fresh off a high-profile revival under Stephen Starr, this Greenwich Village dining room has quickly become one of the hottest reservations in town, with Mark Ladner (Mario Batali’s former right hand, who started at sibling spot Lupa and later led the kitchen at the Michelin-starred Del Posto) set to serve Babbo classics like the 100-layer lasagna and beef-cheek ravioli. The comeback arrives with baggage: Batali left the company in 2017 following a sexual harassment scandal, and in the days leading up to the reopening Scabby the Union Rat and protestors appeared outside holding “BOYCOTT BABBO” signs. Notably, United Here has not alleged wrongdoing at Babbo; the objections center on the name’s legacy and Starr’s D.C. operations, but diners may still need to cross picket lines to get in. A union spokesperson called keeping the Babbo name “tasteless and gross” and urged New Yorkers to stay away, and the rat is expected to make ongoing appearances." - Andrea Strong