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Curtain’s Up (longer!): Bernadette, Sadie, Denzel & Big Student Deals
March 25, 2025, 4:14.02 pm ET
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“Grease” may have been the word in 1978, but when it comes to Broadway in 2025, the word is extensions. Two shows in early previews have just announced extensions: “Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends” (at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre), starring Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, will now run through July 15; while the play “John Proctor is the Villain” (at the Booth Theatre), starring “Stranger Things’” Sadie Sink, will run through July 6. Meanwhile, the recently opened British musical comedy “Operation Mincemeat” (at the Golden Theatre) is now selling tickets through February 2026. Get Tickets
Photo: Marc Brenner
Over at the St. James Theatre, not only has the hit revival of “Sunset Boulevard” extended its run through July 13, but star Nicole Scherzinger had added six additional performances (Tuesday, April 8; Tuesday, April 29; Tuesday, May 6; Tuesday, May 13; Tuesday, May 27; and Tuesday, June 10) to her run. Get Tickets
Photo: Julieta Cervantes
Additionally, students who don’t have $900 to spare can now see the starry Denzel Washington-Jake Gyllenhaal revival of “Othello” thanks to a new $49 student rush, with a limited number of tickets set aside for every performance. Get Tickets
Photo: Benja K Thomas
On the Off-Broadway front, comedian and talk show host Joy Behar will be returning to her new comedy “My First Ex-Husband” at the MMAC Theatre for four performances, April 11-13, alongside current cast members Veanne Cox, Jackie Hoffman, Carolyn McCormick and Andrea Navedo (who star in the hit show through April 20), They will be followed by Marilu Henner, Marsha Mason, Benja K Thomas and Julia Sweeney, who will star April 23 to May 18. Get Tickets
Photo: A Mother
Baryshnikov Arts will launch its 20th Anniversary Season with the world premiere of “A Mother,” a bold and innovative new play, loosely bad on Bertolt Brecht’s “Die Mutter,” co-conceived by award-winning playwright Neena Beber and Tony-nominated actress Jessica Hecht. The production -- which is directed by Maria Mileaf with choreography by Shura Baryshnikov – stars Hecht alongside Fergie Philippe, Zane Pais, Portia Johnson, and Delilah Napier. It runs from March 29 to April 13 at the Jerome Robbins Theater in Baryshnikov Arts (450 W. 37th Street). Get Tickets
Elton John and Brandi Carlile Reunite Live at 92NY for One Night Only
March 25, 2025, 3:18.26 pm ET
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Photo: 92NY
Grammy Award winners Elton John and Brandi Carlile will take the stage at 92NY for a one-night-only event at 7pm on Friday, April 4 for a special two-part evening: a 30-minute screening of the behind-the-scenes film on the making of their new album “Who Believes in Angels?,” followed by an intimate 30-minute conversation with the artists and their collaborators.
TCM host Dave Karger will lead the discussion with John, Carlisle, John’s longtime collaborator, songwriter Bernie Taupin, and Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Andrew Watt. They will discuss the making of this extraordinary album — writing and recording it from scratch in just 20 days -- while pushing each other to new creative heights.
Tickets are currently available at 92NY.org
Around Town: From Best of the West to Michelin Chefs and Marshmallow Chicks, Here’s What’s Popping This Week
March 25, 2025, 2:27.10 pm ET
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Photo: Taste of the West
Taste of the West Side is returning with more than 70 restaurants participating in the two-day event. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased at tastewestside.com. Tickets purchased before April 1st will be discounted 15% with General Admission costing $106.25 (regularly $125), and VIP tickets costing $148.75 (regularly $175). In addition to sampling delicious offerings from restaurants such as Cafe Luxembourg, Sempre Oggi, Dagon, Tatiana, Essentials by Christophe, and Daily Provisions UWS, guests can enjoy live music by a DJ on Friday and the Atomic Funk Project on Saturday.
Photo: Chef Franklin Becker
The 2025 Autism Speaks Celebrity Chef Gala returns Tuesday, April 1st to Cipriani Wall Street, bringing together 30+ top chefs—including Daniel Boulud, Maneet Chauhan, and Culinary Chair Franklin Becker—for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience supporting autism awareness and inclusion. Celebrating 20 years of impact, the evening raises crucial funds for Autism Speaks programs advancing research, health, and employment opportunities. “For me, this event is my baby,” says Chef Becker. “I love to see how our chef community comes together year after year to make a difference for the autism community.”
Image: The Met
Opening April 27, 2025, at The Met Fifth Avenue, Sargent and Paris traces John Singer Sargent’s early career in Paris, from art student to rising star. On view through August 3, the exhibition features paintings, watercolors, and drawings, including his infamous portrait Madame X, alongside works by his contemporaries. Co-organized with the Musée d’Orsay, it marks the largest international Sargent show since 1998.
Photo: Mike O' Leary
Unwind at Sunday Cleaning, a monthly DJ experience with Mike O’Leary at The Living Room at The Standard, High Line. Catch his signature blend of hip-hop and R&B on Sunday, 3/30, from 1-3 PM—first come, first served seating. Enjoy bites like Yellowfin Tuna Tostadas and Gorditas by Taqueria Ramiere.
Photo: Lucky Strike
Chelsea Piers Bowlero is rebranding to Lucky Strike Chelsea Piers. Visitors can expect an upgraded entertainment experience with a hit playlist, state-of-the-art arcade games, a new cutting-edge craft menu, and specialty cocktails. Lucky Strike is promising elevated service from start to finish. Check it out.
Photo: Dominique Ansel Bakery
And check this out. Peep-a-Boos are back at Dominique Ansel Bakery (SoHo) and Dominique Ansel Workshop (Flatiron) from April 1-18. Crack open a real eggshell to uncover a delightful dark chocolate egg filled with a fluffy marshmallow chick and gooey salted caramel center—an Easter treat like no other. The Peep-a-Boos can be picked up in person at the New York locations or ordered online.
Image: The Mark
The Mark Hotel and British shoemaker John Lobb are launching an immersive Upper East Side experience on March 27, 2025. To celebrate John Lobb’s new shoeshine corner at The Mark, they’ve teamed up with illustrator RF. Alvarez to create a charming hand-drawn map guiding guests from The Mark to John Lobb’s Madison Avenue boutique, passing iconic landmarks like The Frick Collection. Visitors can pick up the map at either location and enjoy complimentary John Lobb shoeshine services, including an overnight shine or an in-chair treatment.
Until next time, we'll be seeing you Around Town
5 Must-See Spring Concerts in NYC
March 25, 2025, 2:39.12 am ET
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Photo: Shutterstock
1. Beyoncé
May 22, 24 & 25 – MetLife Stadium
Queen Bey returns with a show-stopping stadium tour. Expect lights, hits, and unforgettable energy.
[Buy Tickets]
2. Charli XCX
May 1–5 – Barclays Center
The alt-pop star brings hyperpop vibes and a visual spectacle to Brooklyn.
[Buy Tickets]
3. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
March 27 – Madison Square Garden
Roots rock with soul-stirring brass and powerhouse vocals.
[Buy Tickets]
4. Mary J. Blige
April 6, 10, 11 – Various NYC Area Venues
[Buy Tickets]
5. J Balvin
March 30 – Barclays Center & Prudential Center
Reggaeton’s global ambassador lights up NYC and NJ with nonstop hits.
[Buy Tickets]
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NYC Bites - What New York City Restaurants and Bars are Up To Now!
March 25, 2025, 12:55.36 am ET
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Photo: Cititour.com
Sugar Shack in the City is back for 2025, co-hosted by M. Wells and New York Distilling Company (573 Johnson Ave) , bringing an over-the-top brunch party to Bushwick to celebrate maple syrup season. Guests can feast family-style on glazed ribs, seafood sausage, aged foie gras, housemade bread, dope desserts, and taffy on snow, all paired with specialty pours and punch bowls. The brunch runs Sundays at 1 PM on March 30, April 6, April 13, and April 20. Perfect for families, groups, and solo diners, with kids 6-12 half price and under 5 eating free. Tickets here.
Photo: Ferdinando's Focacceria
Ferdinando's Focacceria is getting a new lease on life, sort of. Sal Lamboglia, who owns Cafe Spaghetti, Swoony's and Sal Tang's. Lamboglia was reportedly hand-picked by longtime owner, Frank Buffa, to take over the space which is expected to have a new name while honoring Ferdinando's in the process.
Photo: Bar Bonobo
Bar Bonobo in Chelsea is celebrating year two with the launch of weekend brunch starting April 5 and a fresh lineup of spring cocktails debuting April 1. They include The Beet (beet-infused mezcal), The Tomato (tequila with tomato preserve), and The Carrot (rum, amaretto, and fresh carrot juice). Brunch runs Saturdays & Sundays, 12–3 PM, with regular service to follow.
Vita Coco is teaming up with Peet’s Coffee and NYC’s Joe Coffee to release a round of refreshing coconut-infused drinks this spring. Peet’s will debut a Coconut Water Matcha and Coconut Water Cold Brew, while Joe Coffee offers an Orange & Crème Coconut Latte.
Photo: The Garden
Finally, heading to the Easter Parade? You may want to take you Easter bonnet to these two luxe spots located steps from the parade route. The Garden at Four Seasons Hotel New York (57 E 57th St) is offering a festive brunch, including Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Avocado Toast, plus a Veuve Clicquot Spritz Cart and an Easter Egg Hunt at 12 PM, 1 PM, and 2 PM inside the hotel.
Photo: Le Jardinier
Le Jardinier (610 Lexington Ave) opens specially for Easter with an elegant 3-course ($145) or 4-course ($175) prix-fixe menu, featuring English Pea Velouté, a Poached Lobster Roll with creamy polenta, and Australian Lamb Loin.
Happy Eating!
KOBANO brings bold Japanese-Brazilian fusion to Bowery
March 24, 2025, 11:55.44 am ET
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Photos: KOBANO
A fiery new hotspot has landed on the Bowery. KOBANO, a Japanese-Brazilian izakaya, is officially opening its main dining room on March 26 at 299 Bowery, in the former IXTA space. Led by Co-Executive Chefs Nobuhiro Hamazaki (Koi) and Ricardo Cardona (Sofrito, Hudson River Cafe), the restaurant fuses Japanese precision with the bold flavors of Brazil in a high-energy setting.
The menu spans fresh sashimi, handrolls, and tiraditos, alongside Brazilian-inspired plates like branzino baiano in coconut sauce and churrasco de fraldinha with chimichurri. Wagyu gyoza, feijoada tradicional, and truffle corn benedict add to the cross-cultural lineup, while indulgent desserts like yuzu cheesecake and warabi mochi parfait round out the meal.
KOBANO’s drink program is just as dynamic, offering craft cocktails such as the Carnival Breeze Punch and Amazon Glow, plus Brazilian classics like the caipirinha. A selection of non-alcoholic elixirs, including the Tropical Mojito Elixir, ensures there’s something for everyone.
Designed as both a sleek dining destination and a lively social hub, KOBANO’s Evergreen Bar greets guests with striking lime-washed green tones, towering pillars, and a DJ booth setting the scene. Inside the dining room, lush greenery and murals of a geisha and samba dancer embody the fusion of both cultures.
Backed by Rose Hospitality, the group behind Lost in Paradise Rooftop and Sushi Saint, KOBANO is aiming to make waves with its one-of-a-kind concept. Get ready for a flavor-packed journey through Japan and Brazil—no passport required.
MTA Expands Service for Yankees Opening Day, Nostalgia Trains Return
March 24, 2025, 3:14.33 am ET
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Photo: MTA
Baseball is back in the Bronx, and the MTA is making it easier than ever for fans to get to Yankee Stadium for the Yankees’ 2025 season opener against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, March 27. With expanded service across Metro-North, LIRR, subways, and buses, plus the return of the nostalgic IRT Lo-V and Train of Many Colors, the MTA is hoping to make getting to the game a lot more convenient.
Metro-North’s Yankee Clippers Return
For Opening Day, Metro-North is offering direct Yankee Clipper trains from the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven Lines, providing a seamless ride to Yankees-E 153rd Street Station, right by the stadium. Several Hudson Line trains will also make additional stops at the stadium on game days. Metro-North is also opertating shuttle trains w between Grand Central Terminal, Harlem-125th Street, and Yankees-E 153rd Street. Fans traveling on the Harlem and New Haven Lines can transfer at Harlem-125th St station for the quick 5-minute trip to the stadium.
Fans can check the MTA TrainTime app for schedules and real-time updates.
Subway Service to Yankee Stadium
For an easy subway ride, fans can take the 4, B, or D trains to 161 St-Yankee Stadium, located right outside the ballpark. Local D and 4 trains stop at 161 St-Yankee Stadium at all times. B trains stop at 161 St-Yankee Stadium during rush hour only. Middays, every other B train will stop at 161 St-Yankee Stadium. Rush hour D express trains will also stop at 161 St-Yankee Stadium before weeknight games.
Long Islanders Have a Direct Route
With Grand Central Madison now fully operational, LIRR riders can take a one-seat ride to Grand Central and seamlessly transfer to Metro-North’s Yankee Clippers or the 4 train, reaching the stadium in under 30 minutes. This expansion makes it even easier for Long Islanders to join the Opening Day festivities.
Bus and Paratransit Options
Several MTA bus routes stop near Yankee Stadium, including the Bx6, Bx6 SBS, and Bx13, which stop at E. 161 St and River Ave. The Bx1 and Bx2 stop at Grand Concourse and E. 161 St, a short walk away. The BxM4 offers express bus service with stops near the stadium.
For fans requiring paratransit services, Access-A-Ride has a designated stop directly in front of Yankee Stadium. Reservations can be made by calling (877)-337-2017 or (718)-393-4999 and press prompt #2.
Ride to the Game on a Nostalgia Train
Adding to the Opening Day excitement, the New York Transit Museum is rolling out its beloved nostalgia trains. Fans can board the historic 1917 IRT Lo-V and Train of Many Colors at Grand Central Terminal for a special one-day-only ride to Yankee Stadium. The IRT Lo-V train will depart at approximately 12:00 p.m., offering a nonstop trip up the Lexington Avenue Line, while the Train of Many Colors follows shortly after.
These vintage trains provide a unique throwback experience, featuring rattan seats, ceiling fans, and historic paint schemes that span decades of New York City subway history. The nostalgia train service allows fans to arrive in style, with plenty of time before the first pitch at 3:05 p.m.
Skip the Traffic, Take the Train
“There is no surer sign of Opening Day at Yankee Stadium than fans rolling into 161 St on the subway to cheer on the Bronx Bombers,” said NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. “Fans have no need to drive—we have robust subway, bus, and paratransit service ready to take you out to the ballgame.”
With a variety of public transit options available, Yankees fans can skip the hassle of traffic and parking and enjoy a smooth, reliable ride to Opening Day and every home game this season. Whether traveling from Long Island, Connecticut, the Hudson Valley, or within the city, the MTA has fans covered.
For full schedules and travel information, visit mta.info or use the MTA TrainTime app to plan your trip. See you at the ballpark!
Proposed Freedom Plaza to Transform Manhattan’s East River Waterfront
March 24, 2025, 1:17.16 am ET
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Image: Bucharest Studio
A bold new vision for Manhattan’s East River waterfront is taking shape with Freedom Plaza, a dynamic civic and cultural hub designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group and developed by Soloviev Group and Mohegan. Anchored by a 4.77-acre public green space—comparable in size to Bryant Park—the project will introduce affordable housing, luxury hotels, a Museum of Freedom and Democracy, and a below-grade gaming area.
Image: Bucharest Studio
Located south of the United Nations, the site will feature two residential towers with 1,325 apartments—nearly 40% designated as permanently affordable. Two adjacent 51-story hotel towers will house the city’s first five-star Banyan Tree hotel and a Mohegan hotel, alongside retail, dining, and entertainment venues. The park, designed by OJB Landscape Architecture, will include a children’s play area, dog run, sculpture installations, and a bandshell for outdoor events.
Image: Negativ
Bjarke Ingels describes the project as a "green connection" from the city to the riverfront, blending nature, culture, and urban energy. With Freedom Plaza, Manhattan gains not just new development but a landmark destination.
Review: Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Headline a Less-Is-Moor Othello
March 24, 2025, 12:19.33 am ET
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Photos: Julieta Cervantes
By Brian Scott Lipton
Two movie stars with significant stage experience. An experienced director who has helmed some of the greatest revivals of this decade. And, above all, a Shakesperean tragedy with the potential power to make one angry, conflicted, and deeply sad. Is there any wonder why some theatergoers were willing to pay over $900 to watch Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal take on the main roles in Kenny Leon’s take on “Othello”?
Well, sadly, Broadway doesn’t offer “guaranteed or your money back,” so I suspect most people who shelled out those big bucks (or even a couple hundred ducats) will leave this “less-is-moor” production, now at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, generally disappointed in the final product.
Visually, the show is less than impressive. Set in “the near future” (like next week, maybe?), it features a barely-there set by Derek McLane and a gray-black-camouflage palette of costumes (by the usually colorful Dede Ayite), both of which are hard to stare at for nearly three hours. (And you’ll wonder where your ticket money went!)
Perhaps Leon’s idea was to make audiences focus on Shakespeare’s language and somewhat convoluted plot. (Those folks who don’t know the play going in will possibly be confused). More likely, though, we’re probably supposed to fully concentrate on – and be bowled over – by the show’s stars. And therein lies the production’s wisest choice and major miscalculation.
The cunning Iago is the juiciest, most interesting role in the play -- and Gyllenhaal offers another excellent stage turn in the part (just as I’ve seen Liev Schrieber and Daniel Craig do in recent years). He fully captures the bilious frustration of the spurned lieutenant who has been denied a military promotion by General Othello (Washington) -- and has a bit of an itch for Othello’s young wife Desdemona (a mostly bland and slightly too-mature Molly Osborne) -- and becomes determined to do everything he can to make everyone else’s life miserable, costs be damned!
Announcing his rationales for his dirty deeds in long speeches to the audience – which includes a strong racial dislike of Othello, despite the fact his wife Emilia (a sassy Kimber Elayne Sprawl) is also black -- Gyllenhaal’s Iago is undeniably clever. Still, he is seemingly plotting his next move at the exact same moment he elucidates them. And like many a “villain,” Iago is perhaps not quite as smart – or as quick -- as he thinks he is.
True, it’s not hard for him to outmaneuver his foolish friend Roderigo (a fine Anthony Michael Lopez) or even trap his biggest enemy, the supremely good-hearted Cassio (a truly likeable Andrew Burnap, who gives the evening’s finest performance), who has usurped Iago’s place in both Othello and Desdemona’s hearts. We even understand how Iago can easily (ok, way too easily?) convince the supposedly lovestruck Othello that Desdemona and Cassio have slept together, leading to the show’s final tragic acts.
While no one is questioning Washington’s prowess as an actor, he seems (fittingly) lost at sea here, rushing through most of his lines as if he’s got an LIRR train to catch, thereby robbing them of their meaning. Moreover, his Othello rarely feels noble or majestic; Washington makes him folksy, with a vaguely Southern accent that feels absurdly out of place.
Admittedly, even if theater doesn’t demand the kind of realism cinema does, Washington is simply way too old (at age 70) for the role – his marriage to Desdemona seems especially creepy – nor is he as physically commanding as one might hope
Worse yet, in the play’s should-be-devastating final act, Washington never convincingly shows Othello’s indecision in undertaking murder or true remorse once he realizes he’s been conned by Iago. It all feels like something he’s done before – another proverbial day at the proverbial office. No sniffling in the seats? No surprise?
In the end, this “Othello” could be renamed “No Tears for Old Men.”
SEE DETAILS/TICKETS
Le Bar Penelope Introduces a Refined Take on Chinese Cuisine
March 24, 2025, 12:17.48 am ET
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Photos: Melissa Hom
Le Bar Penelope, the Upper East Side’s effortlessly chic lounge from Avra Group Hospitality, has already made a name for itself with its classic charm and cocktails. But starting this March, the sultry space is introducing Miss Penelope’s Chinese Kitchen, an elevated dinner experience that blends old-school sophistication with the bold, comforting flavors of Chinese cuisine.
Served Tuesday through Saturday from 7–10 PM, the menu leans into China's rich textures and refined flavors. Delicate pork dumplings arrive in steamer baskets, their silky wrappers giving way to juicy, savory filling. The baked crab roll is a luxe spin on a beloved classic, while crispy chili chicken offers a perfect balance of heat and crunch. Guests can also feast on miso-glazed Chilean sea bass, or indulge in a Japanese sweet potato topped with caviar offering a contrast of earthy sweetness and salty opulence.
Once only available on the private dining menu, these dishes are now available for all guests to enjoy. Let's just say, Le Bar Penelope certainly knows how to keep things interesting.
