Tracking this spring's buzz on Jean Georges Vongrichten's new V Steakhouse (né Rare) at the Time Warner Center (10 Columbus Circle, 212-823-9500):
1) United Way hosts gala in unopened space; attendees preen (3/8)
2) BlueJake takes his camera for a sneak peek (3/8)
3) Name changed from Rare to V after competitor complains (4/28)
4) JGV spotted wearing "black sweater and slim black pants" (ca. 5/1)
5) James Beard guests pack rechristened V night before awards (5/4)
6) V quietly opens its doors (5/25)
7) Gael Green's first taste: "the steak is a steak" (5/31)
8) NYTimes: "menu too mundane for the ruby-red boudoir setting" (6/2)