Michael Ronis, the founding chef of Carmine’s (the Upper West Side location is on Broadway between 90th and 91st), passed away on Thursday.  Ronis also helped found the Alicart Restaurant Group, which includes Carmine’s, Virgil’s (Times Square), Artie’s Delicatessen (Broadway at 83rd), and Gabriela’s (Columbus between 93rd and 94th), and wrote a book, Carmine’s Family-Style Cookbook: More Than 100 Classic Italian Dishes to Make at Home.  His passion for cooking and serving good food to New Yorkers was evident in his career, and he will be missed by friends, family, and Upper West Siders alike. [Source: Eater]