Cult-Favorite Win Son Bakery Arrives in the East Village
March 22, 2025, 1:14.09 pm ET
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Photos: Cititour.com
The hype is real—Win Son Bakery has officially landed in Manhattan, and the lines are already forming at its new East Village outpost on 23 Second Avenue. This marks the first expansion beyond its Williamsburg home, where its scallion pancakes have achieved near-mythical status.
First impressions? The space is pristine, bright, and effortlessly cool. A minimalist design keeps the focus on the food, with a front counter showcasing an array of baked goods. Orders are taken here, and if you’re dining in, you’ll receive a number before your meal is delivered on mini metal trays. No plastic utensils in sight—just metal forks, knives, and chopsticks, reinforcing the thoughtful, well-edited experience.
Now, onto the main event: the food. The Shrimp Burger is a must-order—a thick, juicy shrimp patty nestled in a pillowy milk bun, topped with a perfectly fried egg and a swipe of special sauce. It’s rich, indulgent, and downright delicious. The Fried Chicken Thighs, coated in imperial sauce and five spice, strike the perfect balance of crispy and sticky. They’re messy but worth every napkin, served with a choice of seasoned fries or a salad (pro tip: go for the fries).
The menu is a deep dive into Win Son’s signature Taiwanese-American flavors, divided into five categories:
• Scallion Pancakes—stuffed with everything from egg and cheese to pastrami beef tongue.
• Milk Buns—think double-smashed cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, and that standout shrimp burger.
• Sala (Salads)—like a golden sesame Caesar or wasabi-laced greens.
• Xiaochi (Snacks & Street Food)—including a juicy pork rou bao and pork or tofu rice rolls.
• Bian Dang (Bigger Plates)—featuring options like the “Big Chicken Box” and minced pork belly with snow pea leaf salad.
And then there are the pastries—an eclectic, flavor-packed lineup featuring a millet mochi doughnut dusted with ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, a red date cake, custard toast brûléed to perfection, and pine nut sun cookies. Pair one with a five-spice latte or a fragrant tea, and you’re golden.
Win Son has cracked the code for craveable, wildly satisfying eats. Its expansion into Manhattan is a game-changer, making one of Brooklyn’s most beloved spots more accessible than ever. Expect a wait, but trust us—it’s worth it.
Dim Sum Dreams at Fleur in Park Slope
March 21, 2025, 3:33.06 pm ET
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Photos: Cititour.com
Brunch at Fleur in Park Slope is a detour worth taking. Instead of the usual Eggs Benedict, here it’s all about dim sum—and it delivers.
The space is a stunner, with a sultry bar decked out in red velvet seats, marble tabletops, and moody lighting. The kitchen, led by chef Qingkui Feng (a master with over 40 years of experience), turns out delicate, flavor-packed plates that shine.
We kicked things off with impossibly crisp scallion pancakes, plump shrimp dumplings, pork-filled buns and roast duck breast worth lingering over. The dim sum lineup also includes crab roe soup dumplings, sticky rice shumai, and pork or chicken potstickers. A steaming bowl of tofu and tomato soup with mustard greens added a welcome hit of warmth.
Larger plates bring the same level of finesse. The Shanghai noodles have just the right amount of chew, tossed with tender beef and a deeply savory house sauce. Tangerine prawns, kissed with aged tangerine peel, hit the perfect balance of sweet and umami.
For dessert, the Osmanthus Panna Cotta—a silky coconut cream creation drizzled with osmanthus syrup and adorned with rose petals—ends things on an elegant note. Fleur makes the case for dim sum as a brunch essential.
Meximodo Expands to Jersey City
March 21, 2025, 3:25.24 pm ET
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Renderings: Celano Design Studio
Jersey City is about to get a taste of something extraordinary as Meximodo, the acclaimed Mexican cocina and tequila bar, gears up to open its second location at 25 Christopher Columbus Drive in the Veris Residential Haus25 building. Known for its bold flavors and record-breaking collection of agave spirits, the restaurant is bringing its signature mix of traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine to the heart of downtown. Helmed by Corporate Chef Antonio Carballo, Meximodo’s menu pays homage to Mexico’s rich culinary heritage, offering dishes like Yellow Tiger’s Milk Ceviche, Nayarit-Style Red Snapper, and Chipotle Chocolate Lava Cake.
Designed in collaboration with Celano Design Studio, the new space blends vibrant Mexican artistry with a sleek, modern aesthetic, setting the stage for a lively yet refined dining experience. Guests can soak in skyline views from the expansive outdoor terrace, revel in the energy of the bar, or retreat to the Rose Room for an intimate, garden-inspired escape. Meximodo is poised to become Jersey City’s newest dining destination, where every sip and bite transports guests straight to the heart of Mexico.
The Seaport Offers a Festive Dining Experience for Easter
March 21, 2025, 11:42.35 am ET
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Photo: T. Brasserie & T. Cafe
The Seaport is set to delight diners this Easter with an array of seasonal offerings, from indulgent prix-fixe feasts to fresh spring-inspired pastries. Whether you're craving a seafood-centric brunch, a refined dinner, or a casual à la carte meal, there's something to savor at this waterfront dining destination.
For those seeking classic Italian flavors, The Frenchman’s Dough will offer a selection of à la carte specials from 12 to 8 PM. Expect comforting yet elevated dishes like Warm Seafood Salad with chili crisp and lemon, Veal Milanese with a bright tomato and arugula salad, and a decadent Caramelized Lemon Tart with Espresso Crunch Ice Cream to end on a sweet note.
Photo: The Fulton
At The Fulton by Jean-Georges, guests can indulge in a three-course prix-fixe brunch from 12 to 3 PM or dinner from 5 to 8 PM. Brunch highlights include a seafood plateau with oysters, shrimp cocktail and Peekytoe Lettuce Crab Cups; Maine Lobster Softly Scrambled Eggs; and Eggs Benedict with a choice of smoked salmon, shrimp sausage, or spinach. For dinner, expect elegant offerings such as Australian Rack of Lamb with mushroom bolognese and Dove Sole Grenobloise with brown butter and lemon. Each meal is complemented by The Fulton's signature waterfront views.
T. Brasserie at Tin Building is also presenting a special three-course prix-fixe Easter menu from 12 to 3 PM, showcasing refined French flavors in a stylish setting. Look for things like Endive and Snap Pea Salad, Faro Island Salmon with Hollandaise, and Rhubarb and Strawberry Cheesecake.
For those with a sweet tooth, T. Café is rolling out a delightful selection of spring pastries, including the Bunny Moon Pie, Caramelized Lemon Tart, Rhubarb & Strawberry Cheesecake, and Honey Mille Feuille—each as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Photo: Malibu Farm
If a relaxed yet flavorful brunch is more your style, Malibu Farm New York will serve a seasonal à la carte menu from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, featuring fresh and wholesome favorites like Eggs Benedict, Steak and Eggs, Egg and Avocado Toast, and a hearty Breakfast Burrito.
Reservations are highly recommended for all venues, ensuring a seamless and memorable Easter dining experience at The Seaport.
Review: Is Operation Mincemeat a Total Success?
March 20, 2025, 10:07.15 pm ET
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Photo: Julieta Cervantes
By Brian Scott Lipton
Let’s face it: for decades, anything has been fair game these days as the source for a musical, from “Les Miserables” (based on Victor Hugo’s historical mega-novel) to “Heathers” and “Clueless” (based on “cult” classic films) to “Bat Boy” (based on a tabloid news story).
Still, you have to give the British comedy troupe SpitLip a hearty round of applause for turning a once-secret World War II plan that helped the Allies win the war into the whimsical tuner “Operation Mincemeat,” which has now arrived at Broadway’s Golden Theatre after a five-year (and still going) run in the UK.
But is this show for British eyes only? (Yes, James Bond creator Ian Fleming shows up as a character, widely mocked for his ambitions but ultimately celebrated). I don’t think so! “Operation Mincemeat” struck this lifelong New Yorker as a very enjoyable, well-crafted and extremely inventive piece of theater. Or to put it this way, it’s hardly chopped liver.
Still, one’s viewing pleasure derives largely from the show’s superb five-person cast (three of whom are also its co-creators), whose ability to do quick costume changes and switch genders and characters on a dime – as well as handle the many challenges of Felix Hagan’s accomplished pastiche score -- are truly medal-worthy.
For those completely unfamiliar with the story, here’s all you need to know. (The subject has been covered in a few books and films -- most notably, a 2022 Nextflx movie starring Colin Firth – and too much familiarity may breed ennui, if not contempt). Two MI5 agents, the braggadocious Ewen Montague (a convincing, strong-voiced Natasha Hodgson) and the ultra-nervous Charles Cholmondeley (a brilliant, loose-limbed David Cumming), hatch a desperate plan to get German troops to move from Sicily to Sardinia by arranging them for them to find the corpse of drowned British airman, complete with a briefcase full of false invasion plans, in Spain.
To accomplish this mad plot, they require the help of their colleagues: the skeptical MI5 chief Johnny Bevan (the very funny Zoe Roberts), desperate-to-make-a-difference secretary Jean Leslie (the lovely and impassioned Claire-Marie Ball) and no-nonsense head secretary Hester Legatt (Jak Malone, who should add a Tony Award to his already-won Olivier Award, not just for his skill at multiple characterizations but also for his gorgeous rendition of the show’s outstanding ballad, “Dear Bill,” which I wanted to hear again immediately).
They also rely on the assistance of everyone from a creepy local coroner (who supplies them with a dead homeless chap) to a confused envoy in Spain to an ultra-loyal British submarine captain who doesn’t question what’s in his cargo hold. (I can’t be sure who played who!)
Now, I readily admit the show, directed with considerable flair by Robert Hastie, will not be everyone’s “cuppa tea” as it relies a bit too heavily on elements of farce and vaudeville, essentially sapping the show of any drama. Indeed, given everything at stake, the show’s flippant tone -- often reminiscent of an extended Monty Python sketch -- can feel a little unsettling. (Thankfully, we know how everything ended!) Additionally, the cast’s British accents can be hard to fully understand (although I don’t think missing a word here or there makes much difference).
Above all – if perhaps not surprising coming from a country weaned on Shakespeare – the show is decidedly overlong at two-and-a-half-hours, including an unnecessarily glitzy finale (reminiscent of “Family Guy”) that mostly adds to one’s impatience in wanting to use the bathroom or find the exit.
It’s also a bit sad that other than “Dear Bill,” you won’t be humming any of the show’s score when you leave -- even if it’s all quite pleasant to listen to while you’re inside -- nor will you be “humming” the effective if basic set design (by Ben Stone, who also made the costumes).
But you may well wonder how this seemingly tireless troupe complete their “Operation” twice on Wednesdays and Sundays! Bravo and brava!
Leonessa brings Italian cocktail magic to Conrad rooftop
March 20, 2025, 9:57.56 pm ET
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Leonessa Rendering
Downtown’s rooftop scene is about to get a stylish new addition. Leonessa, an Italian-inspired cocktail bar, is opening atop the Conrad New York Downtown on April 3, bringing a taste of la dolce vita to the city skyline.
A collaboration with beverage guru Ariel Arce—who’s behind hotspots like Tokyo Record Bar, Heroes and Roscioli—Leonessa is all about elevated Italian drinking traditions. The cocktail list is a deep dive into spritzes, bitters, martinis, and fruit-forward creations, with an impressive selection of Amari, vermouths, and non-alcoholic options.
Leonessa Rendering
Perched on the hotel’s 16th floor, the space—designed by NYC’s Islyn Studio—channels an Amalfi Coast terrace at golden hour, complete with lemon trees, lush greenery, and an Italian fountain centerpiece. A Fornasetti bar piece and handcrafted glassware round out the aesthetic.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight (expanding to seven days a week on May 26), Leonessa is primed to be downtown’s hottest rooftop hangout. Reservations are now live on Resy.
Restaurant Radar: Black Seed Bagels Expands to Long Island City
March 20, 2025, 8:10.08 pm ET
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Photo: Black Seed Bagels
Black Seed Bagels is bringing its beloved honey-boiled bagels to Queens with a new shop in Hunter’s Point, Long Island City. The 2,200-square-foot space at 5-18 50th Avenue will feature on-site baking and ample indoor seating, marking Black Seed’s first location in the borough. Known for its high-quality ingredients—including Vital Farms eggs and King Arthur flour—Black Seed offers signature bagels and creative sandwiches crafted with care. Customers can enjoy customized ordering via the brand’s app, with perks and advance ordering options. No opening date set just yet. Follow Black Seed on Instagram for LIC updates or sign up for their newsletter.
Around Town - Maestros & Machines, Women Who Whisky, Cherry Blossom Menu, Earth Day and more!
March 20, 2025, 3:25.59 pm ET
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Photo: Mercer Labs
Mercer Labs unveils Maestros and the Machines on April 24, 2025, a groundbreaking exhibition that reimagines how history’s greatest artists—Mozart, Da Vinci, Hokusai—might have created with modern technology. Conceived by artist Roy Nachum, this immersive experience blends classical artistry with cutting-edge digital tools, interactive installations, and a sonic landscape by Timbaland. Visitors will engage with ever-evolving masterpieces that challenge the boundaries of time, creativity, and innovation.
Photos: NY Pops
The New York Pops' 42nd Birthday Gala, Words and Music: Diane Warren, will take place at Carnegie Hall on April 28, 2025, honoring the legendary songwriter. Newly announced guest artists Ariana DeBose, Brandon Victor Dixon, LeAnn Rimes, and The War and Treaty join a star-studded lineup, including Shoshana Bean, Sofia Carson, Taylor Dayne, Micaela Diamond, and Angélique Kidjo. Led by Music Director Steven Reineke, the evening will celebrate Warren’s iconic hits, with proceeds supporting The New York Pops and its PopsEd music education programs.
Photo: Murphy Made
Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel has extended her run in Redwood, now starring in the acclaimed new musical through August 17, 2025, at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre. A New York Times Critic’s Pick, Redwood follows Jesse (Menzel) as she embarks on a transformative journey into the towering redwoods of Northern California. With a book by Tina Landau and music by Kate Diaz, this soaring production explores resilience, healing, and self-discovery. Tickets are available via Broadway Direct and at the Nederlander Theatre box office.
Photo: D'Yan Forest
D’yan Forest, the Guinness World Record holder for Oldest Female Comedian, is back on stage at the Fringe Festival with D’yan Forest: 90 Years of Songs & Scandal. Performing at The Wild Project on April 3, 11, 17, and 20, D’yan blends stand-up, storytelling, and music for a hilarious and unfiltered journey through her extraordinary life. With her signature ukulele and risqué humor, she proves comedy has no age limit. Don’t miss this living legend in action. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.frigid.nyc.
Photo: Women Who Whiskey
Women Who Whiskey brings an exclusive bourbon tasting and all-women comedy lineup to The Stand on March 31. Led by Beverage Director Deena Sayers, the event offers an exclusive tasting of Old Forester’s finest bourbons, curated cocktails, and savory bites, followed by a top-tier comedy show. Interested parties must register for free on the Women Who Whiskey member list at www.womenwhowhiskey.club
Photo: The Met
The Met’s upcoming exhibition, Monstrous Beauty: A Feminist Revision of Chinoiserie, reimagines the decorative style’s history through a feminist lens. Opening March 25, 2025, it examines how European fantasies of the “exotic” shaped ideas about women, race, and sexuality. Featuring nearly 200 works—ranging from 16th-century porcelain to contemporary installations by Asian and Asian American women artists—the exhibition critiques inherited stereotypes and explores reclamation as a form of empowerment.
Photo: Lingo
Lingo in Greenpoint hosts an exclusive sake-pairing dinner with author Nancy Matsumoto on April 10. The five-course menu by Chef Emily Yuen is inspired by cherry blossom season, with sake pairings and insights from Matsumoto. Each ticket ($185 per person) includes a signed copy of "Exploring the World of Japanese Craft Sake: Rice, Water, Earth." Reservations via Resy
Photo: The James Beard Foundation
Mark Earth Day with a flavorful journey at Market 57’s PLATFORM, where Chef William Dessen will lead Demo and Dine: Explore the New South on April 22 at 6 PM. Guests will savor Appalachian-inspired dishes like mushroom toast, roasted carrots, and soft shell crab while sipping a spring champagne cocktail. Alongside the meal, Chef Dissen will share insights from his advocacy for climate policy and sustainable cooking. Tickets are $95, or $125 with a copy of his cookbook, "Thoughtful Cooking: Recipes Rooted in The New South."
Until next time, we'll be seeing you Around Town!
Cocktail Time: The Sakura Spritz is Spring in a Glass
March 20, 2025, 10:58.08 am ET
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Photo: Society Cafe
With cherry blossom season fast approaching, Society Cafe at Walker Hotel Greenwich Village is toasting to spring with the Sakura Spritz—a floral, effervescent cocktail available from March 21 through May 31. Inspired by the delicate beauty of sakura, this perfectly pink drink balances bright citrus, subtle botanicals, and a touch of sweetness, making it a must-try for the season.
Sakura Spritz Recipe:
Ingredients:
• 1 oz Hardshore Gin (a less botanical gin is recommended)
• 1.5 oz House-made Sakura Syrup*
• 0.5 oz Elderflower Syrup (such as d’arbo)
• 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• ½ teaspoon Cherry Juice (from amarena cherries)
• Prosecco, to top
Instructions: Combine all ingredients (except Prosecco), shake, and strain over ice. Top with Prosecco and enjoy!
*To make the Sakura Syrup: Dissolve 4 teaspoons of Sakura Powder (100% Cherry Blossom Powder) and 4 teaspoons of Sugar in the Raw into 3 oz of hot water. Stir until fully combined.
With edible flowers trending in food and drink, this bubbly nod to spring is as photogenic as it is delicious. Stop by Society Cafe for a taste or sip on one after a stroll through nearby cherry blossom spots like Little Island or Waverly Place & W 11th Street. Cheers to spring!
Report: MTA Warns of Another ‘Summer of Hell’ Over Funding Battle
March 20, 2025, 10:10.48 am ET
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Photo: Cititour.com
The MTA is once again sounding the alarm, threatening a return to the dreaded “Summer of Hell” if New York City doesn’t come up with billions for its massive $64.8 billion capital plan, according to a front page story in today's New York Post. Despite touting its “great service,” the agency is pushing for a $4 billion commitment from the city—an amount that could rise as state and federal funding remain uncertain.
With subway and bus fares set to jump to $3 in August, riders are already feeling the squeeze. Should the city cave to the MTA’s demands, or is it time for a different approach? This as the MTA is losing hundreds of millions of dollars to fare evasions. The New York Post has the full story—let us know what you think in the comments below!
NYC Moving Foward with Plan to Revitalize Part of Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue
March 20, 2025, 9:22.28 am ET
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Rendering of Proposed Changes to Atlantic Avenue/NYC.gov
Mayor Eric Adams is hailing a major step forward for Brooklyn’s future, as the City Planning Commission (CPC) approved the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan, a sweeping proposal that will bring thousands of new homes, jobs, and infrastructure upgrades to a 21-block stretch of Central Brooklyn. The plan now moves to the New York City Council for review and a final vote.
“With today’s vote, we come one step closer to turning the ambitious Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan from a proposal into reality,” Adams said. “The plan is a powerful reminder that government is still capable of delivering visionary and vital projects. This community-led proposal will build more affordable housing, create more jobs, and bring more public spaces for working-class families to live, play, and thrive.”
The project will deliver 4,600 new homes, including 1,440 permanently affordable units, and generate 2,800 permanent jobs. It also promises major upgrades to local infrastructure, including redesigned streets, new open spaces, and flood-prevention measures. The move comes as Adams continues pushing to increase affordable housing citywide amid an ongoing housing crisis.
Once an industrial stretch lined with warehouses and storage facilities, Atlantic Avenue is set to be transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use corridor featuring new retail, commercial, and manufacturing spaces. Under the city’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program, all new residential developments will be required to include income-restricted affordable housing.
To further boost affordability, the city will build an additional 380 affordable homes on publicly owned sites, including properties on Dean Street, Bergen Street, and Pacific Street. Some units will be reserved for low-income seniors and formerly homeless individuals. Tenant protections will also receive a boost, with nearly $3 million going to local anti-displacement initiatives.
The plan includes a $24.2 million facelift for St. Andrew’s Playground, bringing a new synthetic turf field, running track, upgraded courts, and green space. Lowry Triangle will also be revitalized as a community gathering spot. In a first for New York, the plan expands zoning incentives to encourage the development of public open space outside the city’s central business districts.
Street safety improvements are also a priority. The plan calls for wider sidewalks, a new bike lane on Bedford Avenue, and traffic-calming measures such as curb extensions and daylighting at intersections. Additionally, stormwater infrastructure upgrades—including sewer expansions, subsurface stormwater detention systems, and 140 rain gardens—will help the area better withstand extreme weather events.
With the CPC’s approval, the plan now faces its next hurdle: securing the backing of the City Council. If passed, it would mark one of the most significant rezonings in Brooklyn’s history, reshaping Atlantic Avenue into a modern, livable, and economically vibrant corridor.
