This just in on the Times' Breaking News blog. Essentially, Irvine's partner, Randall Williams, and John Hamilton of Beach Drive Retail issued a statement this afternoon announcing the plans have been scrapped for Ooze and Schmooze.

The question, of course, remains: What will become of the restaurant space planned for the ground floor of 400 Beach Drive, the new 29-story, condominium tower at Fifth Avenue N.?

I've heard that Ruth's Chris Steak House was initially interested in the space, but that their "dinner only" policy didn't meet the needs of Beach Drive Retail. Perhaps that will be revisited. And repeated rumors that Jeannie Pierola (formerly of Bern's) is interested in the space appear to be wishful thinking. She did indeed look at the space, but she appears to be pursuing a possible project in Tampa.

I have calls in to a passel of local restaurateurs to see if anyone is eagle-eyeing the space, but it wouldn't surprise me to see one of the big steak houses (Capital Grille, Shula's, etc.) making a play for it.