The Citiblog

This is an ongoing list!

SEPTEMBER OPENINGS

Goosefeather
Tarrytown House Estate - 49 E Sunnyside Ln (Tarrytown, New York)
Opening Early September 2019
Goosefeather is a modern Chinese restaurant located in the historic 19th century Kings Mansion at the Tarrytown House, an estate hotel overlooking the Hudson River. The food draws from Chef Dale Talde’s travels to Hong Kong with a focus on barbecue, dim sum, and noodles. Diners can expect Chinese staples and also twists on the classics Chef Dale has become known for over the years.

F&F Pizzeria
459 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY
Opening September 2019
As Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli, known as The Franks, tweeted, "The cat's out of the bag." The two have purchased a little building between Frankies 457 and Franks Wine Bar in Carroll Gardens which they plan to turn it into a slice shop called F&F Pizzeria this Fall. Stay tuned.

Little Tong Noodle Shop at the Deco
231 West 39th Street, New York, NY
Opening September 2019
The contemporary Chinese restaurant that gained fame after opening in the East Village over two years ago, Little Tong Noodle Shop will bring mixian rice noodles and Chinese breakfast offerings to The Deco, a new food hall opening in the Garment District this fall, bringing chef Simone Tong's take on Chinese staples to Midtown Manhattan.

Deco Food + Drink
231 West 39th Street, New York, NY
Opening September 2019
The  Deco Food + Drink, a food hall, cocktail bar and event space, opens its doors in NYC’s Garment District, bringing the best of New York City’s diverse culinary landscape to a neighborhood previously lacking unique dining offerings. Ideal for lunch, happy hours, date-nights, dinners and pre-sports games or Broadway show meetups, The Deco features nine vendors serving up an array of cuisine, from Italian and Asian to Brazilian and Hawaiian. The Deco’s central bar is the focal point of the food hall, with a drink menu that features New York brews, creatively themed cocktails and a buzzy wine list designed for both drinking on its own or to pair with bites from each of the vendors.

Il Fiorista
17 West 26th Street (Broadway & 6th Ave), New York, NY
Opening September 2019
Opening in NoMad this September, Il Fiorista is New York City’s home of the new floral movement. Italian for “The Florist,” the restaurant, floral boutique and education center celebrates the myriad benefits of flowers. Il Fiorista features a seasonal menu rooted in Mediterranean flavors highlighting flowers in their many edible forms, with expert mixologist Gates Otsuji (701West, The Standard) curating the cocktail program. In addition to the retail boutique featuring home goods and floral arranging services, a variety of educational classes — from DIY bouquet-making to edible flowers 101 — are offered in The Flower Room, which is also available for private events. Designed by award-winning architect Elizabeth Roberts, the bright, 85-seat space features energetic murals by artist Leanne Shapton and custom furnishings by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola. Il Fiorista is the first hospitality project by Italian husband and wife Alessandra and Mario De Benedetti, who are pursuing their shared passion for flowers, hospitality and design.

Shukette
230 9th Ave, New York, NY
Opening September 2019
This September, Vicki Freeman, Marc Meyer and Chris Paraskevaides, the restaurateurs behind neighborhood destinations Shuka, Vic's, Rosie's and Cookshop debut Shukette, a lively new Middle Eastern spot in Chelsea inspired by the region's most dynamic restaurants. Chef and partner Ayesha Nurdjaja, whose vibrant Eastern Mediterranean fare has earned a devoted following at sister restaurant Shuka, helms the kitchen, bringing her deep understanding of spices and seasonally minded philosophy to an approachable menu of Levantine specialties designed for sharing. Everything at Shukette is made in-house and locally and sustainably sourced wherever possible, served a la carte to allow guests to shape their meal as they'd like, set to the pace of the bustling open kitchen. The scene is straight out of a restaurant from Freeman and Nurdjaja's travels: bright, flavorful dips, salads and mezze are brought out as they're ready, passed around the table as guests tear off warm pieces of house-baked Moroccan-style frena, laffa bread and Yemeni malawach to mop their plates. Orders of Persian chicken and other meats sear over a charcoal grill in the center of the open kitchen, often passed directly to guests over the wraparound dining bar as they order another bowl of hummus or labneh for their friends, paired with wine, beer and low-abv cocktails from beverage director Tim Harris. Designed by Peter Guzy of Asfour Guzy Architects, the bright, colorful space is built for conviviality and interaction. The mood is boisterous and fun, playing off the crackling energy of the kitchen as groups gather over shared meals at intimate white oak booths and banquettes. Hanging light fixtures, cork walls and pops of blue and yellow tile accent the interior as sunlight streams in through street-facing windows that overlook the outdoor patio, which surrounds the corner space with seating along both 24th Street and Ninth Avenue. Shukette is open all day from lunch through the evening, seven days a week.