Review: Head Over to the Buena Vista Social Club
March 19, 2025, 10:03.49 pm ET
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Photo: Matthew Murphy
By Brian Scott Lipton
In our topsy-turvy world, I am not sure I agree with the proclamation made in the “Buena Vista Social Club” that “there’s nothing a song can’t fix.” But should any question persist whether “music is the universal language of mankind,” all you need to do is head to the Schoenfeld Theater and take in this truly joyful musical to prove this age-old adage is true.
While many audience members will not understand a single word of the many Spanish-language songs performed by the outstanding troupe assembled by director Saheem Ali over a fleet-footed two hours, I can’t imagine anyone not feeling the heartache and joy entrenched in these tunes, which cover such subjects as fidelity, secret love affairs, and racial equality. (A helpful insert explaining the origin and plots of these songs is now enclosed in the Playbill -- one of the many changes since the show’s 2023 mounting at the Atlantic Theater.)
What is likely to be familiar, however, is the show’s title, whether you know it from the iconic 1997 album or the Oscar-nominated 1999 documentary of the same name. However, Ali, creative consultant David Yazbek and, especially, playwright Marco Ramirez have taken a much different approach to the material than the movie did.
Photo: Matthew Murphy
The rather slight story takes place in both 1956, when Cuba is about to destroyed by the Communist revolution, as well as in 1996, where young record producer Juan De Marcos (Justin Cunningham) is trying to record an album of the “golden age” of Cuban music with the legendary, reclusive singer Omara Portuondo (sweetly played as a young woman by the wonderful Isa Antonetti and powerfully embodied in later years by the regal Natalie Venetia Belcon).
Omara has been out of the spotlight for six years -- steeped in a world of loneliness and regret – and less than eager to step back into any recording studio, even with the entreaties of her old friend, the charming guitarist Compay (Julio Monge, thoroughly ingratiating). During her “retirement,” she’s been rethinking the decades-long loss of any communication with her older sister Haydee (a forceful Ashley De La Rosa), who fled Cuba in 1956 while Omara stayed behind to pursue her musical and personal dreams, as well as her lost connection with her former lover Ibrahim Ferrer (the very fine Wesley Wray and Mel Seme, both making the most of relatively small roles). For Omara, music is both a source of great joy and unbearable sorrow.
All of what ultimately happens unfolds on Arnulfo Maldonado’s impressive bi-level set, which performs multiple duty as the touristy Hotel Tropicana (where Omara and Haydee originally performed), a recording studio, and most importantly, the actual Buena Vista Social Club, which was located on the “wrong” side of Havana.
Once again, Dede Ayite proves to be invaluable, creating a wide away of period-authentic and brightly colorful costumes that instantly put us in the right time and space, while lighting designer Tyler Micoleau and sound designer Jonathan Deans also offer up exemplary work.
Major kudos also belong to the six ultra-talented dancers who brilliantly execute the sometimes sultry and often exuberant choreography by married couple Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck. (That some of the moves are highly reminiscent of Peck’s work for the film version of “West Side Story” or last year’s Broadway hit “Illinoise” is not altogether surprising.) Frankly, I’d love to have seen more of them!
Most astonishing, though, are the 10 extraordinary musicians (led by music director Marco Paguia) who make up the band (in both eras). They send irresistible sound waves that emanate throughout the theater and straight into the heart, making the Schoenfeld the hottest club in NYC.
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Review: Joanna Gleason Brilliantly Inhabits We Had a World
March 19, 2025, 9:05.50 pm ET
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Photo: Jeremy Daniel
By Brian Scott Lipton
Early on in Joshua Harmon’s clearly biographical “We Had a World,” now debuting at Manhattan Theatre Club Stage II at New York City Center, the onstage Joshua (played by a wonderful Andrew Barth Feldman, appearing first in nothing but tighty-whities) is instructed by his grandmother Renee (the always fabulous Joanna Gleason) to write a drama about his mother and her estranged sister that is so bitter that it will be like “Virginia Woolf Part II.”
Rest assured, though, the late Edward Albee has nothing to worry about. Harmon’s work – which instead turns out to be a rather clear-eyed examination of his own relationship with both his grandmother and his mother Ellen (the excellent Jeanine Serralles) as well as the women’s complicated relationship with each other – is occasionally scathing, but ultimately far more compassionate and often hilarious than that 1962 classic.
It's also a slighter play – both in length (110 minutes) and emotional depth – than Albee’s masterpiece. In fact, it even feels slight compared to what I consider Harmon’s masterpiece-to-date, “Prayer for the French Republic,” and part of me wished this piece had a greater scope (and larger cast of onstage characters) that would have more fully fleshed out this family’s dysfunctional dynamic.
Spanning 30 years, the play centers primarily on the changing yet unbreakable relationship between Joshua and Renee. As a young child, Joshua sees the somewhat pretentious and free-spirited Renee as a kind of Auntie Mame, who takes him to completely inappropriate R-rated movies, Broadway plays (“Medea, anyone?), and art exhibits (Mapplethorpe, anyone?). All of this is much to the dismay of Ellen, a hard-working lawyer and mother of three who can’t give Joshua that same level of attention, nor wants her pre-teen child treated like a full-fledged adult.
But when Renee unexpectedly leaves the teenage Joshua’s first professional play at intermission, Ellen is forced to remove her son’s rose-colored glasses: Renee has been a lifelong alcoholic, an illness that deeply affected her daughter’s own childhood -- and which has also resulted in an almost-violent estrangement from her siblings, Susan and Robert -- and her own outlook on parenting. (She becomes a bit of a smothering mother.)
Armed with all this new knowledge, Joshua becomes a bit more emotionally distant from Renee and a bit more protective of the seemingly high-strung Ellen. He also becomes painfully aware that these women do little to help themselves or each other. Neither believes in therapy (although both desperately need it) and both cling to a false sense of self-reliance that does more harm than good.
Director Trip Cullman makes good use of the tiny MTC stage, maneuvering his cast so the show rarely feels static and smartly utilizing the sparsely furnished but effective set by the great John Lee Beatty. But his cast are the ones most deserving of praise.
Gleason, the consummate actress, doesn’t shy away from any of the role’s challenges, including appearing as a 90-year-old in an unflattering gray wig and pink bathrobe. (The costumes are by Kate Voyce). If Renee can be mean, unfeeling or unreasonable, she can also be wonderfully charming and urbane, and Gleason uses all the crayons in her box to color inside Renee’s line. Her greatest gift as an actress – her impeccable comic timing – is put to excellent use by Harmon, so that lines that aren’t even funny on the page end up causing guffaws.
Serralles, occasionally overemphasizing Ellen’s “gift” for melodrama, is incredibly affecting as a six-year-old child stuck in a women’s body, while Feldman – burdened with an enormous amount of narration – is consistently likeable. Their “world” may be small, but all three actors give perfectly sized performances.
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Kansha Brings Japanese-Peruvian Fusion to the Upper East Side
March 19, 2025, 8:59.06 pm ET
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Photos: Kansha
A new culinary gem has landed on the Upper East Side: Kansha, a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant by Executive Chef-Owner Jorge Dionicio. The name, meaning "gratitude" in Japanese, reflects the deep appreciation Dionicio has for the mentors who shaped his career in Japanese cuisine. A seasoned industry pro, Dionicio has sharpened his skills at Morimoto, O Ya, and Sushi Noz, before embarking on his own restaurant journey.
Born in Peru, Dionicio's love for Japanese cuisine began when he immigrated to the U.S. in 2002. His sushi expertise was perfected in Japan at the prestigious World Sushi Skills Institute, earning him a black belt in sushi-making. He also competed in Tokyo’s World Sushi Cup, placing seventh, before returning to Peru to hone his craft at top restaurants like Cala and Maido. Now, he brings his unique blend of Japanese precision and Peruvian flair to New York with Kansha.
The menu at Kansha is a true reflection of this fusion, with six distinct sections: Cold Tasting, Nigiri, Maki, Starters, Hot Tasting, and Desserts. Ingredients like imported seafood from Toyosu Market in Japan and native Peruvian staples such as quinoa and aji amarillo peppers come together to create innovative and authentic dishes. Highlights include tuna tastings topped with Ossetra caviar, Tiradito with bluefin tuna, aji Amarillo, and chalaca, and Lomo Saltado, a vibrant striploin stir-fry with crispy potatoes and red onion. For dessert, there are Picarones, Peruvian "donuts."
For those looking for a more immersive experience, the Omakase Tasting Menu ($145) offering a curated selection of edomae-style nigiri, handrolls, miso, tamago and dessert. The intimate, bi-level space offers a sleek design with Hinoki wood accents, making it the perfect backdrop for enjoying a meal paired with cocktails like the Pisco Sour or Matcha Martini. Non-alcoholic beverages include Chicha Morada, a traditional Peruvian super drink made from purple corn and chunks of apple, garnished with a dried pineapple.
Kansha is a celebration of both cultures, offering an unforgettable dining experience that honors tradition while embracing innovation. You will find it at 1312 Madison Avenue at 93rd Street. For more information, visit www.kanshanyc.com
Elevated Georgian Cuisine Arrives at Laliko Brings in West Village
March 19, 2025, 8:52.42 pm ET
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Photos: Jovani Demetrie
This new West Village spot is setting the bar for Georgian cuisine in New York City. Laliko, the latest venture from restaurateur Gurami Oniani, is now open at 80 Carmine Street, offering an intimate dining experience like no other. The 42-seat restaurant blends contemporary sophistication with the deep culinary traditions of Georgia, creating a dining space that is both modern and rooted in heritage.
Gurami Oniani
Designed by Surgula Studio, the restaurant’s interior reflects the beauty and craftsmanship of Georgia with hand-painted Tbilisi tiles, a communal table inspired by the Georgian supra, and subtle nods to the country’s winemaking and cultural history. The food, too, is a refined take on Georgian staples, including Khachapuri and Khinkali—dishes that are expertly crafted by chefs dedicated to perfecting these beloved specialties.
At Laliko, you’ll find a fresh approach to Khachapuri, with a lighter, doughless Adjaruli (cheese-filled bread boat) and other varieties that include the Imeruli with mint and Megruli with an extra layer of cheese baked on top. But the real showstopper is the Mother Khinkali, a giant dumpling filled with six smaller ones, offering a playful twist on the classic Georgian dumpling.
The menu also features regional specialties like Chkmeruli chicken, Chashushuli beef stew, and Kupati sausage, as well as vibrant vegetable-forward offerings such as Lobio (stewed beans) and Cauliflower in Green Baje. To accompany the food, Laliko’s beverage program is equally impressive, with a curated selection of Georgian wines and Chacha-based cocktails. Try the Strawberry Fields, a chacha concoction with strawberry, honey, and lime, or the Laliko Sour, a smooth blend of chacha and citrus.
Laliko is not just a meal—it’s an experience. The design, the flavors, and the culture come together to offer an authentic yet elevated taste of Georgia. And with the restaurant's intimate atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for anyone seeking something new in New York's bustling culinary scene.
Laliko is open daily from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM, and reservations can be made via OpenTable. For more information, visit laliko.com or follow @laliko.nyc on Instagram.
NYC Bites: What New York City Restaurants and Bars Are Up To
March 19, 2025, 4:58.28 pm ET
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Photo: Point Seven
Point Seven, Chef Franklin Becker’s sleek Midtown seafood spot, is raising the bar with a luxurious raw bar, coastal-inspired entrées, and now, a top-tier sushi program. Becker's menu features sashimi, hand rolls, and inventive “Sushi Unrolled” creations—like Spicy Tuna with tobiko and Red Crab with scallion cream and crispy rrice pearls—designed for a hands-on dining experience. With fresh flavors and interactive dishes, Point Seven is redefining modern seafood in NYC.
Photo: Emily Brooklyn/Lizz Spano
Emily Brooklyn continues its Women’s History Month pizza collabs with an Okonomiyaki Pie by Chef Emily Yuen of Lingo, a 2025 James Beard semi-finalist. Topped with bacon, brussels sprouts, bonito flakes, and okonomiyaki sauce, this limited-edition pie is available through Sunday, 3/23, benefiting Her Justice for women with legal needs. Up next: a special creation from Leah Cohen of Pig & Khao, dropping Monday, 3/24.
Photo: Mesiba
At Mesiba, Williamsburg’s Tel Aviv-inspired hotspot, Passover is a celebration of heritage through food. Executive Chef Eli Buli curates a prix-fixe menu ($115 per person, minimum six guests) that weaves together Jewish traditions from around the world. Highlights include Matzo Ball Soup from his grandmother’s recipe, Tunisian-style whole branzino, and Moroccan-spiced short rib. With each dish, Mesiba offers a rich, flavorful tribute to history, memory, and shared tradition.
Dickson’s Farmstand Meats at Chelsea Market is bringing back its 150-Day Dry-Aged Beef Dinner on Friday, March 21, at 7 PM. This exclusive six-course, family-style feast highlights locally raised, 150-day aged ribeye, paired with unlimited beer and wine. A must for meat lovers, this one-night-only event showcases the artisanal, high-quality meats that make Dickson’s a Chelsea favorite. Tickets here
Photo: Ánimo!
Midtown East’s Ánimo!, known for its vibrant Mexican breakfast and lunch, is now serving dinner and cocktails with the launch of Noches de Ánimo! starting Friday, March 21. The new menu features Pork Belly Chicharrón, Chile Relleno de Queso, and Pescado a la Veracruzana and a selection of enchiladas and tacos, plus margaritas, mezcalitas, and carajillos. Dinner is available Thursday–Saturday, 5–10 PM, with reservations on OpenTable.
Jonas Brothers Come Together for First Preview of the Last Five Years
March 19, 2025, 3:38.28 pm ET
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Photo: Andy Henderson
Musicians Joe Jonas and Kevin Jonas came out to see the first preview of the Broadway musical "The Last Five Years,” starring their brother and musical partner Nick Jonas, at the Hudson Theatre on Tuesday, March 18.
The 14-week engagement of the musical, written by Jason Robert Brown. stars Jonas as Jamie, a rising author, and Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren as Cathy, an aspiring actress. The show charts their journey through a five-year relationship filled with hopes and doubts about love and ambition.
Photo: Matthew Murphy
The production is directed by Whitney White and features choreography by Tony Award nominees Jeff Kuperman & Rick Kuperman.
While he is best known as part of the Jonas Brothers, Nick has previously appeared on Broadway in “Les Miserables” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
Score Big This March Madness with Game-Day Eats and Sips in NYC
March 19, 2025, 1:56.58 pm ET
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Photo: Shutterstock
March Madness is here, and New York City’s top spots are serving up the ultimate game-day experience with epic eats and drinks to match every buzzer-beater. Whether you're watching the games with friends or enjoying solo, these restaurants and bars have you covered with the best comfort food and cocktails.
Rocco's Steakhouse in NoMad and Midtown is your MVP this season. With multiple TVs at the bar and a dedicated game-day menu, Rocco’s is ready to bring the heat. Their "Meat Madness" menu features handheld options like the Dry-Aged Sirloin Cheeseburger, New York Sirloin Steak Sandwich, Chicken Sandwich, and Lobster Roll—perfect for holding a drink in one hand and catching every play in the other. It’s a win-win for your stomach and bracket.
Photo: Gotham Burger Social Club
Gotham Burger Social Club at Threes Brewing in Greenpoint is a slam-dunk destination for March Madness. With two floors of viewing space and multiple screens, you won’t miss a moment of the action. Their menu includes signature Gotham Smash burgers, Beer Battered Onion Rings, Frickles, and Tots. Exclusive dishes like Fish Royale, Crispy Buffalo Wings, and Kale Caesar are also on the board. Pair it with craft beers from Threes Brewing for the ultimate game-day feast.
Amy Ruth’s in Union Square is serving comfort food at its finest, offering legendary family recipes straight from Harlem. Their game-day options like the Reggie Harris (fall-off-the-bone ribs), Ibn El Rasul, and Ludacris (fried chicken wings with honey drizzle) are perfect for munching while watching the game. For those hosting, Amy Ruth’s catering takes care of the crowd with party platters of fried chicken, barbecued ribs, and sides like Mac & Cheese, Fries, and Collard Greens.
Catch all the March Madness action at Planet Hollywood NYC on Thursday, March 20th. Watch the NCAA tournament on giant screens with great food and drink specials. FREE ENTRY with RSVP, plus a bracket challenge for a chance to win prizes. Located at 136 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.
Photo: Porter House Bar and Grill
Porter House Bar + Grill in Columbus Circle offers a refined alternative to the usual sports bar scene. With booth and bar seating, plus TVs at every angle, it's the perfect under-the-radar spot to catch the games. Enjoy a complimentary beer with their iconic Aged Prime Beef Cheeseburger or indulge in elevated bites like Filet Mignon and Buttermilk Onion Rings. For wine lovers, no-corkage Sundays and Mondays make game nights even better.
Watch March Madness at The Standard Biergarten from March 17–April 8 with big screens, brats, and brews. Take your best shot at the onsite hoop for five bucks—sink 3/5 for a 16 oz beer or 5/5 for a 24 oz pour. College students who show their ID upon entry will be able to buy 3 tickets and get 1 free. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Cool Sips at Rock Center is bringing game-day flavors to March Madness from March 18–April 7. Sip on Starry, Orange, Pomegranate, and Sweet Cream creations, or customize your own “dirty drink” with syrups, creams, and boba.
Whether you’re at the bar or at home, these spots will make March Madness more exciting.
NYC Restaurant Openings to Watch for This Spring and Summer
March 19, 2025, 1:47.57 pm ET
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Sami & Susu co-owners Jordan Anderson (left) and Amir Nathan (right)/Photo: Briana Balducci
Shifka (324 Bowery; Summer 2025)
Shifka is the new pita shop in NoHo from the duo behind Sami & Susu, the Michelin-Bib Gourmand restaurant and wine bar on the Lower East Side. Two years ago, Sami & Susu started experimenting with pitas during lunch—quickly garnering neighborhood buzz and selling out daily. Fast forward to Summer 2025, the team is opening the new pita shop featuring pita sandwiches, dips, bowls, and soft serve ice cream. Channeling the rebellious spirit of the 60s-70s rock and roll era in the Middle East, Shifka's design will feature bold vintage-inspired design, built-in seating, and natural wine kegs lining the walls. Amir Nathan and Jordan Anderson are the team behind Sami & Susu, the Lower East Side restaurant and wine bar inspired by family recipes, memories and flavors of the Mediterranean.
Haymarket (Chelsea; Spring 2025)
Haymarket is the new restaurant from Chef India Doris (previously Executive Sous Chef at two Michelin-starred SAGA) and Alex Pfaffenbach (previously Director of Development at Quality Branded’s Zou Zou’s, Bad Roman, etc), who met ten years ago while working at The NoMad as Chef de Partie and Head of Food & Beverage, respectively. Opening in Chelsea this spring, Haymarket's menu is inspired by India’s time spent living and working throughout Europe - ranging from a brasserie in the northern Normandy city of Caen and small local restaurants throughout Spain, to acclaimed London institutions such as La Trompette and Bibendum at the Michelin House. Haymarket boasts an upscale dining experience with a lively, vibrant atmosphere, and marks the first solo project for both India and Alex.
Chateau Royale (205 Thompson Street; Spring 2025)
Chateau Royale is the new French restaurant opening in spring 2025 from Cody Pruitt, owner of Libertine in the West Village. A complement to sister-restaurant Libertine, Chateau Royale is a contemporary love letter to the grand New York French restaurants of yore, accompanied by an all French wine list highlighting a mix of natural and old-guard producers and a tableside-presentation-centric cocktail program, both of which are curated by Pruitt. A dual-level concept, Chateau Royale is housed in a renovated townhouse in the heart of Greenwich Village. Upon entering, there is the bar room inspired by renowned European cocktail bars like Kronenhalle in Zurich and Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, with dark green leather booths and an emerald marble bar, ideal for drinks and snacks. Upstairs is the 50-seat dining room with a menu and design inspired by iconic New York French restaurants including La Grenouille and Lutèce in Midtown, punctuated by velvet banquettes, vintage accents, and dim lighting.
Narkara (5 E 17th St; Late Spring 2025)
Narkara is a new Thai restaurant from Kinnaree Hospitality Group (V{IV} Thai Restaurant, Aqua Boil, and THEP Thai Restaurant) set to open in early Spring 2025 at 5 E 17th Street in Union Square, NYC. Drawing inspiration from the Mekhong Delta region, it will spotlight the rich, lesser-explored flavors of Northern and Northeastern Thailand. The 150-seat venue will feature artistry from renowned Thai artisans, including custom bamboo installations by Korakot Aromdee and contemporary woven art by Patapian, blending tradition with modern design. The dining experience will be elevated with custom-made tableware from esteemed Northern Thai ceramic studios, Prempracha and Earth and Fire Ceramics. Chef Sakdiphat Mokkasak, who brings 16 years of experience cooking in notable NYC Thai establishments like Pongsri, Pye Boat Noodle, Esanation, and THEP Thai Restaurant, will helm the kitchen.
