The Citiblog

Photo: White Olive

White Olive, the Mediterranean kitchen in the heart of NYC in Midtown Manhattan (39 West 55th Street), is now offering breakfast, making it the perfect spot to start your day or enjoy a New Year’s Day hangover meal. Selections include Turkish soujuk with friend eggs and butter; Pacanga spring roll, with pastrami cheese and red peppers lightly pan fried and Omelettes, either plain with Turkish butter or cooked with spinach, feta, and onion. Guests can also choose from selection of mezzes like Htipiti, roasted red bell pepper, walnut, feta cheese, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and cayenne peppers and Melitzanosalata, a traditional Greek eggplant dip. Breakfast cocktails are also offered.

Photo: Olmsted/Evan Sung

Olmsted (659 Vanderbilt Ave, Bklyn), is relaunching brunch and bringing back fan favorites like Carrot Crepe, with carrot butter, clam and sunflower seeds; Lobster Cracker with sauce thermidor and lobster coral; and Duck Pastrami, with rye spätzle stroganoff. New dishes include Potato Lox with scallion cream cheese; Hash Fried Egg with beef tongue, pickled peppers and chives; Hot Cakes with huckleberry and whipped creme fraiche; and Egg Roll with bacon, egg and cheese.

Image: Zoya Cherkassky

Opening December 14^th is a new installation at the Jewish Museum by artist Zoya Cherkassky entitled 7 October 2023. This is the first in a series of art installations presenting ways in which artists respond to conflict and war from both contemporary and historical perspectives. Cherkassky’s new body of work, takes as its point of departure the harrowing events of that day in Israel, using a graphic visual style to depict the terror attacks at the Nova Music Festival, the seizure of hostages, and the unfolding horror of war that would follow.

Photo: Cracked Ice Exhibit/Citritour.com

A new public exhibit called Cracked Ice is now on display in the Garment District. The exhibit represents the erratic rock formations formed by glaciers that are carried by melting ice over long distances. The rocks reveal clues about the earth’s movements over the course of millennia. Cracked Ice invites visitors to think about the past and the future.

Photo: Wonderen/Cititour.com

Wonderen has opened inside the food hall at Grand Central. Wonderen describes itself as the “world’s best Stroopwafel. A stroopwafel is a thin waffle-like cookie. Two them are held together with a thin layer of caramel and are then dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with your favorite candies and toppings. They are known as a Dutch treat throughout the Netherlands and now New Yorkers have a chance to enjoy!

On December 16th, Citarella will unveil an iconic holiday window display at their Upper West Side location at 2135 Broadway. Made entirely out of gingerbread and candy crafted by Executive Pastry Chef, Carolina Perego. Perego will be unveiling the final display live on December 16th from 11am - 1pm for the public to come watch, with complimentary hot chocolate and sea salt chocolate chip cookies available to keep everyone warm. The display will remain until January 1, 2024.

Photo: Cititour.com

Winter Villages have popped up across the city from Bryant Park to Union Square. This one popped up in Times Square near 48th and Broadway where you can find everything from a scarfs and jewelry to delicate glass ornaments.

Shop til you drop then take a break. If you are visiting The Shops at Columbus Circle or the nearby holiday market in Central Park, there are several lunch options to consider. For the best quick lunch on-the-go: Bāng Bar is the energetic food stall from Momofuku specializing in freshly griddled bāng flatbread and spit-roasted meats carved to-order. They're located at the Shops at Columbus Circle, and open daily for lunch (11am - 3pm).

Photo: Porter House

Porter House, the iconic American steakhouse overlooking Central Park, is offering its "Park View Prix Fixe Lunch," offering a 2 or 3 course meal for $44 and $52 respectively. Or, head to Bad Roman, the buzzy and playful Italian restaurant from Quality Branded (Don Angie, Zou Zou’s, Quality Bistro, and others) recently launched weekend brunch, with a menu featuring a variety of shareable items and a fun kids menu, drawing inspiration from Italian cooking around the world.

The Paley Museum has been transformed into a winter wonderland called PaleyLand with a lineup of events that will make your holidays unforgettable. From the whimsical world of My Little Pony to the high-flying antics of the Harlem Globetrotters, there's something for everyone. Step into a Peanuts paradise for a cozy holiday experience or join Rosie Fuentes from PBS Kids' Rosie's Rules for a festive celebration. Each event offers exclusive screenings, photo ops, and interactive activities for the kids. Santa is also paying a visit.

And finally, our picture of the week is PJ Clarke’s all dressed up for the holidays.

Photo: Cititour.com

Until next time, we’ll be seeing you Around Town!