Chikarashi Isso
38 Rector Street, New York, NY
Opening September 2019
This September, fast-casual lunch destination Chikarashi debuts its first ever full-service restaurant within its forthcoming Financial District location: Chikarashi Isso. Open for dinner, Isso brings a contemporary perspective to the traditions of kappo-style Japanese cuisine, offering an elevated yet relaxed and intimate dining experience with a distinct focus on seasonality. The eclectic menu of composed plates, along with yakitori, chirashi, noodles and tempura, is developed by Chikarashi executive chef and Neta veteran Michael Jong Lim, designed to be enjoyed a la carte or as a "chef's choice" tasting typical of kappo-style cuisine. Ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, including from chef Lim's family farm in Connecticut, while condiments ranging from soy sauce and miso paste to kimchi and gochujang are made by Lim himself, forming the savory backbone of the menu.

Caffè Panna
77 Irving Place (at 19th Street), New York, NY
Opening September 2019
Hallie Meyer, daughter of Danny Meyer, is opening Caffè Panna, a neighborhood ice cream shop and coffee bar in Gramercy. The will be scooping house-made ice cream and serving coffee throughout the day. Caffè Panna is inspired by the cafes and gelato shops of Rome. The goal is to bring that same welcoming spirit and all day accessibility to the heart of New York City, with an emphasis on delicious homemade ice cream that marries elements of both Italian and American traditions. Caffè Panna will serve ten flavors of their own ice cream that will be churned fresh onsite each day - five staple flavors and five that will change daily. Ingredients for their fruit swirls will be sourced from neighbors at the nearby Union Square Greenmarket. Mix-ins will either be made fresh in the Caffè Panna kitchen or sourced from like-minded purveyors, among them an Italian importer that will provide specialty items like nuts, olive oil and nocciola (hazelnut cocoa spread). The ice cream will be offered with a complementary dollop of panna (Italian whipped cream).

Don Wagyu at Bowery Market
348 Bowery, New York, NY
Opening September 2019
Don Wagyu heads to Bowery Market on the Lower East this September. Diners will be able to opt for Don Wagyu’s signature Katsu Sandos accompanied by Nori-Dusted Fries or Organic Greens with Yuzu Vinaigrette. The expanded menu also includes items like Hot Wagyu, Chef Corwin Kave's take on Nashville hot chicken garnished with bread and butter pickles. A new Wagyu Burger with signature fries will also be offered.

Sushi on Jones at Urbanspace Vanderbilt
East 45th St & Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY
Opening September 2019
Sushi on Jones will open at Urbanspace Vanderbilt at the end of September. It will have four bar seats for omakase, featuring signature pieces such as the air fried Crispy Rice with porcini, shitake and truffle purée, along with a choice of blue fin tuna, king salmon, Hokkaido uni, or California uni, and the Big Mac, with Washyugu, California uni and blue fin toro. Unique to this location, Sushi on Jones will feature a grab-and-go section, offering diners accessible and easy to-go Sushi on Jones boxes featuring a combination of Nigiri and, for the first time, Maki. Beer, wine and sake cocktails will be available.