Le Chêne (76 Carmine St., Spring 2025)
Le Chêne, the new French restaurant and first solo project from acclaimed chef Alexia Duchêne (previously of Margot, Frenchie in London, Passerini and Taillevent in Paris), and her husband Ronan Duchêne Le May (previously of Café Boulud) - opens in the West Village this Spring [76 Carmine Street at 7th Ave]. Alexia will helm the kitchen, serving traditional refined French recipes with a twist highlighting seasonal ingredients. Ronan will oversee the front of house and beverage program, including an extensive wine list featuring over 4000 bottles, including rare vintages and hidden gems. The intimate, inviting space is designed by Frederique Mortier, and features a curated collection of fine art.
Mama Mezze (1123 Broadway; Summer 2025)
This June, Mark Barak (La Pecora Bianca) opens Mama Mezze, a new all-day Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, in the heart of Nomad. Renowned Chef Einat Admony (Balaboosta Moondog HiFi Taïm) has created the menu, which features a large selection of classic spreads and small plates, meat and fish skewers, and large format dishes such whole Moroccan fish and lamb tagine, all coming from the wood-fired grill and oven. Mama Mezze offers a lively, welcoming dining room with bright, jewel-toned colors and lush trees throughout the space, alongside an expansive patio of over 100 seats.
Stay Tuned!
Where to Celebrate International Waffle Day in NYC
March 19, 2025, 1:32.15 pm ET
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Photo: B&L Diner
International Waffle Day is coming up on Tuesday, March 25th, and there’s no better way to mark the occasion than indulging in some of the city’s most irresistible waffle creations. From classic Belgian waffles to bold and savory twists, these NYC hotspots are serving up dishes that are guaranteed to delight your taste buds.
B&L Diner: Classic Belgian Waffle
For a timeless take on the waffle, head to B&L Diner in Midtown Manhattan, where their Belgian Waffle is a true standout. Topped with whipped butter and drizzled with Vermont maple syrup, this dish perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, offering a nostalgic bite with a modern touch. Whether you’re starting your morning or looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, this buttery, golden waffle is a must-try.
Photos: Melba's Restaurant
Melba’s Restaurant: Chicken & Eggnog Waffles
For a more indulgent twist, visit Melba’s Restaurant, where Executive Chef Melba Wilson serves up her famous Chicken & Eggnog Waffles. A delightful mix of sweet and savory, these waffles are infused with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, perfectly complementing the crispy fried chicken. Available at both Melba’s Harlem flagship (300 W 114th St.) and the new Grand Central Terminal location, this dish brings bold flavors to the breakfast table.
Photo: Red Rooster Harlem
Red Rooster Harlem: Yep! Chicken & Waffle
Round out your waffle tour at Red Rooster Harlem, where the iconic Yep! Chicken & Waffle awaits. This fan-favorite features a perfectly fried chicken leg atop a fluffy waffle, finished with a drizzle of maple hot sauce and crisp pickles. The combination of heat, sweetness, and crunch makes this dish a standout on Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s menu and a must-try for any waffle lover.
From Melba’s spiced, Southern-style waffles to B&L’s buttery Belgian treat and Red Rooster’s bold, savory creation, these three restaurants offer the perfect way to celebrate International Waffle Day across NYC. The only question is—which one will you try first?
NYPL to Showcase Robert Motherwell Exhibit
March 18, 2025, 8:12.56 am ET
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Image: Motherwell Exhibit, NYPL
“Robert Motherwell: At Home and In the Studio,” will be on display at the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwartzman building from March 22-August 2
This exhibition celebrates the recent gift from the Dedalus Foundation of prints by Motherwell and books from the artist’s home donated by his family. An additional group of books that he kept in his studios will now join the Library’s other historically important book collections.
Motherwell’s passion for reading ran the gamut from literature and philosophy to art history, and he was an especially avid reader of poetry. He amassed a library of more than 4,000 books, many of which he annotated, in his home in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he moved in 1971.
His prints reflect his preoccupation with the subconscious, which was a touchstone of the Modernist movement. Artists such as Motherwell sought to capture the universal qualities of human experience by exploring their innermost thoughts and feelings, a project that the American Modernists inherited from the Surrealist movement following World War II.
The etchings, aquatints, lithographs, and screenprints on view also showcase ways in which Motherwell’s range of imagery and subjects reflect his passion for reading.
For more information, visit www.nypl.org
Sara Bareilles, Jordan Fisher, Jessica Vosk Set for Maestra’s Amplify 2025 Concert
March 18, 2025, 8:02.43 am ET
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Photo: Sara Barielles
Maestra Music, the Obie Award-winning nonprofit organization founded by Georgia Stitt to support the women and nonbinary musicians in the musical theater industry, will present AMPLIFY 2025, an electrifying evening celebrating the brilliance of women and nonbinary musicians in the theater industry on Monday, March 31 at 8pm at Sony Hall
Directed by Jessica Ryan, the evening will be co-hosted by Tony Award-nominees L Morgan Lee and Kate Baldwin, with a special appearance by Jessica Vosk.
Among the many performers will be Sara Bareilles, who will perform "Enough" from her new musical “The Interestings” co-written with Sarah Ruhl; Tony Award-winner Kecia Lewis, who will give a powerful performance of "Price, Bond, and Scott" and "Authors of Forever" from “Hell’s Kitchen” by Alicia Keys; Julia Mattison, who will showcase a number from “Death Becomes Her”: Khalia Wilcoxon, who will perform Little Redwood" from “Redwood,” written by Tina Landau and Kate Diaz; Jordan Fisher, who will deliver a moving rendition of "Waiting for Life" by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty; and Grammy-winning Mexican singer-songwriter Joy Huerta, of the internationally acclaimed duo Jesse & Joy, who will contribute a selection from her new musical “Real Women Have Curves.”
Music Director Julianne B. Merrill will lead a dynamic band composed entirely of Maestra members, including Elena Bonomo on drums, Mary Ann McSweeney on bass, Ann Klein on guitar, Nicole DeMaio on reeds, Melissa Westgate on cello, and Sara Jacovino on trombone.
Tickets are on sale now at maestramusic.org/amplify2025/
Review: Your Purpose is to Go See Purpose
March 17, 2025, 11:34.44 pm ET
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Photos: Marc J. Franklin
By Brian Scott Lipton
Just as all unhappy families are unhappy in their own way, so are their houses, as proven by the ones for many recent shows at Second Stage’s Hayes Theater, from the semi-shabby Southern “plantation” populated by the sniping characters of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ “Appropriate” to the festive, old-fashioned Connecticut domicile of the off-kilter family in Leslye Headland’s “Cult of Love.”
Now, we get to enter Todd Rosenthal’s stately, polished Chicago-area mini-mansion in Jacobs-Jenkins’ newest work, the extraordinarily written and exquisitely acted “Purpose,” precisely directed by the great Phylicia Rashad (having arrived, semi-intact, from Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre, where it ran last spring). But, as we all know, looks can be deceiving.
Admittedly, we might initially believe that this house’s owners – the Rev. Solomon Jasper, a one-time civil rights icon (played with great stateliness by Harry Lennix) and his loyal wife, the no-nonsense, occasionally passive-aggressive lawyer Claudine (an understated yet powerful LaTanya Richardson Jackson) – truly believe cleanliness is next to godliness.
But rest assured, there are plenty of dirty secrets here to be exposed during Claudine’s belated birthday gathering, which also doubles as a homecoming for her recently jailed eldest son “Junior” (Glenn Davis, balancing decades of hurt, the endless need to please, and possible mental illness with great expertise).
What happens in these rooms over 24 hours – at times reminiscent of both “Appropriate” and “August: Osage County” -- is often surprising, yet seemingly inevitable. It’s all related here as a memory play by the Jaspers’ youngest son, Nazareth (a remarkable Jon Michael Hill), a self-proclaimed asexual introvert who spends most of his time photographing remote wilderness areas, but who has just had an overnight “visit” with his old neighbor Aziza (the always amazing Kara Young, exhibiting equal measures of guilelessness and street-smarts).
A lesbian who has chosen to get pregnant by Naz, courtesy of a Williams-Sonoma turkey baster, Aziza unwisely admits her possible pregnancy after being “trapped” overnight in the Jasper home by a sudden storm outside and the not-so-gentle persuasion of Claudine. As it happens, though, her revelation is just one of the many firestorms that upset the weekend’s very delicate balance.
The biggest storm that hovers over the occasion, however, is the one between Junior, a formerly rising politician who has just served 20 months in prison for committing white-collar crimes, and his deeply unhappy wife Morgan (a stunning Alana Arenas) -- a coiled snake ready to bite at any moment – and about to serve her own prison term.
Jacobs-Jenkins is a fantastic storyteller, and it is possible to walk away from “Purpose” without considering any of the play’s further implications, simply having relished in his almost unparalleled gifts for dialogue and characterization. (It won’t be a surprise if he ends up with back-to-back Tony Awards.)
But I believe that Jacobs-Jenkins has a point to make; the women here – like so many other Black women -- have found their “purpose” in life: to be caretakers and caregivers, no matter what indignities they have suffered from the respective men in their lives or what careers need to be sacrificed.
The men, less shockingly, are truly lost souls – despite their accomplishments -- and ultimately beyond salvation by churches or revolutions. No longer an in-demand public speaker, the aging Solomon has taken up beekeeping, perhaps a late-in-life effort to do some sort of parenting, a task at which he has clearly failed. Junior latches on to some half-baked scheme to be an advocate for prison reform, but the idea comes more from his damaged head than his heart. And Naz, perhaps the most grounded of the Jasper men, nonetheless eventually wonders if he has let an important opportunity slip through his fingers.
One thing is sure: Theatergoers shouldn’t let this opportunity pass them by. Indeed, you have one purpose right now -- to grab a ticket to this must-see play while you can!
Roberta’s Alums Opening Full Service Restaurant in Industry City
March 17, 2025, 11:27.31 pm ET
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Photo: Andrew Bui
Industry City is getting a serious culinary upgrade as best friends and former Roberta’s chefs Brendan Kelley and Daniel Grossman debut Confidant, the first full-service restaurant in the waterfront complex.
The duo, who first met as Chef de Cuisine and Executive Sous Chef at Roberta’s, have cooked in some of NYC’s top kitchens—Per Se, Aska, Gage & Tollner, and Foul Witch. Now, they’re bringing their expertise to a menu packed with bold, inventive flavors to Industry City as their first joint venture.
Photo: Andrew Bui
Highlights include the Tuna Prosciutto, Montauk bigeye tuna salted, cured, and dry-aged in-house; Prawn Pot Pie, a made-to-order prawn bisque with seasonal vegetables; and Whole Crown of Duck (top), dry-aged for up to two weeks and topped with brown rice vinegar agrodolce, served alongside a duck leg confit salad with raw parsnips, cabbage, and a hazelnut vinaigrette.
Photo: Charlie Chalkin
Shareables include Potato and Apple with lightly steamed potatoes and apples presented in bite-sized pieces, topped with horseradish soubise and leek oil. If you're looking to go big there's a 70-day Dry Aged Steak, sourced from Industry City butcher Ends Meat. It is seasoned with togarashi and black pepper, served with compound butter and a whole head of confit garlic.
Photo: Charlie Chalkin
The all-natural wine and cocktail list, curated by Beverage Director Cody Pruitt, owner of West Village French bistro Libertine, pairs well with the restaurant’s eclectic flavors. The Manhattan gets an upgrade with ume whiskey and cacao, while the Flatliner Espresso Martini nods to Kelley’s hometown of Telluride with Fort Hamilton Distillery vodka, cold brew and cacao.
Designed by the ownership team, the space blends natural and industrial aesthetics, with a 65-seat dining room, bar, and chef’s counter, plus outdoor courtyard seating when the weather allows.
Photo: Lucas Goldman
Joining Kelley and Grossman are pastry chef Mariah Neston (Le Rock, Major Food Group) and industry vets Eli and Henry Goldman of Secret Garden Hospitality Group. Expect hyper-seasonal desserts, craveable breads, and in a few months, a daytime menu featuring pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
Confidant officially opens for dinner in Industry City [67 35th Street, Building #5]. Reservations are available on Resy. Follow @confidant.bk for updates
ippudo V Brings Vegan Ramen Revolution to Dumbo
March 17, 2025, 11:03.50 pm ET
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Photos: ippudo V
Ramen fans, meet the future. ippudo V, the first fully plant-based offshoot of the legendary Japanese ramen empire, which quietly opened in Dumbo not too long ago under the Brooklyn Bridge. Seventeen years after ippudo first took New York by storm with its rich Hakata-style tonkotsu, founder Shigemi Kawahara is back—this time, swapping pork bones for plants without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
ippudo V stays true to its motto, “To continuously innovate while staying true to our roots,” bringing a bold new take on Japanese comfort food. This isn’t your typical veggie ramen spot—every dish is crafted using traditional techniques and locally sourced ingredients to create deep, umami-rich flavors.
The loft-like space is as sleek as its menu, with floor-to-ceiling garage windows that flood the dining room with natural light. A gift shop at the entrance sells ippudo V-branded hoodies, tees, and water bottles by Brooklyn-based designers. Beyond that, a bright bar leads to an open kitchen where chefs are busy perfecting plant-based broths.
And those broths are the real stars—crafted to mimic the depth of traditional tonkotsu, shoyu, miso, and even chicken stock using a painstaking extraction process. The result? A creamy, complex base that rivals any meat-based soup. Egg-free, protein-packed noodles complete the transformation, turning ramen from indulgent comfort food into a health-conscious powerhouse.
Signature bowls include the Shojin, an old-school shoyu ramen featuring broth extracted from Hokkaido Rishiri kelp and Kyushu shiitakes, and the Hakuna Matata, which swaps wheat noodles for housemade carrot fettuccine, paired with a 48-hour-marinated mushroom tsukudani and spicy miso. Diners can pile on toppings like tofu chashu, fried chickpeas, enoki tempura, and fermented soybeans for an extra kick.
Beyond ramen, the menu boasts a full lineup of vegan appetizers, sushi rolls, sandwiches, and desserts. Highlights include the Vrooklyn Gyoza, a plant-based spin on pork dumplings served with mango miso and cilantro jalapeño sauce, and the Brooklyn Bridge roll, an “eel” roll reimagined with pickled radish, avocado, and Nasu Kabayaki. For dessert, the Sakekasu Cheesecake with tangy yuzu sauce is a must.
ippudo V also goes all-in on drinks, with a deep sake list, global wines, and inventive cocktails like the Chacha Mama (draft kombucha, ginger beer, and ginger liqueur) and Rosa Fresca (vodka, elderflower liqueur, and strawberry cane sugar syrup).
For ramen lovers looking to go green without missing a beat, this under-the-radar Dumbo gem is the game-changer they’ve been waiting for.
Dos Tres Brings Bold Mexican Flavors to Chelsea
March 17, 2025, 10:22.46 am ET
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Photos: Create & Align
Chelsea’s dining scene just got a fiery new addition. Dos Tres, a modern Mexican eatery from restaurateur Marco Britti, is serving up bold flavors, handcrafted cocktails, and top-tier tequila in a stylish, inviting space on 23rd Street.
The menu, helmed by Executive Chef Henry Zamora—whose résumé includes The Bazaar by José Andrés and French Laundry—celebrates Mexico’s culinary richness. Expect fresh guacamole, crispy flautas, and tacos stuffed with birria, carnitas, or smoky grilled shrimp. Entrées like Enchiladas Verdes and Mexican Paella take things up a notch, while the Chiles en Nogada, a stuffed poblano pepper, and the Steak and Eggs with salsa roja and charred onion offers a taste of tradition. Desserts like Tres Leches and flan seal the deal.
Signature cocktails, curated by Joy & Libation & Co., range from a hibiscus-infused mezcal sipper with lime and orange to drinks that bring on the heat. The El Diablito is a spicy concoction of habanero-infused tequila, ginger liquor, and pineapple, while the Mora Picante pairs jalapeño-infused tequila with grapefruit, ginger, and blackberry. Tequila flights and Cheladas add even more reason to raise a glass.
Britti, who made his mark with Calle Dao and Mareluna, took inspiration from his time touring with Marc Anthony and J.Lo, where he saw firsthand how food and music bring people together. Now, he’s bringing that energy to Dos Tres. With 80 seats and weekend brunch on the way, this spot is set to become Chelsea’s new go-to for an elevated Mexican experience.
Dos Tres is located at 461 W 23rd St with an official opening set for March 19, 2025.
NYC’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade set to take over Fifth Ave — Here’s what you need to know
March 17, 2025, 1:45.31 am ET
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Photo: Cititour.com\
New York City is going green! The 264th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will march up Fifth Avenue on Monday, March 17, 2025, kicking off at 11:00 AM sharp at 44th Street and making its way uptown to 79th Street.
Expect bagpipes, kilts, and a sea of shamrocks as over 150,000 marchers — including Irish dancers, military units, and plenty of high school bands — take over Manhattan in what’s considered the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world.
This year’s Grand Marshal is Michael A. Benn, a Rockaway legend and son of Limerick, known for helping his Queens community rally after Superstorm Sandy in 2013. A union man through and through, Benn has been a fixture in NYC’s Irish-American community for decades, leading the Queens County St. Patrick’s Parade Committee and keeping Irish traditions alive.
Where to Watch & When to Get There
If you want a prime viewing spot right on Fifth Avenue, you’ll need to show up early—as in, sunrise early. Die-hard parade fans start claiming their turf before 9 AM, especially near St. Patrick’s Cathedral (50th St.) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art stretch (Upper East Side).
For a less-crowded experience, head above 60th Street, where you’ll still get a killer view without the wall-to-wall crowds.
What About the Weather?
Rain or shine, this parade doesn’t stop—so bundle up or break out the lucky umbrellas if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.
For street closures due to the parade click here
Can’t Make It in Person?
The parade will be broadcast live on Catholic Faith Network and streamed online for those who prefer to watch the action from a warm pub (with a Guinness in hand, of course).
Get ready, NYC—the Irish are coming!
French Retail Giant Printemps Lands in FiDi with Lavish New Store
March 15, 2025, 12:27.45 pm ET
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Photos: Cititour.com
Printemps, the legendary French luxury department store, made its grand entrance into New York City with a soft opening in the Financial District, setting the stage for its official debut on March 21. The move marks the brand’s first foray into the U.S. market, bringing a fresh wave of Parisian chic to the Big Apple.
The iconic retailer planted its flag at One Wall Street, a historic 50-story landmark that has seen the neighborhood evolve into a thriving hub of luxury residences, high-end businesses, and an ever-growing tourist influx. The choice mirrors Printemps’ own legacy, having first set up shop in a then-up-and-coming Boulevard Haussmann over 150 years ago.
Jean-Marc Bellaiche, CEO of Printemps Groupe, hailed the expansion as a strategic move to capture both the city’s affluent locals and its steady stream of international visitors. “The U.S. is essential in our international development strategy. Opening in New York offers high visibility and growth potential,” Bellaiche said. “We plan to pioneer a new format of experiential retail in this fast-changing and demanding market.”
Spearheading the American venture is luxury retail veteran Laura Lendrum, who has previously helmed major brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren. As CEO of Printemps America, Inc., Lendrum is assembling an all-star team to bring the retailer’s signature blend of fashion, beauty, and home decor to the city’s style-conscious elite.
The massive space spans two levels with an expansive Broadway-facing facade, making a bold statement in Lower Manhattan. The pièce de résistance? The Red Room—a rare, designated interior landmark with giant metal flowers that span floor to ceiling serves as a showstopping feature in the space. Parisian designer Laura Gonzalez was tapped to infuse the interiors with a “Paris meets New York” aesthetic, creating a shopping experience as grand as its surroundings. The room, which features a 1931 mosaic mural by Hildreth Meière has been out of public view since 2001.
The department store includes several sleek bars, restaurant and cafe. There is a beauty corridor featuring French brands not readily available in the U.S. There are men's and women's fashions, including new and vintage, as well as fine jewelry and stunning Lalique vases. Even the bathrooms are a work of art.
With its mix of heritage, high fashion, and a flair for the dramatic, Printemps is already shaking up the luxury retail scene in NYC.
STREB Returns With Do Not Try This at Home
March 14, 2025, 2:13.32 pm ET
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Photo: Stephanie Berger
STREB Extreme Action returns to its home at 51 N. 1st Street in Williamsburg, with a rousing production of “Do Not Try This at Home,” running from March 21 through April 13.
The productionpresents the action-packed “Maverick Surf,” in which the company’s Action Heroes take on gravity-defying feats with breathtaking precision. Audiences will also witness the debut of “Air Splinter,” a pulse-pounding new work in which the Action Heroes leap from a towering truss, their movements cascading in surprising, rhythmic bursts.
