Chef and restaurateur Chris Santos is at it again. He’s created a luscious new venture along with Rich Wolf and Peter Kane on Manhattan’s Lower East Side called ‘Beauty & Essex.’ They’ve transformed an old furniture store into a turn-of-the-century townhouse with a modern day pawn shop serving as an entrance. Once we get passed the vintage treasures, we are lead to a grand circular staircase and our choice of main dining room, two bars, a lounge and a women’s bathroom complete with a salon, sofa, perfume and private bartender offering complimentary bubbly. If this isn’t enough, his menu this time around resembles his Stanton Social restaurant concept of unique and tasty shared dishes, including Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Dumplings, General Tso’s Black Cod and a nightly selection of crostini’s. Santo’s, who’s a judge on The Food Network’s hit cooking competition show ‘Chopped,’ fork’s it over once again. It’s one of the newest hot spots and a great night out. Go. www.beautyandessex.com