Quality Bistro
120 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019
Opening Late September/Early October
This fall, Quality Branded restaurateur Michael Stillman opens Quality Bistro in New York City's Midtown neighborhood. Helmed by Quality Meats NYC's executive chef Antonio Mora (formerly of Daniel and Frankie's), the 200 seat restaurant will serve brasserie-style French steakhouse fare paired with an inventive French-inspired beverage program by Beverage Director Bryan Schneider and Wine Director Scott Woltz. Dishes will include beloved French classics with a modern twist such as Crab Cake Paillard, Green Garlic Escargots, Manila Clams Marinières, Long Bone Short Rib Chasseur with Thai Basil Salad and the Porterhouse au Poivre for Two. Designed by award-winning creative agency AvroKO, the elegant space will feature warm, modernized accents reminiscent of France's Belle Époque era. Quality Bistro is the 12th addition to Quality Branded, a national New York City-based hospitality group including Don Angie, Quality Eats, Quality Italian (NYC + DNV), Quality Meats (NYC + MIA), Park Avenue, Smith & Wollensky, and Maloney & Porcelli.

Dabble
151 W 54th St New York, NY
Opening September 2019
Offset from the Conrad New York Midtown’s lobby is Dabble, an all-day dining destination offering light fare and classic cocktails for guests and New Yorkers alike. During the day, Dabble’s menu, executed by Executive Chef Sani Hebaj, former Executive Chef at The Plaza Hotel, offers an approachable menu featuring shareable small plates and larger entrees, including Hebaj’s signature Long Island Duck with baby kale and plum compote and a Summer Vegetable Pot Pie with petite green salad. While popular with locals for an after work respite, at night, the space transitions to a lively bar scene with continued food service. Dabble’s extensive bar program showcases expertly prepared cocktails, including both classic staples and more avant garde craft offerings. Sparing no detail, the variations all place a strong emphasis on presentation, including smoked cocktails, theatrical tableside preparations, molecular gastronomy, unconventional serving vessels and even branding garnishes with the Conrad Hotels & Resorts seal.

OCTOBER OPENINGS

Di Martino Pasta Bar
Chelsea Market
Opening October
This fall, Italian pasta company Pastificio Di Martino (est. 1912) opens Di Martino Pasta Bar in New York City's Chelsea Market. The first U.S. iteration of the company's beloved Neapolitan concept (which earned a 2019 Bib Gourmand), Di Martino Pasta Bar will be an NYC pasta destination for guests to discover the brand's 120+ shapes first-hand via a variety of rotating, seasonal recipes. The modern space will feature several different options for guests to enjoy Pastificio Di Martino's signature PGI Gragnano pasta. Di Martino Pasta Bar's New York City location will include an open-kitchen pasta bar including á la carte and tasting menu options complemented by an extensive wine and cocktail list; La Devozione: a dedicated grab-and-go area for the traditional Italian staple of spaghetti al pomodoro, and morning bar service offering caffeinated beverages and Italian pastries such as Naples' famed sfogliatelle, which transitions to become a cocktail bar later in the day. To complete the experience, for the first time in the United States all Pastificio Di Martino's pasta shapes, gift boxes, aprons, accessories and more will also be available via the restaurant's dedicated store area.

Once
315 Smith St. Brooklyn, NY
Opening October 2019
Acclaimed chef Ricardo Zarate will open a second outpost of Once (on-seh) in Carroll Gardens (315 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231) in October 2019. Focusing on Peruvian Nikkei cuisine – originated by the Japanese diaspora in Peru – the eatery is a nod to Zarate’s childhood in Lima and his deep respect for his home country’s culinary history. The menu will include Zarate’s take on traditional dishes like causa, arroz con pollo, and more. Once, which means '11' in Spanish, is a reference to Zarate's position amongst his thirteen siblings.

The Market Line
Lower East Side, New York
Opening October 2019
The Market Line is an expansive, bazaar-like marketplace running three city blocks along Broome Street as part of the Essex Crossing project on the Lower East Side. Opening October 23, phase one of The Market Line will bring together an eclectic mix of more than 30 locally-sourced vendors and restaurants reflecting the character and culture of the LES including neighborhood alumnus and NY institutions like famed Ukranian Diner & Grocer Veselka (opening their 2nd location), family-run German butcher shop and grocer est. 1937 Schaller & Weber, and 1920s tea parlor and bakery turned hip dim sum eatery Nom Wah, among others. When complete, the 150,000-square foot Market Line, comprising more than 100 food, art, and music vendors, will be the largest market in New York City and one of the largest in the world.

