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NYC Bites: Dominique Ansel’s New Bakery, a Michelin-Starred Birthday Bash & a Cult-Favorite Pop-Up Returns
May 9, 2025, 6:37.42 pm ET

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Dominique Ansel (Photo: Palm + Ocean Digital)

Opening May 22 at 64 University Place, papa d’amour is the newest project from pastry icon Dominique Ansel. Inspired by the pillowy shokupans and milk breads of Asian bakeries, the shop pays tribute to Ansel’s family and their cultural travels. Expect soft, nostalgic loaves with the chef’s signature twist—and a name borrowed lovingly from what his kids call him when they want a treat.

Caffe Napoletana returns for a one-day pop-up at Una Pizza Napoletana on Sunday, May 18, with a special collab from chef Eunji Lee of Lysée. From 10am–3pm, the pizzeria transforms into a daytime café offering coffee, tea, and inventive pastries at the bar. Highlights include a Spring Focaccia with asparagus, dongchimi, and miso-sabayon, and a Sweet Corn-Pita with corn cremeux and caramelized corn. Lysée favorites like Teddy Bear Madeleines and Matcha-Strawberry Cookies will also be available.


Photo: Lysee

On Tuesday, May 13, the Tin Building’s Tasting Studio hosts an evening of next-level mixology with House of Suntory Brand Ambassador Keli Rivers. From 6:00–7:45pm, guests will get a hands-on lesson in shaking, stirring, and sipping their way through cocktails like the Tropical Popsicle Highball, Sakura Spark, Grapefruit Moon, and a bold Espresso Martini. It’s your chance to master bar-worthy drinks—no bartending experience required.

At Marc Forgione’s Peasant in NoLita, whole animal dining gets the spotlight with the new Animal House experience—an indulgent, protein-packed program perfect for group feasts and meat lovers on the “protein maxxing” trend. Offered nightly, the rotating menu features cuts like rabbit, duck, and prime rib, alongside shareable plates like wood-roasted oysters with nduja-bone marrow butter. For larger gatherings, the Animal House prix fixe ($145pp, 8+ guests) is a full-on feast of whole birds, shanks, and seasonal sides.

Celebrate the season at Becco on Tuesday, May 20th. Enjoy a five-course, family-style dinner featuring prized recipes from Lidia Bastianich, paired with wines from the Bastianich Vineyard. Hosted by Lidia herself and Executive Chef William Gallagher. $175 all-inclusive. Reservations via OpenTable.


Chef Yuu Shimano (Photo: Dariia Neshama)

Restaurant Yuu is turning two—and throwing a party worth dressing up for. On Saturday, May 17th, the Michelin-starred French-Japanese spot in Greenpoint will host two intimate cocktail receptions featuring an unlimited buffet of Chef Yuu Shimano and Shuji Furukawa’s seasonal creations. Expect luxe bites like risotto, signature pastas, and tender roast beef, plus free-flowing drinks. Two seatings, $100 via Tock.

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