The show also features the return of some of STREB’s favorite Action Events, where bodies and physics collide in exhilarating, high-impact feats — from the split-second ducking and dodging of “Chaos Mass” to the precarious balance of “Music Box,” the precise geometry of “Rebar Solo,” and the relentless momentum of “Slam”
Tickets start at $25 and are available at https://streb.org/homeseason
Ashley Graham to Join Broadway’s Chicago on April 15
March 14, 2025, 1:57.59 pm ET
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Photo: Ashley Graham
Trailblazing supermodel and entrepreneur Ashley Graham will take on the role of Roxie Hart in the long-running Broadway musical “Chicago,” now at the Ambassador Theatre, from April 15-May 25
Graham, who has appeared on the covers of “Vogue” and “Sports Illustrated,” has been included as Time’s “100 Most Influential People in the World”, Forbes’ coveted “30 Under 30” list, Glamour’s “Woman of the Year,” GQ’s “International Female Model of the Year”, and inspired audiences with her TEDx talk viewed over 4.3 million times. Graham is also a sought-after TV personality most recently hosting Roku’s “Side Hustlers” and HGTV’s “Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge.”
“Chicago” is the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording. Directed by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Tony Award winner Ann Reinking, it features a book by Fred Ebb, and a score by Ebb and John Kander.
Love at First Bite at Gui Steakhouse in the Theater District
March 13, 2025, 6:39.45 pm ET
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Photos: Cititour.com
The Theater District is fast-becoming a destination, thanks to restaurants like Gui Steakhouse, a bi-level space with an attractive bar on the ground level, called Bar 92, and a stunning jewel-toned space on the floor above. It is the latest offering from Korean-American chef Sungchul Shim, formerly of Le Bernadin, Per Se and Aureole, who also operates popular spots like Kochi and Mari, also in Midtown.
The flavors emerging from the kitchen are just as stunning from the melt-in-your-mouth prime rib to shrimp toast topped with caviar and a comforting Clamchowder Pie served on a potato corn cake that had us yearning for more. There are also dishes to share like the Kimchi Wagyu Fried Rice topped with a fried egg, and elevated Dan Dan Noodle with Sichuan chili pork and roasted peanuts.
But more importantly are the meats which are showcased in a giant floor-to-ceiling fridge as you enter. The Prime Rib, as mentioned, is superb with a shio kombu and koji crust served with a horseradish cream and hwayo au jus. Other cuts include a Bone-In Ribeye, 34oz Porterhouse, 42oz Tomahawk and a Thick Cut Galbi. Four types of Japanese A5 Wagyu are offered starting at $23 an ounce. Other options inclue Grilled Chicken with Diane Sauce, Olive Jeju Flounder with pine nut almondine and an Eggplant Katsu. For dessert, there's Baked Alaska.
Cocktails include the Bola, a smoky concoction made with grilled purple cabbage infused mezcal, rye and abisnthe, and The Biltmore with Mizu Green Tea Shochu. Gin, Lillet Blanc and Sakura bitters. But our favorite was the Paradise, a mix of Toki Whisky, cacacha, bourbon, jackfruit, banana, coconut water and purple yam with a condensed and evaporated milk float. It reminded us of creamsicle. Simply fantastic.
So, if you are looking for place before or after a show, or for A night on the town, Gui Steakhouse (776 8th Ave) is the place to be!
Figaro Café Reboots with a New Executive Chef
March 13, 2025, 5:05.56 pm ET
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Photos: Eric Medsker
In the heart of Greenwich Village, where literary legends, jazz artists and poets once roamed, Figaro Café (184 Bleecker St) is turning over a new leaf. Under the watchful eye of General Manager Mario Skaric—whose resume reads like a who's who of New York’s culinary elite—the beloved bistro is stepping into a bold new era.
The transformation comes courtesy of Executive Chef Hailey Nissimov, freshly recruited from the Michelin-starred halls of Shmoné. With a modern American menu that’s as adventurous as her globetrotting past, Chef Nissimov reimagines Figaro’s classic dishes with unexpected twists.
Diners can now share plates like the zingy White Anchovies with tomato seeds and za’atar, or indulge in a theatrical Tuna Melt where bluefin tuna confit meets tangy lemon aioli and melting swiss raclette—tableside, no less. Or indulge in Chicken and Grapes with couscous risotto and habanero honey. There is a Leek Lasagna with cream of potatoes, mascarpone and riccotta. And for those craving an elevated meat experience, the Off The Grill offerings showcase prime cuts from Pat LaFrieda, including a 20oz Bone-In Ribeye, seared on a Japanese binchotan grill.
The evolution continues with large plates that blur the lines between art and cuisine: imagine Charcoal Branzino paired with kohlrabi “ravioli” in a rich crème fraiche sauce, or Cast Iron Scallops crowned with summer corn and a dramatic white corn soup poured tableside. Even the Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steak gets a show-stopping makeover with forbidden rice and a caramel-wild mushroom demi-glace. For dessert, there’s a Wild Berries Cobbler with molten fresh berries and dark chocolate sorbet.
Not to be outdone, the revamped bar—curated by Jeremy Le Blanche—brings signature cocktails inspired by the everyday magic of New York. From the playful DoNut Old Fashioned to the striking Top of the Rock, each concoction is a nod to the city’s eclectic spirit, using premium ingredients.
Steeped in the bohemian legacy of Bleecker and MacDougal, Figaro Café’s reimagined interior, designed in collaboration with DM Design, marries classic Parisian charm with modern sensibilities. Whether you’re perched at the 25-foot Calacatta marble bar or enjoying alfresco dining, every detail is a tribute to a storied past and a fresh, vibrant future.
Figaro Café isn’t just updating its menu—it’s crafting a timeless experience for a new generation of New Yorkers.
Rome Meets New York as Drink Kong Takes Over Aqua Spirit
March 13, 2025, 3:38.41 pm ET
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Photos: Drink Kong
On Tuesday, March 25, Flatiron’s Aqua New York is hosting an exclusive bar takeover of Aqua Spirit, welcoming Rome’s acclaimed Drink Kong—one of the World’s 50 Best Bars—for a one-night-only cocktail experience. Known for its retro aesthetic and boundary-pushing mixology, Drink Kong will bring its signature flair to New York, led by expert mixologist Davide Diaferia.
In collaboration with Weber Ranch Vodka, the evening will debut the Aqua Kong Reverb, a limited-edition cocktail that will remain on Aqua Spirit’s menu beyond the event. Guests can also enjoy four of Drink Kong’s most celebrated cocktails: Canova, Codex, Prisma, and Gaijin.
The event kicks off at 4 p.m., with tickets priced at $20 per guest, including one Drink Kong cocktail. Reservations here
Kith Treats Celebrates Pi Day with Exclusive Pie-Inspired Ice Cream Specials
March 13, 2025, 3:22.37 pm ET
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Photo: Kith Treats
In honor of Pi Day (3/14), Kith Treats is rolling out eight city-exclusive, pie-centric ice cream specials, each inspired by a classic pie flavor. Starting Saturday, March 14, every Kith Treats location worldwide will serve a unique dessert available only in its respective city.
New York’s special, The Big Apple, will be available at the Williamsburg and Dumbo stores, featuring a Graham Cracker crust base, vanilla ice cream infused with Apple Pie Filling & Cinnamon Toast Crunch, topped with whipped cream, caramel, and a dried apple slice.
These limited-edition creations will be available until March 30, alongside a six-piece capsule collection featuring bold, graphic designs celebrating the sweet fusion of pie and ice cream.
Brooklyn Flea Kicks Off March 15 in DUMBO
March 13, 2025, 3:10.07 pm ET
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Photo: Cititour.com
Brooklyn Flea is back and launching earlier than ever on March 15-16 in DUMBO for an extended season of vintage treasures, handmade goods, and top-notch eats. With extra weekends before the full April schedule, you’ll have even more chances to shop and sip. Expect returning favorites like Twice the Fiyah and Iki Kimono, plus an expanded bar program. And don’t miss BQ Flea’s return to Williamsburg on April 6.
Clooney Takes Broadway with ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’
March 13, 2025, 12:07.15 pm ET
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Photos: Emilio Madrid
George Clooney made his highly anticipated Broadway debut, stepping into the legendary shoes of Edward R. Murrow in Good Night, and Good Luck at the Winter Garden Theatre. The Hollywood icon, joined by a powerhouse cast, took their first bow to thunderous applause as audiences got their first taste of the stage adaptation of Clooney and Grant Heslov’s acclaimed 2005 film.
Directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer, the play dives into Murrow’s historic battle against McCarthyism, a fight for truth in an era of paranoia. Ilana Glazer, Clark Gregg, Fran Kranz, and Paul Gross are among the ensemble bringing real-life media giants to life, with a creative team stacked with Broadway’s best.
Photo: Emilio Madrid
With preview performances now underway and Opening Night set for April 3, Clooney’s Broadway moment has officially begun. Tickets are already in high demand—because when George Clooney takes the stage, the world tunes in.
Purchase tickets via Stub Hub
NYC Bites: What New York City Restaurants and Chefs Are Up To Now
March 13, 2025, 3:32.42 am ET
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Photo: Daniel Krieger
Stretch Pizza’s Wylie Dufresne is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a limited-time Corned Beef and Potato Chip Pie, crafted in collaboration with Billy Durney of Hometown Bar-B-Que. This $26 creation (available 3/14-3/20) features Hometown’s corned beef, purple cabbage, Gruyère cheese, and garlic cream, finished with a crispy bite from Tayto Cheese & Onion Crisps.
Photo: Carnegie Delie/Serendiity3
Also for St Patrick’s Day, Carnegie Deli and Serendipity3 are teaming up for some festive treats. From March 10-17, indulge in Carnegie Deli’s Corned Beef and Pastrami Sliders, served with Bacon Fried Cabbage Slaw and a half-sour pickle. Pair it with Serendipity3’s Shamrock Frrrozen Hot Chocolate, a peppermint-infused delight topped with a gold-dipped Carnegie Deli Black & White Cookie and a mini Irish top hat.
Photo: Essex Pearl
Essex Pearl, a Southeast Asian seafood concept from Aqua Best, formerly at Market Line, is landing at Pier 57’s Market 57 on March 21. Led by Chef Daniel Le, the menu features fresh seafood rolls like Southeast Asian Lobster Rolls with crispy shallots, a Shrimp Patty Burger, and Red Curry Seafood Bisque. As an AAPI-owned business, Essex Pearl brings bold coastal flavors to Market 57’s vibrant food scene.
Hot Ones™ is turning up the heat at Chelsea Market with a month-long spicy takeover. In celebration of the show’s 10th anniversary, market vendors are serving up fiery dishes featuring Hot Ones’ signature sauces, curated with Heatonist. Highlights include Fried Oyster Sliders with The Classic Chili Maple (Lobster Place), Chicken Nuggets with Los Calientes dipping sauces (Dickson’s Farmstand Meats), Hot Chicken Sandwich with The Classic Garlic Fresno Sauce (Creamline), and The Last Dab Chocolate Glazed Doughnut Xperience (Doughnuttery).
Photo: NYEDC
Is Maialino about to make a comeback? In an Instagram post, restaurateur Danny Meyer, who just reopened rotating restaurant The View, says 5 years after the Gramercy Park restaurant was shuttered at the height of the pandemic, there are plans to bring the popular Italian spot back. Meyer saying, “Promise we are actively looking for a new location as we can’t wait either!”
High-End Korean BBQ Spot HOWOO Opens in NoMad
March 13, 2025, 2:33.01 am ET
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Photo: HOWOO
Manhattan’s NoMad just got a taste of the Korean barbecue scene with the opening of HOWOO, a high-end spot from Urimat Hospitality Group specializing in USDA Prime, dry-aged beef and A5 Miyazaki wagyu.
Spanning 7,700 square feet across two levels at 7 East 31st St., HOWOO—meaning “good meat” in Korean—brings an upscale take on KBBQ with dry-aged ribeye, snow-marbled short rib, and a rotating lineup of premium cuts. Guests get a full spread of accompaniments, including three rounds of banchan and housemade dipping sauces like anchovy ssamjang and aged sea salt.
The menu goes beyond just beef, offering Korean classics like kimchi stew, seafood naeng-chae, and rare lotus leaf noodles flown in from South Korea. Every meal ends with a hit of green tea soft serve
Cocktails lean into Korean flavors with drinks like the ginseng-infused Grapefruit Allspice and the omija gin sour, alongside a curated wine selection showcased in a towering mahogany wine cellar.
The massive space is built for all occasions, from intimate bar seating with personal grills to eight private dining rooms overlooking the main floor. Later this spring, Urimat Hospitality Group plans to debut two more concepts, DubuHaus and Musaek, at the same location.
HOWOO is open for dinner Sunday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday-Saturday until midnight. Reservations available on Resy.
Chocolatier Maribel Lieberman Goes Savory and Sweet in Her New Cookbook
March 13, 2025, 1:22.18 am ET
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Maribel Lieberman, the force behind MarieBelle Chocolates in SoHo, gave us a peek at her new book “MarieBelle Entertains” where she delves into savory and sweet dishes with international flair.
From her native Honduras to France, Spain, Italy and more, the book covers everything from Bohemian picnics in New York City to formal dinners in France. Cititour caught up with Lieberman at her New York City book signing.
MarieBelle Entertains is available on Amazon.com.
Review: Paul Mescal and Patsy Ferran Ride on a Special Streetcar
March 11, 2025, 10:29.43 pm ET
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Photo: Julieta Cervantes
By Brian Scott Lipton
Depending on how many trips one has taken to New Orleans’ Elysian Fields – through numerous Broadway productions, an Oscar-winning movie, and award-winning television productions of Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” -- it’s logical to have some misgivings about journeying there again! But trust me, it’s worth going to Brooklyn’s BAM Harvey Theatre, where the mostly splendid Almeida Theatre production of this landmark 1947 drama has landed for a limited run.
Unquestionably, there is an obvious attraction even for the most jaded folks to attend: the first (and maybe last) chance to see Oscar nominee and rising superstar Paul Mescal live on stage, taking on the iconic role of the coarse Stanley Kowalski. But here’s the best reason: If you pass up the chance to see Olivier Award winner Patsy Ferran give a remarkably unconventional and consistently compelling performance as Stanley’s deeply unhappy sister-in-law Blanche DuBois, you will regret it later.
The show’s plot (should you not know it) revolves around Blanche’s supposedly brief visit to the squalid, two-room New Orleans home of her younger, married sister Stella (an earthy Anjana Vasan, completely convincing as a woman so in love -- and so sexually attracted – to her husband that she allows herself to be treated shabbily by him despite her upscale upbringing). Yet, despite Blanche’s dislike of her new surroundings – and Stanley’s instant, obvious dislike of his pretentious relative – she digs her heels in, desperate for refuge.
Photo: Julieta Cervantes
Having first lost the family plantation, Belle Reve, due to mounting debts, and then (as we eventually learn) having been thrown out of the town of Laurel, Mississippi for behavior that includes possible prostitution and an affair with an 17-year-old student, Blanche has nowhere else to go, no money to live on, and no other opportunity for redemption.
Ferran, a dark brunette with a wiry frame, perfectly captures both Blanche’s nervous energy – which causes her to drink too much alcohol and take long, hot, calming baths – as well as her keen instinct for survival. Her end plan --specifically, marriage -- is always in her sights, and she is determined not to let anything, or anyone stand in her way. She lies – about her age, her past -- because she needs to rather than wants to, especially to her eventual suitor “Mitch,” (a fine Dwane Walcott), a poker buddy and co-worker of Stanley, who lives with his dying mother and has enough manners to bring Blanche flowers.
On some level, though, Ferran’s Blanche is always aware that Stanley will be her undoing if she can’t escape his home in time. Indeed, long before Stanley learns the details of Blanche’s sordid past (which also includes her early marriage to a young gay boy who commits suicide shortly after their wedding night), she is constantly asking Stella what has been said about her -- a query that mystifies Stella since she steadfastly believes in her sister’s goodness.
What Blanche may not foresee is the late-in-the play sexual attack by Stanley that ultimately breaks her spirit. Unfortunately, director Rebecca Frecknall has her two stars play this pivotal scene in a slightly ambiguous manner that undercuts its power. In fact, first-time viewers of the work may not even fully understand what has transpired.
Still, Mescal is a constant marvel, changing from brutality and anger to wounded tenderness in the blink of an eye; his rendering of the famous “STELLA” scream is shattering in its own way. He also brings real intelligence to Stanley, which exists side by side with his animal nature. We understand why Stanley is the only one of his friends with a higher-level job (traveling salesman) and are not completely shocked when he vigorously corrects Blanche calling him a “Polack” rather than a “Pole.” While far from a saint, Mescal’s Stanley even engenders a dash of sympathy for resenting how much Blanche has upended his home, his routine and his marriage.
Sadly, we really don’t get much sense of that home as Frecknall (who is also responsible for the current Broadway production of “Cabaret”) stages the entire play on an initially empty two-tiered platform (by Madeline Girling) that is only sporadically populated by props. She also adds a drummer (Tom Penn) above the stage, among other “gimmicks,” and even throws in a few onstage rain showers for no good reason. Fortunately for us, nothing Frecknall does can drown out Williams’ gorgeous poetry or his message about human frailty.
So, if there’s still a ticket to be had to this “Streetcar,” go buy it!
SEE DETAILS/TICKETS
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BKK New York Brings Bold Thai Street Eats to Midtown
March 11, 2025, 10:24.04 pm ET
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Photos: Heather Wilensky
New Yorkers hungry for a fresh take on Thai street food just got their wish—BKK New York is officially open in Midtown. Located at 238 W 56th Street, the 70-seat restaurant fuses the bold flavors of Bangkok’s street food scene with the energy of the Big Apple, delivering a menu that smashes together Thai homestyle cooking with classic NYC bites.
This new hotspot is helmed by restaurant partners Jeanine and Kate Royce, who previously ran a Thai joint in Harlem. In the kitchen, Bangkok-born Executive Chef Teerawong “Yo” Nanthavatsiri of Pinto Garden fame is cooking up his signature Thai flavors. On the bar side, Tantai “Tan” Khantachavana—formerly of Martiny’s and Mermaid Inn—leads a cocktail program packed with inventive drinks with house-made ingredients.
BKK New York’s menu is a flavor bomb of Thai street classics and local favorites reimagined with a Thai twist. Small plates (“Kub Klab”) include Fresh Rolls with Thai basil and a spicy peanut chili sauce, grilled pork skewers (Moo Ping) with a jaew dipping sauce, and crunchy Curry Puffs. Hearty rice and noodle dishes range from a fiery Shrimp Pad Thai to the Kra Pow Gai Kai Dow (ground chicken, garlic, Thai basil, bird eye chili over rice, topped with a sunny-side-up egg).
But the real showstoppers? The "BKK x NYC" creations, like the Chiang Mai sausage-packed BKK Hot Dog, a Thai-spiced Brisket Sandwich with beef jus, and the soy-marinated Wagyu Burger on a potato bun with pickles and fries. There’s even a satay-inspired take on a New York halal cart classic.
Khantachavana’s cocktail list leans into Thai flavors with fun, complex drinks. Highlights include the Sticky Situation, a clarified milk punch made with black sticky rice-infused whiskey, and the Paradise Pandan, a zero-waste tropical sipper that riffs on a piña colada with coconut sticky rice cream. The Siamhattan (a Thai-inspired Manhattan) and Pushcart Old Fashioned (featuring peanut butter-washed bourbon) round out the inventive list.
The space is designed to transport diners straight to Bangkok, with neon lights, fluted glass panels, and white brick walls. A bold green-tiled bar, burnt orange stools, and a glowing Bangkok street food map set the mood, while cozy booths and vintage Thai décor add a nostalgic touch. There’s even a semi-private dining space for ten guests with vintage Thai posters and tiffin boxes and a Bangkok street map mirror.
BKK New York is now open daily from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m.). Reservations are available on OpenTable. For more details, visit bkknewyork.com or follow @bkk.newyork on Instagram.
The Joy of Sake Tasting Returns to NYC April 10th
March 11, 2025, 8:56.33 pm ET
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Photo: Joy of Sake
The Joy of Sake, the world’s largest sake tasting outside Japan, returns to NYC on April 10, 2025 from 6:30-9:30pm, featuring a record-breaking 587 competition-level sakes. Held at the Metropolitan Pavilion, this immersive walkaround tasting offers guests the rare opportunity to explore the full spectrum of premium daiginjo, ginjo, and junmai sakes, including over 350 varieties not available in the U.S. Attendees can savor award-winning brews, judged by experts from the U.S. and Japan, while indulging in sake-inspired appetizers from top restaurants like Sushi by Bou, Bond St, Rule of Thirds, Sakagura, Sake No Hana, and Zuma.