NOVEMBER OPENINGS

Mina's at MoMA PS1
22-25 Jackson Ave, LIC, Queens
Opening October 2019
Chef Mina Stone is partnering with artist Alex Eagleton and MoMA PS1 to open Mina's celebrating Stone's Greek heritage and fifteen years of cooking professionally in the art world. The Mediterranean-inspired menu will change frequently and feature seasonal ingredients. Stone is best known for her 2015 book, Cooking for Artists. “Like any great art form, food has the power to transport you,” said Stone. “Mina’s will be a complement to the creative atmosphere of the museum, adapting traditional recipes to the modern palate with our signature style of cooking that is effortless, healthy, authentic, and approachable.” Mina's replaces M. Wells Dinette which enjoyed a long run at the museum.

FALL OPENINGS

Silver Apricot
20 Cornelia Street, New York, NY
Opening Fall 2019
Chef Simone Tong of Little Tong will open Silver Apricot, a full-service Chinese-inspired restaurant at 20 Cornelia Street in the West Village. Chef Tong is playing around with a few different ideas, including a tasting menu option, and a chef's counter option that may (or may not!) include some chef R&D concepts. Chef Tong is also looking to serve housemade cheeses, charcuterie, and breads, and will have an extensive and thoughtful wine, sake, and beer program.The space is an intimate 1,100 square feet that includes the interior dining room and an outdoor garden. The outdoor garden will nearly double the number of seats available. The transliteration of the Chinese name for ginkgo (銀杏) is Silver Apricot. Simone chose it because of its timeless importance in Chinese culture as well as how it represents China in the Western world.

Mini Rex
87 Ludlow Street, New York, NY
Opening Fall 2019
Mini Rex will open on the Lower East Side in fall 2019. Conceptualized by husband-and-wife team Karin Elgai (a stylist with five years of sobriety) and Edouard Gave (beverage and hospitality professional), Mini Rex is an inclusive karaoke bar where everyone – sober, non-sober and everywhere in between – can sing, unwind and unleash their inner Bowie. Mini Rex will include four distinct spaces: Mini Rex, the namesake bar which will feature karaoke and cocktails; Juicebox Heroes, a fully sober bar with karaoke, creative mocktails; The Mini, a private group karaoke room and The Rabbit Hole, a large subterranean private event space with a full bar and karaoke stage. The spaces are welcome to karaoke singers of all skill levels.

Le Veau d'Or
129 East 60th St, New York, NY
Opening Fall 2919
French restaurant Le Veau d'Or, a fixture on the Upper East Side, since the 1930s, is getting a major redo courtesy of the folks from Frenchette, which was named one of the best restaurants in the country. The New York Times is reporting that Lee Janson and Riad Nasr have taken over the restaurant that is currently closed for renovations. The restaurant is known for French classics like Filet de Sole Almondines, Skirt Steak, Echalottes & Frites, Frog Legs in Lemon & Butter, and Beef Bourguignon.

Gage and Tollner
372 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NYC
Opening Fall 2019
The grandeur of Gage and Tollner returns this fall as the old-time oyster house in Downtown Brooklyn is brought back to life this Fall. The restaurant, which first opened in 1879, is being revived by three Red Hook restaurateurs, St John Frizell (Fort Defiance) and Ben Schneider and Sohui Kim (The Good Fork) after more than $400,000 was raised for the project. The landmarked structure still retains its signature gas lamps and mahogany walls. Gage & Tollner is set to reopen as a oyster and chop house in the Fall.

J. Bespoke
121 East 27th Street, New York, NY 10016
Opening Fall 2019
J. Bespoke is a sophisticated cocktail lounge in NoMad with a focus on sports programming. Tucked discreetly behind the new Devoción Cascara + Coffee (opening soon!), the property is an exclusive new hideaway for sports fans and their cohort seeking an elevated cocktail experience. Helmed by brothers Jesse and Eric Jacobs, both nightlife industry veterans (Gerber Group), J. Bespoke was conceived to fill an untapped niche – a refined venue that offers sports programming in an upscale, speakeasy setting. With just 50 seats and attentive, personalized service, the lounge offers a luxe counterpoint to the city’s mainstream sports bars. Guests enter J. Bespoke through an unmarked brass door at the back of Devoción Cascara + Coffee Bar; once inside, a hostess escorts them to their table or banquette, where they’ll take in a game or match, enjoy expertly-crafted drinks and share conversation with dates, friends, coworkers and like minded patrons. Drink offerings will include the Bespoke Old Fashioned (Old Forrester, demerara, orange and Angoustura bitters, green chartreuse perfume) and Nitro Cold Brew Martini (Belvedere vodka, Montenegro amaro, honey, cold brew coffee by Devocion) complemented by small plates like Karaage Fried Chicken Bites (ginger-soy marinade, yuzu kosho aioli) and Spicy Honey Pizza (soppressata, provolone béchamel, house fior di latte, mozzarella, spicy honey, black pepper).

Randolph Beer
104 South 4th St, Brooklyn, NY
Opening Fall 2019
Randolph Beer—widely known for pioneering the Beer ATM—will expand and relaunch its South Williamsburg location at 104 S. 4th St. Building off the success of their larger DUMBO brewery, Owners Dave Plate and Kyle Kensrue along with the location’s Head Brewer Flint Whistler (formerly of Rockaway Brewing Co.) will introduce Williamsburg's first-ever nanobrewery, an exploratory platform for unique, “one-and-done” small-batch brews. With the goal of continual innovation, new house brews will be offered constantly, with very few varieties repeating. The newly-renovated, experiential space (which first opened in 2013 as an eclectic, punk-inspired, gastropub) will grow to include 4,000 square feet, 85 indoor and outdoor seats, games like shuffleboard and arcade classics, and new clean-food menu items.

Evil Twin Brewing New York City
1616 George Street, Ridgewood, Queens
Opening Fall 2019
Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø, one of the biggest names in craft brewing, founded Evil Twin Brewing in 2010 as a “nomadic” brewery. Over the past nine years, his gypsy-brewed beers have received wide acclaim both domestically and internationally, garnering countless awards and earning their way onto the menus of the world’s best restaurants. This August, Jeppe - along with his wife and business partner, Maria Jarnit-Bjergsø - will open the doors to their very first permanent brewery and taproom - Evil Twin Brewing New York City - in Ridgewood, Queens. With a place to finally call “home,” the pair is excited to have the opportunity to perfect the classics and expand upon Evil Twin’s traditions of innovation through thoughtful experimentation and collaboration. Guests will be able to imbibe Evil Twin beers fresh from the source, as the beers will be small-batch production and brewed in-house for the taproom and retail store only. Upon opening, guests will be able to enjoy a diverse selection of 20 draft beers (with offerings being swapped out daily), including brews that honor New York City and exclusive one-offs. In the weeks following the opening, Evil Twin Brewing New York City will also serve coffee from Bushwick-favorite, Sey Coffee, including a special blend made in collaboration with Evil Twin. Guests will also be able to nibble on pre-packaged snacks like popcorn and Evil Twin Jerky™, or opt for something from one of the rotating food trucks parked outside.

WINTER

Toscano
24 Minetta Lane (Greenwich Village)
Opening Winter 2019

In late 2019, Chef Michael & Caitlin Toscano will return to NYC, and to their culinary roots, with the opening of Toscano in Greenwich Village. The address is the former home to Perla where Michael helmed the kitchen as Executive Chef beginning back in 2012. Caitlin, also a veteran of the NYC dining scene, has an FOH resume that includes work & management at Craft, Per Se, Del Posto, and Manzo. Toscano is the culmination of Michael’s creative interpretations of regional Italian cuisine; a full-service, modern Italian restaurant offering lunch and dinner. Diners can expect a chilled seafood selection, extensive house made pasta program and dishes from the wood-burning oven. The restaurant will complement thoughtful culinary offerings with a curated cocktail, wine & beer menu. This will be the second restaurant from the pair who also own and operate Le Farfalle in Charleston, SC. Michael is a James Beard “Rising Star Chef” Semi-Finalist and winner of the StarChefs New York Rising Stars Award.

Stay tuned for more coming attractions!

This list is being compiled by Cititour staff and representatives of the various restaurants mentioned (and by just being nosy).