Photo: Michael Tulipan
Now in its 25th year—and 21 years since its NYC debut—The Joy of Sake continues to be the city’s premier sake celebration, bringing together connoisseurs and newcomers alike for an evening of discovery. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or simply curious to explore Japan’s revered brewing traditions, this event offers a unique chance to taste some of the finest sakes in the world. Tickets are $130 and available at www.joyofsake.com/newyork.
Places to Celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, in NYC 2025
March 11, 2025, 8:25.51 pm ET
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Photo: ShutterStock
New Yorkers are about to get drenched in color as Holi, the Hindu festival of love that traditionally ushers in spring, gets underway.
The South Street Seaport is kicking off the celebration on Saturday, March 15 from 11am to 2pm, with a family-friendly festival featuring interactive dance performances, storytelling, and, of course, plenty of powder play. Hosted in partnership with The Culture Tree and the South Street Seaport Museum, the event will be inaugurated by Indian Consul General Ambassador Binay S. Pradhan, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and actors Jugal Hansraj and Shoba Narayan. No outside colors are allowed, but can be purchased from Kulture Khazana for attendees to throw in the air as they welcome spring. Register here
Photo: Passerine
Celebrate the vibrant festival of Holi at Passerine in Flatiron, where the colors of the season come alive in every dish. Guests can enjoy unique offerings like beet poriyal tart, melon with green sauce, and pistachio cremeux. Led by Michelin-starred Chef Chetan Shetty, Passerine showcases his bold reimagining of Indian cuisine, with flavors inspired by his hometown of Pune. It's a joyous celebration of color and creativity that diners won't want to miss.
Photo: ISHQ
For those looking to feast in style, ISHQ, the Michelin recognized Indian restaurant, is rolling out a Holi-inspired menu from Executive Chef-Owner Vamshi Adi (Baar Baar, Junoon). Expect colorful plates like Murgh Gilafi Kabab and Maacher Paturi, paired with equally vibrant cocktails like the Jubilee Affair, a creamy, clarified rum-based drink, or the Pink City made with rose-infused bourbon and garnished with a rose petal.
Meanwhile, Veerays, a prohibition-era Indian speakeasy, is serving up a traditional Holi favorite—Thandai. This spiced milk drink is a staple at Holi celebrations in India, though Veerays is keeping its cannabis-free.
In honor of Holi, Baar Baar is hosting a Bollywood Brunch on March 15th and 16th (11:30am-4pm) featuring live Bollywood music, a live chaat station and 3-course meal for $49 per person.
Photo: Junoon
Celebrate Holi at Junoon with a special feast curated by Chef Manish Mehrotra in honor of the restaurant’s 15th anniversary. Indulge in a vibrant four-course ($115) or three-course ($98) menu featuring dishes like Butter Crab & Prawns, Delhi Butter Chicken, Braised lamb Shank with coconut kasundi, and Pistachio Gujiya for dessert. Optional wine pairings available.
For partygoers ready to get messy, 3DB Yard, the largest queer venue in Brooklyn is throwing the city’s only open-air Holi bash, running all day on March 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Forget gimmicks—this event is all about real Holi colors, live DJs, and an electric atmosphere. Revelers should come dressed in white and be prepared to leave covered in every color of the rainbow.
For those who prefer their color fights with a waterfront view, Bollywood Holi by the River, hosted by Cobble Fish, is bringing the festival to Pier 16 on March 22 and 29 from 2-8pm. The event, organized by Blue Glove & DESI HOP, will have guests dancing to Bollywood beats against the stunning backdrop of the East River.
And if you want to party with skyline views, 230 Fifth Rooftop is hosting Holi Fest 2025: Rang De New York on March 15 from 12-9pm, promising a full-day bash with live DJs, Dhol drummers, free airbrush colors, dance performances, and three different party spaces—including a glow-in-the-dark Bhangra floor and a penthouse blasting Bollywood and Tollywood tunes.
Whether you’re tossing colors in the air, sipping festive cocktails, or dancing to Bollywood beats, one thing is certain—Holi in NYC is going to be unforgettable.
Happy Holi!
Review: The Jonathan Larson Project is a Booming Success
March 10, 2025, 10:22.28 pm ET
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Photo: Joan Marcus
By Brian Scott Lipton
In my early days as a cabaret reviewer, I would often chastise singers who used too many unknown songs in their shows, believing that those performers were often alienating audiences who traditionally preferred the tried and true.
While musical theatre is a different animal – rarely, does one hum the songs going into the show – I still had some trepidation entering “The Jonathan Larson Project,” now at the Orpheum Theatre, which is essentially a revue of mostly never-heard-before songs by the late composer of “Rent.” As it turns out, there was no need to fear. Tick, tick, boom…this is an explosively good show!
While the show’s conceiver, author and producer Jennifer Ashley Tepper, has taken a chance by presenting the songs back-to-back while eschewing any sort of onstage narration – to learn about what you’re hearing, you’ll simply have to read the insert in the Playbill as a post-mortem – she clearly knows just how strong this material (and her five-person-cast) is, allowing them to stand beautifully on their own without explanation.
What’s revealed over a taut 90 minutes is how much depth, sensitivity, intelligence, humor, melancholy and self-awareness Larson (who died at age 36 in 1996) possessed, and how stunningly he could express these qualities in the melodies and lyrics of his songs. That knowledge is clearly shared by director John Simpkins, who uses only a few props on a bare stage (set by Michael Scheinkert), minimal costume changes (by Tracy Christensen) and some clever projections (by Alex Basco Basch) to set the scene for each mini-play.
Among the many standout numbers are “Valentine’s Day,” in which a brooding, black-clad, strong-lunged Andy Mientus ruefully admits to his commitment to the gay S&M lifestyle; “Hosing the Furniture,” in which the stupendously talented Lauren Marcus hilariously and heartbreakingly embodies a woman past the verge of a nervous breakdown while trying to please her fastidious husband; and “Iron Mike,” a chilling story-song, gorgeously enacted by Jason Tam, which “explains” how a computer breakdown led to the Valdiz oil spill in Alaska.
Equally great are “Rhapsody,” a love-hate letter to the life of a struggling artist in NYC, stunningly performed by Adam Chanler-Berat (whose resemblance to Larson is a tad eerie); “SOS,” a poignant cry for help from a suicidal man (superbly played by Mientus); and its spiritual answer, “Love Heals,” a soaring group number, rooted in R&B and gospel, that gives the wonderful Taylor Iman Jones her strongest chance to shine (and she runs with it!)
While most of these songs provoke tears or at least sadness, it’s also impossible not to smile through such numbers as the rowdy “Break Out the Booze,” in which Marcus practically channels the late Madeline Kahn; the cheeky “Casual Sex, Pizza and Beer,” led by an extremely enthusiastic Tam (whose dancing skills might have been better utilized by choreographer Byron Easley), or the satirical “The Vision Thing,” in which an unusual political candidate (Marcus) is forced to redefine her campaign over and over until it clicks with the so-called “experts.”
As Larson’s songs evoke so many different emotions, so does this must-see show. Like many shows that pay tribute to brilliant, deceased artists, “The Jonathan Larson Project” leaves us simultaneously wishing he could have contributed more to the world and feeling grateful for the precious gems he left behind.
SEE DETAILS/TICKETS
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REVIEW: LILY RABE IS HAUNTING IN LCT’S GHOSTS
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Review: Lily Rabe is Haunting in LCT’s Ghosts
March 10, 2025, 10:17.17 pm ET
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Photo: Jeremy Daniel
By Brian Scott Lipton
If you’ve never seen Henrik Ibsen’s “Ghosts,” you’re probably not alone. Despite the enduring popularity of the famed 19th-century Norwegian dramatist, the play has not graced a Broadway stage in five decades and has even been largely absent from the Off-Broadway repertoire.
Sadly, Jack O’Brien’s eminently watchable but fundamentally flawed production at Lincoln Center Theatre at the Mitzi Newhouse – using a new translation by Mark O’Rowe which condenses the traditionally three-act drama to a swift 110-minute one-acter -- will do little to resurrect its reputation.
At its core, “Ghosts” is essentially a moralistic melodrama full of what were sensationalist topics at the time of its writing – incest, infidelity, euthanasia –all of which can now be found in the plots of any daytime drama or Netflix series. Its relevance to 2025 is strained at best, and – especially here – most of its characters do little to engender our sympathy.
What “Ghosts” does have going for it – much like Ibsen’s better-known “Hedda Gabler” and “A Doll’s House” – is a strong, fascinating female at its center, here the long-suffering widow Helena Alving, embodied by a superb Lily Rabe, returning to the New York stage after a long absence.
Helena has lived for many years with he faithful maid Regina (an engaging Ella Beatty) – who is actually her husband’s illegitimate daughter -- on a remote island. Meanwhile, her now-grown son Oswald (a very pretty if too bland Levon Hawke) -- whom she sent to boarding school at age 7 and who subsequently became an artist in Paris – has just come home, not just to laud his late father but to claim Regina (unaware of their familial connection) and reveal a whopping secret of his own: he’s dying of syphilis (which he unknowingly inherited from his father). Life is obviously about to get very messy.
Mess is something Helena has tried hard to avoid. She has spent most of her life enabling the reputation of her late, wanton husband instead of telling the truth, a decision she has now come to regret. Indeed, “Ghosts” begins on the eve of the opening of an orphanage to be named after him -- which is less about honoring the man than putting his memory behind her – and the time has finally come for her to spill decades worth of long-hidden secrets, no matter the cost. One watches raptly as Rabe’s Helena begins to assert her own beliefs, much like Nora Helmer, and lets other people’s illusions shatter.
Unfortunately, some of the production’s problems stem from the casting of the two other main characters. The usually wonderful Billy Crudup seems completely befuddled about how to play Helena’s god-fearing, judgmental priest, Pastor Maunders, who is also her business advisor and almost-former-lover. One can’t totally blame him, since the part doesn’t take advantage of any of the traits Crudup usually brings to the stage – charm, beauty and intelligence – but he’s surprisingly lightweight and unconvincing in this role.
As Regina’s adoptive father, the wily carpenter Jacob Engstrand, Rabe’s longtime life partner Hamish Linklater pushes way too hard to be the show’s comic relief, with slightly askew line readings and bits of unnecessary physical business. As a result, whatever pain we might feel for him when he learns the actual circumstances of Regina’s birth is unlikely to be felt by audiences.
The show’s physical production is good, if not spectacular. John Lee Beatty’s minimalist dining room set – little more than a big wooden table and some chairs – is attractive. Jess Goldstein’s costumes are mostly workman-like, although the off-white sweater and pants worn by Hawke wouldn’t look out of place in an Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue (nor would Hawke). Best of all, Japhy Weidman’s excellent lighting, combined with Mark Bennett and Scott Lehrer’s fine sound design, create a suitably moody atmosphere.
Ultimately, I do believe the right production that “Ghosts” could haunt audiences for days. Here, Rabe’s excellent performance may linger in one’s memory for a while, but everything else will be quickly forgotten.
SEE DETAILS/TICKETS
REVIEW: PAUL MESCAL AND PATSY FERRAN RIDE ON A SPECIAL STREETCAR
REVIEW: THE JONATHAN LARSON PROJECT IS A BOOMING SUCCESS
SEE ALL OFF BROADWAY SHOWS
A Taste of Ireland Arrives at Ernie O'Malley's in the heart of Manhattan
March 10, 2025, 10:08.11 pm ET
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Photo: Ernie O'Malley's
Ernie O'Malley is now open 140 E. 27th Street, in the space that once housed Jack Diamond's and the iconic Speakeasy. The 96-seat restaurant is adorned with memorabilia that tell the story of Ireland's revolutionary past. It’s a tribute to the restaurant’s namesake, Ernie O'Malley, the Commandant General of the Irish Republican Army who played a pivotal role in the country’s fight for independence.
The museum-like atmosphere has been expertly curated by Joe Byrne, a Dublin native and co-owner of the restaurant. Byrne, a master of Irish history with a background in bar management, has also stocked the venue with an exceptional collection of premium whiskies. But while Byrne is the mastermind behind the history and drinks program, it’s Clyde McKenzie, the restaurant industry veteran, who’s at the helm of the kitchen. McKenzie is offering a menu that highlights both classic Irish flavors and New York City favorites.
The menu includes hearty Irish dishes like Vegetable Beef Soup, a savory blend of carrots, onions, potatoes, corn, and zucchini in a tomato-based beef broth, as well as Spice Bag—crispy chicken, fries, and bell peppers seasoned with a bold Irish curry spice mix. There's also a nod to New York’s culinary culture with the Chopped Cheese Sandwich, alongside a Prime Rib special every Sunday. For international flair, McKenzie offers Shrimp Piri Piri served on toast points, reflecting his time with Chef David Burke.
In the coming weeks, expect even more Irish-inspired dishes to join the menu, such as traditional Bacon & Cabbage (which McKenzie insists is made the real Irish way—without the corned beef) and Guinness Baked Oysters.
The front bar area, with its vintage charm, is the perfect spot for sipping on a pint. For those looking for a more intimate experience, the Speakeasy at the back of the restaurant offers its own bar and stage for live performances, including traditional Irish music.
Ernie O'Malley's is open daily from 2 p.m. with the kitchen staying open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 1 a.m. on weekends, Ernie O'Malley's is an ideal spot for both history buffs and food lovers alike. To experience a taste of Ireland in the heart of Manhattan, make a reservation at www.ernieomalleys.com or call (646) 398-8157.
'Hear & There' Brings Japanese-Inspired Cocktails and Omakase to Williamsburg
March 10, 2025, 1:37.50 am ET
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Photos: Ben Hon
A new sensory-driven cocktail and dining destination has arrived in Williamsburg. Hear & There, the first concept from husband-and-wife duo Howard Ng and Samantha Nie of Third Date Hospitality, offers a unique blend of Japanese-inspired cocktails, small plates, and an intimate omakase experience. Located at 109 South 6th St, the bar features a talented team, including PDT alum Larry Gonzalez overseeing the cocktail program and Executive Chef Mark Garcia (Kissaki), delivering expertly crafted drinks and dishes in an atmosphere that sets it apart from the typical cocktail bar.
Designed by Danny Taylor and the team at HOUSE/UNDER/MAGIC, Hear & There’s sleek interior is not only visually stunning but acoustically engineered to enhance the guest experience. Custom-built concave orb pendants, textured ceilings, and specialized speakers work in tandem to create a sound environment that’s immersive and precise, offering a high-quality listening experience unlike any other bar in the area.
The cocktail menu stands out with modern twists on classic drinks, featuring Japanese ingredients like seaweed-infused whisky and matcha. Signature cocktails include the Rice & Nori, with Toki Japanese whisky, brown rice syrup, and fried nori with a caviar bump, and the Green Noise, a refreshing blend of sotol, green apple, and serrano. The drink list also includes thoughtful non-alcoholic options like the Big Apple, made with Seedlip, green apple, matcha and serrano.
Complementing the drinks is a menu of otsumami—Japanese small plates such as Crab Toast with tuna tartare and Braised Wagyu Short Ribs with a sweet and spicy glaze. For a more elevated experience, the omakase counter offers two tasting menus, featuring seasonal nigiri and luxury otsumami, including Chutoro with caviar and crab shinjo toast with uni.
With a curated wine list focused on sustainable, organic wineries and a design that immerses guests in both flavor and sound, Hear & There is the perfect spot for a night out.. Open daily for dinner, reservations are available via Resy.
Keep up with New York City's latest restaurant openings.
L&L Hawaiian BBQ Brings the Aloha Spirit to the East Village
March 10, 2025, 1:34.30 am ET
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Photos: Cititour.com
L&L Hawaiian BBQ has officially opened its doors in the East Village, bringing the warmth and comfort of the islands to Manhattan. Known for its fusion of Asian and American flavors, the iconic chain offers a taste of Hawaii through its signature plate lunches, including the mouthwatering BBQ Mix—a blend of beef, chicken, and short ribs grilled to perfection in L&L’s tangy BBQ sauce.
L&L Hawaiian BBQ is no stranger to success. Since its debut on the mainland in 1999, founders Johnson Kam and Eddie Flores Jr. have spread the joy of plate lunches—a unique and vibrant combination of flavors influenced by the many cultures that make up Hawaii. These lunches were originally packed by wage laborers in the 19th century, combining leftovers from various cultures, and quickly became a symbol of the islands' diverse culinary heritage.
For those seeking something uniquely Hawaiian, the SPAM® Musubi—grilled SPAM atop rice, wrapped in seaweed—is a simple yet irresistible treat. The crispy Chicken Katsu, served with zesty katsu sauce, and the savory SPAM® Saimin noodle soup are also standout dishes. And for comfort food lovers, the Loco Moco, a hearty combination of hamburger patties, rice, brown gravy, and fried eggs, is sure to satisfy.
Whether you’re a fan of Hawaiian BBQ or a newcomer to the flavors of the islands, L&L Hawaiian BBQ delivers a truly authentic experience, all served with the legendary aloha spirit.
15 Things To Do in NYC this Spring
March 9, 2025, 11:08.53 pm ET
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Photo: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
There’s no shortage of outdoor fun as the weather warms up in NYC!
1. Stroll Through Central Park – Take in the beauty of cherry blossoms and lush greenery while walking or biking around Central Park. Don’t forget to check out the Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace.
2. Visit the High Line – This elevated park on Manhattan’s West Side offers stunning views of the city and the Hudson River, plus art installations, gardens, and seating areas.
3. Explore Governors Island – Head to this car-free island for bike rides, picnic spots, art installations, and seasonal events. It’s a great escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
4. Bike Around Prospect Park – Brooklyn’s famous park offers bike rentals and beautiful, expansive green spaces, perfect for springtime cycling.
5. Take a Ferry Ride to Staten Island – The free Staten Island Ferry gives you beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan.
6. Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Explore over 50 acres of blooming flowers, including stunning cherry blossoms in the springtime. The crocuses are already in bloom!
7. Picnic in Washington Square Park – Relax on the grass, enjoy some people-watching, or listen to street performers in this iconic Greenwich Village park.
8. Explore the Seaport – Enjoy the historic charm of the South Street Seaport, where you can explore cobblestone streets, dine at waterfront restaurants, shop and take in stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge.
9. Attend Outdoor Movie Nights – Several parks across NYC, including Bryant Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park, host free outdoor movie screenings in the spring and summer.
10. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge – Enjoy a scenic walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn, taking in views of the skyline, Statue of Liberty, and East River. You can finish the walk with a treat in DUMBO!
11.Kayak on the Hudson River – Take a free kayak ride on the Hudson River through programs like the Downtown Boathouse or the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse for a unique city experience.
12.Explore the Bronx Zoo – Visit one of the largest zoos in the world, featuring a wide variety of animals, beautiful spring exhibits, and outdoor spaces to explore.
13. Head to Little Island – This public park on the Hudson River offers stunning views, beautiful gardens, with seasonal events and performances happening throughout the spring.
14. Visit Coney Island – Take a ride on the historic Cyclone roller coaster, walk along the boardwalk, or enjoy the beach and amusement park attractions as the weather warms up.
15. Attend a Spring Street Fair – NYC has numerous street fairs, outdoor markets, and festivals in the spring, from food fairs to craft markets, offering a fun way to enjoy the local culture.
Around Town - odo's Bento Honoring Women, Pascuala Ilabaca & Fauna to Perform, New Exhibits and more
March 9, 2025, 3:42.54 pm ET
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Image: Pascuala Ilabaca
Chilean singer-songwriter Pascuala Ilabaca & Fauna bring their vibrant fusion of cumbia, timba, and electronic bullerengue to Lincoln Center on March 27, 2025. Touring with their new EP Poética Bailable Vol.1, the band blends danceable rhythms with socially conscious lyrics. With international acclaim, including performances at the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Pan American Games, this marks their Lincoln Center debut.
Photo: THE GALLERY by odo
THE GALLERY by odo is celebrating Hinamatsuri (Japan’s Girl’s Day) and International Women’s Day with a special Hinamatsuri Bento, available for lunch through March 2025. This exquisitely crafted bento ($75 per person) features temari sushi, seasonal salads, miso-marinated yellowtail, udon with Wagyu, and more—each element honoring tradition, femininity, and inclusivity. Served in historic bento boxes once used at a Seiji Ozawa-hosted event, the experience is complemented by The Art of Rice & Thread, an embroidery exhibit by Seiko Koba celebrating Japanese craftsmanship, heritage and empowerment.\
Photo: Ellen's Stardust Diner
Celebrate National Egg Cream Day on Saturday, March 15, at Ellen’s Stardust Diner in Times Square with the debut of their new Ellen’s New Yorker Egg Cream. This fizzy, frothy drink blends seltzer, cold milk, and rich chocolate syrup, topped with whipped cream and a black-and-white cookie for a perfect taste of New York nostalgia. The egg cream, which costs $10, is available through the end of March.
On Exhibit
Photo: Consuelo Kanaga: Catch the Spirit/Brooklyn Museum
Consuelo Kanaga: Catch the Spirit showcases the pioneering photographer’s humanist approach, celebrating her portraits that captured the dignity and strength of Black subjects. Organized in collaboration with Fundación MAPFRE and SFMOMA, the Brooklyn Museum’s presentation is led by curator Pauline Vermare with support from Imani Williford. The exhibition highlights Kanaga’s role in shaping American photography.
Photo: Unknown Maker. Young Man with Rooster, 1850s/The Met
The Met’s The New Art: American Photography, 1839–1910 explores the evolution of photography in the U.S. through 225 rarely seen works. Drawn from the William L. Schaeffer Collection, the exhibition highlights both renowned and unknown photographers who captured a changing nation. On view April 11–July 20, 2025, at The Met Fifth Avenue.
Elsewhere...
The Whitney Museum offers free admission and programming all month during Free Friday Nights and Free Second Sundays. Visitors can enjoy DJ sets, artist-led workshops, and interactive events, including a special collaboration with Christine Sun Kim. On March 14, the museum hosts the 2025 eMLS Cup Final with live music and gaming activations.
Finally...
Photo: CityPickle
CityPickle returns to Wollman Rink for its third season on April 4th, kicking off a month earlier than last year! With 14 top-tier courts now ready, reservations open a week before the season begins, offering flexible bookings for up to eight players. Expect an exciting season filled with new programs, private events, coaching, and more. Reservations here
Keep up with New York at Cititour.com
Maritime City Exhibit to Open at South Street Seaport Museum
March 8, 2025, 3:24.29 pm ET
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Photo: Cititour.com
The South Street Seaport Museum’s new exhibition, “Maritime City,” will open to the public on March 12. It will showcase 540 deliberately selected objects from the Museum’s collections of 80,000 works of art, historical artifacts, and archival records, representing a wide range of time periods, themes, and materials.
The exhibition spans the first three floors of A.A. Thomson & Co. building -- the newly-renovated, historic 1868 warehouse, located at 213 Water Street – which has been recognized for its architectural significance within the South Street Seaport Historic District.
Visitors will discover how the waterways, people, and industries of the Greater New York area — including all the boroughs, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley — led to the creation of a truly diverse city. By sharing the material culture of New York and its people, the objects on display highlight stories of the working-class people employed by ships, shipping lines, and other local industries throughout history, as well as the emigrant workers and immigrant families that came through the port as their first stop in America.
The opening of “Maritime City” and the reopening of the A.A. Thomson & Co. building will be accompanied by a range of dynamic public programs designed to invite visitors of all ages to make a deeper connection to New York’s rich maritime heritage.
For more information, visit www.seaportmuseum.org
Where to Get Your Irish On this St. Patrick's Day in NYC
March 8, 2025, 2:01.27 pm ET
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Photo: Amy's Bread/Guiness Cake
St. Patrick's Day is almost upon us and here are some places to celebrate!
Chelsea Market is offering festive specials, including Amy’s Bread’s Irish Soda Bread and Guinness Cakes. Dickson’s Farmstand Meats will showcase its corned beef & cabbage along with $5 green beers, while Creamline’s St. Patrick’s Day Milkshake with Junior Mints and chocolate coins is a perfect holiday treat.
Photo: Loreley
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all week at Loreley Beer Garden with green margaritas, $9 green beers, Guinness pints, and Jameson Irish Coffee. Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day brunch March 15-17 and share dishes like Giant Pretzels and cheesy Spätzle in the outdoor garden.
Photo: Peck Slip Social/Michael Tulipan
Peck Slip Social is offering an Irish whiskey flight featuring Mitchell & Sons whiskeys aged 7-15 years, plus Guinness and Westhampton Brewing’s Irish Eyes Stout. Enjoy live music on March 17 from 7-10pm and elevated bar bites from Chef Taylor Miller.
Photo: Mustang Harry's
Mustang Harry’s, Midtown’s legendary Irish gastropub, is celebrating 30 years in 2025! Steps from Madison Square Garden, this family-owned favorite is a go-to for sports fans and locals alike. With 200+ Irish whiskeys, handcrafted cocktails, and expertly poured Guinness, along with classic Irish bites like Corned Beef & Cabbage and Sheperd's Pie.
Photo: Park Avenue Kitchen
Get your Irish on before the parade on Monday, March 17 at the 1st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Irish Bricfeasta at Park Ave Kitchen by David Burke’s Cafe, 7–11 a.m. Enjoy Chef Burke’s hearty Irish breakfast featuring bangers, baked beans, scrambled eggs, roasted mushrooms and tomato, blood sausage, white pudding and fresh Irish soda bread from Dixie Lee Bakery, plus coffee or tea—all for just $30, with the bar offering
Photo: So & So's/Read McKendree
So & So's is hosting a pre-St. Patrick’s Day celebration a on Tuesday, March 11th from 8:15 PM to 10 PM. Experience a one-night-only reunion with the cast of the Tony Award-winning musical Once, featuring live performances by Paul Alexander Nolan, Matt DeAngelis, Brandon Ellis, Ryan Vona, and more. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of Irish tunes, folk songs, along with food and drinks. Reservations here
Photo: The Standard Biergarten/Leandro Justen
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the Irish way at The Standard Biergarten on March 17th. Enjoy festive drink specials like Guinness, Beer + Shot combos, and St. Patty's Day Ski Shots, along with hearty bites including a corned beef sandwich with fries, pretzels, and more.
Slàinte!
David Rockwell to Redesign Laurie Beechman Theatre
March 7, 2025, 2:52.37 pm ET
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Photo: David Rockwell
Tony Award winner and renowned architect and designer David Rockwell will lead an extravagant renovation of New York City cabaret venue, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, located in the basement of the recently re-opened West Bank Café, to be completed by Spring 2025. Following the renovation of the theatre, an official reopening gala will be held on a date to be announced shortly.
Since its opening in 1983, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, previously known as the “Downstairs Theatre Bar,” has welcomed such legendary performers as Joan Rivers, The Who, Andre De Shields, Tony Shalhoub, and Jinx Monsoon. Indeed, during the theatre’s first 14 years, more than 1,500 one-act plays were performed there.
“When we first set out to revitalize the Laurie Beechman Theatre and West Bank Café back to life, we knew it needed a makeover glitzier than Louise becoming Gypsy Rose Lee,” said owners and producers Tom D’Angora and Michael D’Angora. “We’re thrilled someone as lauded as David Rockwell would join us for the adventure.”
Added Rockwell: The Laurie Beechman Theatre has been one of the theater district’s hidden gems for culture seekers over more than forty years. Having this opportunity to be part of this new incarnation, extending its legacy for new generations of legendary artists and in-the-know audiences, is incredibly meaningful. Our design concept celebrates the space’s rich and diverse history, while delivering an unabashedly glamorous experience for all who enter.”
For more information, please visit www.wbcnyc.com.
Food Bank For NYC Launches 2025 Eat For Good Dinner Series with an Exclusive Collaboration
March 7, 2025, 2:27.28 pm ET
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Food Bank For NYC kicks off its 2025 Eat For Good Dinner Series this month with an exclusive collaboration between two of the country’s most celebrated Italian chefs. On March 26, Chef Evan Funke—of LA hotspots Funke, Felix Trattoria, Mother Wolf, and Tre Dita—joins Chef Missy Robbins at her acclaimed Brooklyn restaurant, Misi, for a special five-course, family-style meal.
Photo: Misy
Eat For Good pairs top NYC culinary talent with renowned chefs from around the world to raise awareness and funds for the fight against food insecurity. Last year’s series provided 1.2 million meals to food-insecure New Yorkers through four high-profile dinners. This year, Funke and Robbins’ menu will feature:
• Sfincione Palermitano
• Antipasti including Marinated Leeks with anchovy, parsley, and pistachio; and Grilled Baby Artichokes with mint salsa verde
• Pasta such as Tortellini with Parmigiano, cream, and nutmeg; and Lasagna Verde alla Bolognese
• Secondi will include Bistecca, with rosemary, garlic, and fennel pollen
• Dessert, Olive Oil Gelato for dessert
Tickets for this one-night-only event are available now.
Elephant District Brings Thai Happy Hour to Dumbo
March 7, 2025, 2:06.56 pm ET
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Photos: Elephant District
Spring is in the air, and so is the scent of sizzling Bangkok street food at Elephant District, Dumbo’s vibrant new Thai spot. Nestled at 9 Old Fulton Street, the restaurant—adorned with playful murals of elephants slurping noodles by the Brooklyn Bridge—has introduced a Thai-style happy hour, running Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Expect crisp curry puffs, Bangkok Night Market wings, and pan-fried chive cakes, all priced at $9, alongside $6 Singha beers.
Co-owner and mixologist Sayparn “Patty” Wongsak shakes up two standout cocktails at $12 each. The Wan Thong, a floral vodka-based drink, dazzles with lychee, yuzu, Contreau and butterfly pea syrup, while Mayom, a Thai twist on a margarita, blends tequila, agave, lime, and star gooseberry with a chili-salt rim. It’s the perfect excuse to sip, snack, and soak in Dumbo’s dreamy waterfront views.
Kimchi Meets ‘Nduja in This New Pizza at The Frenchman’s Dough
March 7, 2025, 1:06.17 pm ET
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Photos: The Frenchman's Dough
Kimchi on pizza? You bet. This March, The Frenchman’s Dough at The Tin Building is bringing the heat with the Kimchi ‘Nduja Pie, an unexpected yet irresistible fusion of Korean and Italian flavors. Chef Joseph Rhee, Chef de Cuisine for Jean-Georges Restaurants, takes inspiration from a Korean winter camping classic, layering ember-roasted yam, tangy Goshen Kimchi, spicy ‘nduja, and smoked mozzarella for a bold, umami-packed bite.
This limited-time offering showcases kimchi’s versatility, proving it’s more than just a side dish—it’s a powerhouse ingredient that pairs beautifully with Western cuisine. Finished with fresh oregano, the Kimchi ‘Nduja Pie ($29) is only available through March, so grab a slice while you can.
GITANO NYC Brings Tropical Tulum Vibes to the Seaport
March 7, 2025, 1:10.16 am ET
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Image: Grupo Gitano
If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping a mezcal cocktail under the jungle canopy without leaving Manhattan, GITANO NYC at Pier 17 is your new paradise. The sultry hotspot transports guests straight to Tulum, Mexico with its wabi-sabi jungle aesthetic, Spanish Colonial elegance, and an intoxicating blend of natural elements and modern glamour.
Image: Grupo Gitano
From the moment you step inside, you’re wrapped in lush greenery, towering 30-foot ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that frame breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge. A dramatic rose gold rope chandelier, handcrafted in Merida, and salvaged gold architectural columns add a touch of history and grandeur, while zapote wood tables and hand-laid cement tiles from Mexico bring authenticity to every corner.
Photos: Alex Staniloff
But it’s not just about the eye candy—GITANO’s menu is a celebration of bold Mexican flavors with a contemporary twist. The Hamachi Tostada is topped with grilled avocado, fermented chiles, and ginger, while the Lobster Tostada delivers a decadent bite with chipotle and kosho Mexicano. The Truffle Tlayuda (Mexican style pizza) takes Oaxacan street food to the next level with Chihuahua cheese, huitlacoche, and epazote. And for the meat lovers, the Chipotle Albóndigas (Mexican meatball soup) packs a punch with wagyu beef, crispy epazote, and queso panela.
Cocktails are just as transportive, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and tropical flavors. Sip on a Sun Dia ($16), a refreshing blend of watermelon, lime, agave and soda or go for something more adventurous like The Purity ($16), featuring coconut water, cucumber, ginger, and chlorophyll—because even your indulgences should feel good for you.
Image: Grupo Gitano
As the night deepens, GITANO shifts from an intimate dining retreat into a full-fledged jungle party, complete with NYC’s largest disco ball, a mirrored DJ booth, and coffered mirrored ceilings that set the stage for high-energy nightlife. The fusion of tropical escapism and urban sophistication makes this spot a must-visit for anyone looking to dine, dance, and disappear into the magic of the moment.
Lea Delaria, Max Jenkins, Cassadee Pope Join Titanique
March 7, 2025, 12:29.43 am ET
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Photos: Evan Zimmerman/MurphyMade
Updated casting has been announced for “Titanique” — the irresistibly funny and irreverent Off-Broadway musical send-up of the blockbuster film “Titanic” —which continues its run at the Daryl Roth Theatre (101 E. 15th Street).
The show now features “Wicked” alum Dee Roscioli, as Celine Dion, Grammy Award nominee Cassadee Pope as Rose, Screen Actors Guild nominee Max Jenkins as Jack, Screen Actors Guild Award winner Lea DeLaria as Ruth, Drama League nominee Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Victor Garber, Drama Desk Award nominee Lisa Howard as The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Theater World Award winner Callum Francis as Cal, and Broadway favorite Kyle Ramar Freeman as The Iceberg. Completing the current cast are Jamir Brown, Rae Davenport, Sara Gallo, Tess Marshall, and Barnaby Reiter.
The show is directed by Tye Blue; co-written by Blue, Marla Mindelle and Constantine Rousouli and choreographed by Ellenore Scott. It features the music of pop icon Celine Dion, including such hits as “My Heart Will Go On,” “All By Myself”, “I Drove All Night,” and “To Love You More.”
For tickets and other information, visit titaniquemusical.com
Kathryn Gallagher and Julia Lester Return to Stage in All Nighter
March 6, 2025, 11:40.16 pm ET
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Tony Award nominees Kathryn Gallagher (“Jagged Little Pill”) and Julia Lester (“Into the Woods”) have returned to the stage in “All Nighter,” a new play by Natalie Margolin and directed by Jaki Bradley, which is now at the Robert W/ Wilson MCC Theater Space (511 West 52nd Street). The show is currently in previews, with an opening night set for March 9, and is set for a limited 12-week run through May 18.
The play takes place during finals week at a small liberal arts college in rural Pennsylvania, where a tight-knit group of roommates pull one last all-nighter in an old ballroom to complete their final assignments. As the pressure mounts and the Adderall flows, the truths that bind this group together are put to the test.
The cast also includes Kristine Froseth, Havana Rose Liu, and Alyah Chanelle Scott.
For tickets and information, visit allnighterplay.com
Crash This Indian Wedding for a Celebratory Feast in Greenwich Village
March 6, 2025, 1:29.53 am ET
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Photos: Mateo Arango
Something special is happening on Bleecker Street: a wedding—but not yours, and not a relative either. Madam Ji Ki Shaadi ("Madam Ji Is Getting Married") is the brainchild of Abishek Sharma, a chef, restaurateur and wedding caterer, who is bringing the extravagant, joyous spectacle of an Indian wedding to the heart of Greenwich Village. Dressing up and traditional Indian wedding attire are encouraged.
From the moment you walk in, you become part of the celebration. A host offers a sparkling welcome drink and welcoming bites. The décor is filled with golden yellows, deep greens and blues symbolic of a traditional Indian wedding along with music curated by popular Indian wedding DJs. And then there’s the food, a feast worthy of any grand affair.
The Shaadi Tasting Wedding Menu ($65) is the main event, featuring dishes found at traditional Indian weddings. Beetroot Chaat balances crispy and tangy with a trio of sauces, while Chili Chicken Bao and Chipotle Paneer Kebabs add a playful twist.
Then comes the showstopper: a round golden tray holding six mains—Makhani Chicken, Slow-Cooked Gosht Royale (goat), and Truffle Harvest Kofta among them—plus naan, rice, and chutneys. Dessert? Gajar Halwa Kulfi, a warm, spiced carrot pudding with ice cream, followed by mithai (Indian sweets) as a parting gift, just like at a real wedding.
Cocktails also deliver celebratory flavors. The Shaadi Ka Laddu (whiskey, Coco Lopez, lime, curry leaf) nods to the saying that “whoever eats the wedding sweet regrets it, and whoever doesn’t also regrets it”—a cheeky, bittersweet take on marriage. The Baarat Bullet (bourbon, Amaro, sweet vermouth) references the groom’s lively wedding procession, often featuring a Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle.
At 7:30 and 8:00 p.m. seatings, the night belongs to the guests—no 90-minute table limits here. Instead, expect DJ-curated music, vibrant conversation, and the kind of joyful excess you only find at a wedding. The only thing missing? A bride and groom.
Andrew Scott Arrives in New York for Olivier-Winning Vanya
March 6, 2025, 12:09.26 am ET
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Photo: Valerie Terranova
Olivier Award winner Andrew Scott has landed in New York City ahead of the first performance of Vanya, set to begin its run at the Lucille Lortel Theatre (121 Christopher Street) on Monday, March 10. This radical new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya—a solo tour-de-force for Scott—has already captivated audiences across the Atlantic, earning multiple accolades, including an Olivier Award® for Best Revival.
The production, co-created by Scott alongside adaptor Simon Stephens, designer Rosanna Vize, and director Sam Yates, reimagines Chekhov’s classic with a bold and intimate approach. Scott takes on every role, breathing new life into a play that has challenged and inspired generations of theatregoers. The official opening night is set for Tuesday, March 18.
“I’m so honored to be in this historic theatre on this historic street, and really excited by how intimate it is,” said Scott. “I genuinely believe this is a masterpiece of a play, and I don’t use that word lightly.”
Anton Chekhov’s timeless masterpiece has captivated audiences and influenced dramatists for more than 125 years, thanks to the emotional depth and subtle humor it brings to the exploration of unfulfilled dreams, existential yearning, and the complexities of human relationships. A trove of history’s greatest stage stars, including Laurence Olivier, Ian McKellen, and Peter O’Toole, have tackled its titular character. None of them played every role...until now.
For tickets and more information, visit vanyaonstage.com.
Kimchi is the Star at RAON in Midtown
March 5, 2025, 2:11.02 am ET
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Photos: Evan Sung
Midtown just got a serious fine-dining upgrade. RAON, the highly anticipated new spot from husband-and-wife duo Chef Soogil Lim and Sasook Youn of East Village’s Soogil, is now open at 207 East 59th Street, delivering a 10-course tasting menu ($255 per person) centered around Korea’s most iconic dish: kimchi.
Unlike Soogil’s French-influenced fare, RAON dives deep into Korean culinary heritage, reimagining centuries-old flavors with a modern twist. Chef Lim spotlights four distinct kimchi varieties—from the well-known baechu (cabbage kimchi) to the rare jang kimchi (soy sauce-based)—incorporating them into dishes like Foie Gras Kimchi Mandu, Uni Kimbap with Jang Kimchi, and Galbi Sotbap with Dongchimi.
Adding to the prestige, RAON sources handcrafted doenjang (soybean paste) and ganjang (soy sauce) crafted by Chef Oh Kyung-sun, a disciple of the renowned Ven. Jeong Kwan, a master of Korean temple cuisine and a celebrated figure from the Netflix series Chef's Table. Meanwhile, Sommelier Hak Soo Kim (Per Se, Jungsik) curates a drinks menu featuring Korea’s finest premium soju, wines, and sake, with a mixed pairing available for an extra $195 per person.
Designed by Ryan Jo of IDBD Partners, the minimalist 14-seat chef’s counter offers front-row seat to Lim’s culinary artistry, blending traditional Korean aesthetics with sleek, modern design.
RAON is open Tuesday through Saturday with two nightly seatings. Reservations are required via Resy.
Coffee & Caviar Brings Luxe Mornings to Tribeca
March 5, 2025, 1:11.25 am ET
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Photo: Coffee & Caviar
New Yorkers can now start their mornings with a little extra indulgence. Coffee & Caviar, a new concept from wholesale caviar distributor Dasha Smyslov, has landed in Tribeca, offering a high-end breakfast experience without the usual fine-dining fuss.
The shop, which opened earlier this month at 71 Worth Street, operates out of Farra, the neighboring wine bar to Michelin-starred Atera, and serves up exactly what the name promises: high-quality coffee paired with some of the finest caviar in town. Smyslov, who supplies luxury caviar to several top restaurants—including Atera—wanted to create a space where New Yorkers could enjoy caviar in a more relaxed, everyday setting.
The star of the menu is the Caviar Breakfast for Two ($64.79), featuring 28 grams of Grade A Kaluga or Royal Ossetra caviar, served with Isigny Ste Mère butter and artisanal sourdough from Le Fournil in the East Village. For those looking to splurge, tins of caviar are available to purchase, ranging from $74.79 for 50 grams of Kaluga to $399.79 for 250 grams of Ossetra.
The coffee and espresso come from Batch Coffee in Upstate NY which prides itself for its organic coffee and single-origin espresso. A selection of high-quality matcha and herbal and black teas are also available.
The concept is inspired by Smyslov’s Russian roots—growing up in Moscow, caviar for breakfast was the norm in her family. Now, she’s bringing the tradition to NYC, proving that luxury doesn’t have to be reserved for special occasions.
Tatianna Córdoba is Ready to Soar in Real Women Have Curves
March 4, 2025, 6:30.05 pm ET
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Photo: Cititour.com
Broadway is about to welcome a fresh and dynamic talent as Tatianna Córdoba steps into the spotlight in Real Women Have Curves: The Musical. The highly anticipated production, set to begin performances on April 1 at the James Earl Jones Theatre ahead of its opening night on April 27, brings to life the beloved story that first captivated audiences as a play and later as a critically acclaimed HBO film. Córdoba stars as Ana Garcia, a young Latina navigating the complexities of ambition, family, and self-discovery in East Los Angeles.
Joining Córdoba is an all-star cast, including Justina Machado (One Day at a Time) as Carmen, Florencia Cuenca as Estela, Shelby Acosta as Prima Flaca and Mason Reeves as Henry. The musical blends humor, heart, and the resilience of women working together against the odds, featuring music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning Joy Huerta and composer Benjamin Velez, with a book by Lisa Loomer and Nell Benjamin.
After a critically acclaimed world premiere at the American Repertory Theater, Real Women Have Curves: The Musical now aims to inspire a wider audience.
The production is helmed by Tony and Olivier Award-winning director and choreographer Sergio Trujillo. Producer Barry Weissler said, "It's a story of mothers and daughters, and reaching for achievement, things that you want in your life. It's a story of survival and it's got a heck of a score and choreography."
Córdoba is a newcomer to Broadway, telling Cititour, "I'm so excited." "I had six jobs in the past year. I was doing all sorts of things. I was a waitress. I was a bobarista. I worked at a bunch of retail companies and was also auditioning at the same time, and I finally get to do what I love to do at work."
Córdoba, whose father is a Latin musician, says she has been surrounded by music and singing all of her life. "It's all very surreal," said Córdoba, "I'm still trying to process it."
Garage Sale Vintage Expands Live Events
March 4, 2025, 4:54.32 pm ET
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Photo: House of Vintage
Garage Sale Vintage (122 West 26th Street), a six-month-old shop selling a wide variety of vintage clothing, records and other retro products, is expanding its line-up of live events held at the store.
The shop will be hosting live bands, comedy shows, free dance parties and house parties with live DJs, “music bingo,” trivia nights, album releases and more in the coming weeks.
In addition, the store has a full bar, which offers such signature cocktails as the “Chelsea Smash,” “Lavender Sour,” “Spicy Paloma,” “Paper Thin Spritz” as well as mocktails including the “Phony Negroni.” At the bar, one can also order food, such as birriastew tacos, quesabirria tacos, and mushroom carnitas,
For a complete calendar, visit garagesalevintage.com
Venchi Debuts New Chocolate Collection for Easter
March 4, 2025, 4:24.31 pm ET
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Photos: Venchi
International chocolatier Venchi has launched its new Blooming Wonder Collection, which features a variety of new products full of discovery and flavorful surprises, just in time for Easter. The products are available at the company’s many NYC stores and online.
Venchi's Easter collection features a variety of new eggs with amazing surprise ingredients inside them in the form of premium whole pistachios, hazelnuts, chocoviar grains – all incorporated to enrich the chocolate egg experience.
There is also a new limited-edition stylish, spring-inspired gift box collection, as well as traditional favorites such as chocolate bunnies and chicks, egg carton boxes, and more.
For more information, visit https://us.venchi.com.
Ana Gasteyer, Bonnie Milligan, Nathan Lane to Appear at Symphony Space in March
March 4, 2025, 4:15.00 pm ET
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Photos: Symphony Space
New York institution Symphony Space (2537 Broadway) has announced two celebrity-oriented events taking place later this month.
On Wednesday, March 12 at 7pm, the venue will host the latest edition of its “Selected Shorts” series, entitled “Dog Tales.” Ana Gasteyer hosts this evening of fiction dedicated to our most beloved companions: our dogs. It will feature performances by fellow Broadway stars Julie Benko, Bonnie Milligan, Javier Muñoz, and Jeremy Shamos.
Then, on March 20 at 7pm, Josh Horowitz will be on hand for a special live edition of his podcast, “Happy Sad Confused” with three time Tony Award–winning actor Nathan Lane, who will discuss his illustrious career and new starring role on the soon-to-be-streaming Hulu series “Mid-Century Modern.”
For more information, visit www.symphonyspace.org
New Museum to Open a Chic Restaurant with Chef Julia Sherman
March 4, 2025, 12:36.26 am ET
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Rendering: New Museum Restaurant
The New Museum will unveil a new restaurant this fall. As part of its massive 60,000-square-foot expansion, the downtown art mecca has tapped salad savant Julia Sherman to helm the brand-new, all-day restaurant that’s as much a work of art as the exhibits upstairs.
Sherman—author of Salad for President and Arty Parties—will bring her signature style to the yet-to-be-named eatery, which is slated to open in fall 2025. Backed by Brooklyn’s Oberon Group (the team behind Rucola and June), the spot will focus on local seafood and vibrant produce from the Hudson Valley.
The 100-seat space—accessible via Freeman Alley after hours—will also serve up classic martinis, spritzes and non-alcoholic botanical drinks from Arley Marks, while the wine list will lean toward natural, regenerative vintages.
But it’s not just about the food. Designed by star architects OMA / Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas with Executive Architect Cooper Robertson, the restaurant will feature carbon-sequestering cork, lush live plants, and custom furnishings by designer Minjae Kim. Artist Ian Cheng will also contribute a one-of-a-kind installation for the bar.
“We imagined the restaurant both as part of and independent from the Museum,” said OMA Partner Shohei Shigematsu, teasing an ultra-chic “freestanding box” inside the New Museum’s lobby.
Henry Rich, Managing Partner of the Oberon Group, called the venture a “gathering place for artists, the neighborhood, and museum visitors.”
So get ready, downtown diners—this one’s shaping up to be a masterpiece.
Una Pizza Napoletana Launches Califorina-Inspired Pie to Aid Wildfire Victims
March 4, 2025, 12:12.22 am ET
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Photos: Una Pizza Napoletana
Una Pizza Napoletana, the NYC restaurant from acclaimed chef Anthony Mangieri, will be offering a special California-inspired pizza of which all proceeds will go towards LA Wildfire Relief via Baby2Baby.
For background, Baby2Baby is a powerful organization helping mothers and children in poverty gain access to clothes, diapers, and more necessities. The organization has been an integral part of the relief efforts in LA these past few months.
The Una LA Wildfire Relief Pizza will include California plum tomatoes, California Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil, California spring garlic, Fresno chilis, grated San Joaquin Gold cheese made from raw cow’s milk, and lemon zest. The pizza will only be available this week, from Thurs 3/6-Sat 3/8, until sold out.
Una Pizza Napoletana is open Thurs-Sat from 5 PM to 9 PM. Reservations can be made via Resy.
Ultimate Guide to NYC Food Festivals in 2025
March 2, 2025, 3:06.53 pm ET
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Photo: NYCWFF
New York City is full of flavor as we head into food festival season whether its spring kickoffs for Queens and Bronx Night Markets, BBQ, and Japan fes, and the New York City Wine and Food Festival and Oktoberfest events this fall. Some dates have yet to be announced at the time of this posting, but check back and click on the links.
New York City Whisky Fest - Whiskey Fest offers over 100 styles of whiskey and spirits, with expert-led tastings for an immersive whiskey experience. Dates – March 8 (Manhattan), April 5 (Brooklyn)
Japan Fes - JAPAN Fes is the world’s largest Japanese food festival, blending tradition with modern flavors and drawing over a million visitors annually. Multiple Dates – March through Oct
Queens Night Market - The Queens Night Market is a vibrant, family-friendly event showcasing over 100 vendors and cultural performances that celebrate NYC's rich diversity. Saturdays 4pm to Midnight starting in April
Bronx Night Market - The Bronx Night Market is a lively celebration of culture, cuisine, and community, showcasing local entrepreneurs and diverse flavors. Saturdays April to October
Ninth Avenue International Food Festival - The Ninth Avenue International Food Festival, NYC’s oldest and largest continuing food fest, brings together diverse flavors and local merchants for a vibrant celebration of community and cuisine. Dates May 17 & 18, 2025
Sushi-Con - Formerly the True World Foods Expo, features 50+ top seafood suppliers and a thrilling 400-pound bluefin tuna cutting demonstration by master sushi chefs. Date TBD
Big Apple BBQ at Madison Square Park - Head to the park for an unforgettable all-you-can-eat barbecue feast, cocktails, live music, and more, with proceeds benefiting the Madison Square Park Conservancy! Featuring top barbecue spots like Big Guns BBQ, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Mighty Quinn’s and more. Date TBD
New York City Wine & Food Festival - The Festival brings together hundreds of NYC restaurants with 80+ events, featuring tastings, late-night soirées, and exclusive dining experiences with culinary stars like Bobby Flay, Daniel Boulud, Rachael Ray, and Marcus Samuelsson. Date TBD
Thai Fest Manhattan - Thai Fest brings together authentic Thai street food from top NYC restaurants celebrating Thai culture through cuisine, community, and AAPI cultural exchange. Date TBD
Dragon Fest Food Festival - This annual outdoor Chinese food and culture festival immerses New Yorkers in the rich flavors, art, and traditions of China through tastings, market fairs, and activities. Dates TBD
Hudson River Park Blues and BBQ Festival - The Blues BBQ Festival is a late summer tradition in NYC, offering a day of soulful blues music, and mouthwatering BBQ. Date TBD
Pig Island NYC Food & Drink Festival - Join over 20 chefs at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden for a delicious culinary experience, paired with craft beer, hard cider, and spirits—all included with one ticket. Date: September 6, 2025
New York Latin Fest - Experience the vibrant flavors of Latin America and the Caribbean with 100 vendors and exclusive live performances from top artists, DJs, and cultural acts that will keep you dancing all weekend. Dates September 20-21, 2025
The Feast of San Gennaro - The Feast of San Gennaro, a beloved tradition in Little Italy since 1926, stretches across 11 blocks, celebrating Neapolitan heritage with delicious food, lively processions, and a deep connection to the community’s history and culture. Dates September TBD
Stone Street NYC Oktoberfest - Stone Street Oktoberfest is one of NYC’s biggest celebrations, offering German beer, traditional foods, stein-holding contests, live music, and festive staff in dirndls and lederhosen. Dates – Fall TBD
Oktoberfest NYC at Watermark - Celebrate OktoberFest NYC from September 14th to October 27th, with authentic German beer, brats, giant pretzels, and stunning views of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges at this 3,500-square-foot venue. Dates TBD
New York Coffee Festival - The New York Coffee Festival is the city's flagship event for coffee enthusiasts, offering a blend of exceptional brews, food, cocktails, live music, and art. Date TBD
Happy eating and drinking!
20 of the Hottest New York City Restaurants for 2025
March 2, 2025, 11:46.22 am ET
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Photo: The View/Rockwell Group/Jason Varney
The year is young we are already struggling with which new restaurants to try from ones that rotate to other packing flavor bombs and even more surprises!
Take a Spin at The View – Union Square Hospitality Group revives the iconic rotating restaurant atop the Marriott Marquis with a modern American menu by Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley, striking Rockwell Group interiors, and breathtaking 360-degree city views. more
Photo: Papa San/William Jess Laird
Flame, Flavor, and Flair at The Spiral – From the team behind Llama San, Papa San brings smoky skewers, vibrant ceviches, and daring drinks to Hudson Yards in a high-energy izakaya setting. more
Photo: Crevette/Evan Sung
Crevette's Coastal French Elegance – From the team behind Dame and Lord’s, this seafood-focused spot at 10 Downing Street in Greenwich Village serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes, aperitif cocktails, and a 120-bottle wine list. more
Photo: Bar Kabawa
Caribbean Kick at Bar Kabawa – Chef Paul Carmichael bring s Caribbean flavors to Bar Kabawa in the East Village, featuring daiquiris, raw bar bites, and West Indies patties. Located at 8 Extra Place, the bar celebrates Caribbean culture with vibrant cocktails and a warm, intimate atmosphere. more
Photo: Huso/Andrew Bui
Where Caviar Meets Culinary Art – Two-time Top Chef winner Buddha Lo debuts Huso, a fine dining escape tucked inside Marky’s Caviar, delivering inventive tasting menus in an elegant, hidden setting. more
Photo: Golden Hof/Cititour.com
Double the Flavor, Double the Fun – Chef Samuel Yoo of Golden Diner unveils Golden HOF and NY Kimchi, a two-in-one Korean pub and steakhouse near Rockefeller Center, serving bold flavors and inventive twists on classic dishes. more
Photo: Gui/Molly Tavoletti
A Steakhouse with Swagger – Michelin-starred Chef Sungchul Shim flips the script on the classic chophouse with GUI Steakhouse, an Asian-infused, charcoal-grilled experience in the Theater District. more
Photo: Le Petit Village/Daniel Kwak
NFL Meets French Bistro – Le Petit Village debuts with Jets star C.J. Mosley and the Loulou team, bringing Provençal charm, a hidden speakeasy, and a refined French menu to the West Village. more
Photo: El Bar/Cititour.com
El Bar's Tequila & Mezcal Oasis – City Winery’s latest venture at Pier 57 offers stunning waterfront views, 400+ agave spirits, and expertly crafted cocktails like the Salsita and Mexican Candy Margarita along with small bites. more
Photo: Cititour.com
Waterfront Revival - Lundy Bros. brings the spirit of the original Lundy’s to Red Hook, serving up seafood classics like Clam Bisque, Lobster, and Oysters Rockefellers in a revamped waterfront setting. more
Photo: L&B Spumoni/Cititour.com
A Slice of Italy - L&B Spumoni Gardens brings its iconic "sauce on top" Sicilian pies and classic Italian dishes to DUMBO, adding a delicious twist to the neighborhood's pizza scene. more
Photo: Meili/Nile Brown
Meili Brings Bold Sichuan Flavors – From the team behind Chili, this sleek spot at 160 N 12th St. in Williamsburg offers fiery Sichuan dishes by Chef Peter He, a sultry interior, and inventive cocktails, making it Brooklyn’s newest culinary hotspot. more
Photo: Jeong Yuk Jeom
Ktown's New Grill Masters - Jeong Yuk Jeom, created by brothers Jaeyong and Andrew Son, brings LA’s iconic Korean BBQ to K-Town with top-tier aged meats and signature platters. more
Photo: Lume/Patrick Dolande
West Village Gem - Lume shines with a cosmopolitan vibe, where classic Old World flavors meet modern style in a beautiful setting that transitions from coffee to cocktails seamlessly. more
Photo: Cafe Commerce
Classic American Reinvented - Cafe Commerce brings the magic of Harold Moore’s signature American fare, with innovative dishes and nostalgic favorites, to the Upper East Side in a stunning, inviting space. more
Photo: Lulla's/Bee The Love
Venezuelan Pastry Haven - Experience authentic Venezuelan flavors at Lulla’s in Williamsburg, serving up sweet and savory treats like Mandocas, Tequeños, and Cachitos alongside freshly brewed coffee and espresso. more
Photo: Nerina/Cititour.com
Greek Elegance in Brooklyn- Nerina brings sophisticated Greek dining to Greenpoint, offering mezze-style dishes, fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails in a beautifully designed space. more
Photo: OPTO/Noah Fecks
A Tasteful Revival - OPTO opens in the former Periyali space, offering a modern Mediterranean menu with house-made pastas, fresh seafood, and indulgent entrées like Filet Mignon and Canary Islands Branzino. more
Photos: Bananas/Raychel Brightman
Bold New Flavors in Dimes Square - With dishes like Shrimp Wonton Étouffée and Char Siu Fried Banana, Bananas offers a playful yet profound take on Asian American experiences in a vibrant, quirky setting. more
Photo: Chatti/LAH Studios
Taste of Tradition - Experience the communal spirit of Kerala at Chatti with dishes like Prawn Pouches, Clay Pot Fish Curry, and indulgent desserts like Cloud Pudding, all in a tropical, inviting space. more
Keep up with New York at Cititour.com
Broadway’s Leading Ladies Benefit Concert Set for March 10
March 1, 2025, 5:49.28 pm ET
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Tony Award winners LaChanze, Jennifer Holliday, Lindsay Mendez, and Jessie Mueller and renowned Broadway stars Kate Baldwin, Judy Kuhn, Jennifer Simard, and Mandy Gonzalez will star in a one-night-only concert, Broadway’s Leading Ladies, on March 10 at 7:30 PM at The Town Hall.
Photo: La Chanze
The event will feature the American Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Luke Frazier, alongside members of the next generation of leading ladies. In addition, the concert will air nationally on PBS stations in 2025, with a release date forthcoming.
Photo: Judy Kuhn
A portion of all ticket proceeds will benefit the Women’s Health Initiative at the Entertainment Community Fund, founded by cancer survivor and Fund board member Phyllis Newman.
For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com
Under Lock & Key: NYC Pharmacies Going to Extreme Measures to Prevent Thefts
March 1, 2025, 4:58.09 pm ET
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Photos: Cititour.com
While many pharmacies across New York City are shutting down, others are taking extreme measures to avoid rampant theft. Cititour recently passed a Brooklyn pharmacy with a sign in the window stating this store is “not closing.” What was happening was even more astonishing. Virtually every product is now under lock and key. Aisle after aisle of glass enclosed cabinets have been installed. A worker over a loud speaker is summoned by shoppers to retrieve individual items.
Everything from Tide Detergent to Cheez-Its and cereal were locked away. The only things not locked up were the Birthday cards and the Easter Bunny, at least for now.
In the last year alone, Duane Reade shuttered 22 stores in New York, CVS had a net decline of 10 stores, and Rite Aid reduced its footprint by 8 stores, according to a recent study. While another report stated that nearly half of all New York City drug stores have closed in the past decade.
Many blame lax laws for the surge in thefts. Ine New York, shoplifting is a misdemeanor if the stolen goods are worth less than $1,000. If the stolen goods are worth more than $1,000, it's a felony.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a five-point plan to combat organized retail theft. The changes Increase criminal penalties for anyone who assaults a retail worker and allows prosecutors to combine the value of stolen goods when they file larceny charges.
According to recent statistics from Capital One, stores nationwide lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023; projections indicate shoplifting could cost retailers over $150 billion in 2026. A New York Post investigation finds, Shoplifting and other retail theft already cost New York businesses an estimated $4.4 billion in 2022 and the yearly toll is likely over $5 billion now.
Mayor Adams Proposes "Bold New Vision" for Coney Island
March 1, 2025, 3:45.05 pm ET
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Rendering: ONE Architecture & Urbanism.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is doubling down on his push to transform Coney Island, unveiling a sweeping redevelopment plan that will bring 1,500 new mixed-income homes, a $42 million overhaul of the Abe Stark Sports Center, and long-overdue reconstruction of the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk. The mayor, who first teased the initiative in his fourth State of the City address, is pitching it as a game-changer for Brooklyn’s historic seaside neighborhood.
“Coney Island is America’s playground—home to iconic venues, small businesses, and a hardworking community,” said Adams.
The plan kicks off with a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a massive 500-plus unit housing development on “Parcel A,” an 80,000-square-foot city-owned site on Surf Avenue, just west of the amusement district. At least 25% of these units will be affordable, and the project will include ground-floor retail to support local businesses.
But housing is only part of the vision. The city is also releasing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to find a design-build team for the Abe Stark Sports Center’s $42 million renovation. The upgrades will include a new entrance from the boardwalk, signage, improved ice-skating facilities, and other amenities.
Beyond these projects, Mayor Adams has committed to a phased reconstruction of the legendary Riegelmann Boardwalk. The city plans to elevate portions of the boardwalk to enhance coastal resilience against climate change while keeping it a welcoming space for visitors and residents alike.
Councilmember Justin Brannan, whose district includes Coney Island, emphasized that the project is about more than just tourism. “The City of New York has touted Coney Island’s amusement and tourism role as America’s Playground since the dawn of time. That’s great! But we need to look out for the people who call Coney Island home 12 months out of the year and not just the visitors in the summertime,” said Brannan. "This is the kind of investment it takes to make sure housing is available and truly affordable to the people of and from our community, and that great jobs and shopping are accessible to the people who live and breathe that Coney Island sea breeze every single day."
The broader redevelopment effort, dubbed “Coney Island West,” is an extension of previous affordable housing efforts in the area, including the Surf Vets Place and Raven Hall projects, which opened in 2019 and 2022. Another development, Luna Green, is currently under construction. New roads, including Ocean Way and Parachute Way, will further connect these new developments, creating a more walkable and accessible neighborhood.
Coney Island’s transformation also includes measures to prepare for climate change. A $2.1 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will help mitigate flooding risks along Coney Island Creek. The city is exploring additional shoreline enhancements to protect against rising sea levels.
With this ambitious plan, the Adams administration is betting big on Coney Island’s future. If all goes according to plan, the neighborhood will no longer just be a summer hot spot but a thriving, livable community for New Yorkers year-round.
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