The Citiblog

Photo: Balkan StrEAT

Balkan StrEAT, East Village
145 Second Ave, NYC
https://www.balkanstreat.com

This fall, Balkan StrEAT, the first of its kind Balkan street food concept opens its second location in the East Village. From Partners William Djuric (Previously of Momofuku Ssam Bar, Gramercy Tavern) and Jason Correa (Previously of TAO Group), Balkan StrEAT serves traditional Balkan style food inspired by William’s family recipes and street foods commonly found in The Balkans, a region in South Eastern Europe composed of nations including Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia/Herzegovina, and Albania. Balkan StrEATs menu highlights regional delicacies such as Cevapi (traditional kebabs) Burek (philo dough pies), and Krofne (Balkan donuts) from Serbian baker Milan Milijancevic. The new location will have a different format than the counter service West Village location, and serve large format dishes as well as beer/wine.

Bangkok Supper Club, West Village
641 Hudson Street, NYC
https://www.fishcheeksnyc.com

This September, 55 Hospitality, the group behind Noho Thai seafood favorite Fish Cheeks opens Bangkok Supper Club, an elegant West Village spot for inventive, contemporary Thai cuisine centered around the charcoal grill, and inspired by the conviviality and vibrant flavors of Bangkok's late-night food scene

Bar Miller, East Village
620 East 6^th St, NYC
https://www.rosellanyc.com

Bar Miller is the new jewel box omakase restaurant from partners Jeff Miller and TJ Provenzano (the duo behind acclaimed sushi restaurant Rosella) in the East Village. The team will offer a 15-course menu utilizing sustainably sourced, North American seafood and local produce, showcasing both traditional Japanese preparations such as nigiri, sashimi and chawanmushi, as well as more innovative dishes that feature pickled and preserved ingredients. The beverage program from Provenzano will highlight a curated selection of domestic wine, cider, and small-batch sake. Designed by James Beard Award winner Anna Polonsky of Polonsky & Friends [whose notable projects include Rosella, Sweetgreen and FINI Pizza], the restaurant features an eight seat quartzite bar complemented by oak and burl wood walls, creating a warm, intimate environment.

Photo: Chef Daniel Boulud/Thomas Schauer

Café Boulud
100 East 63^rd St, NYC
November
https://www.cafeboulud.com/nyc/

Chef Daniel Boulud is set to make a triumphant return this fall at a new Uptown location on East 63^rd street with the flavors of France.

Café Carmellini
250 Fifth Ave, NYC
https://www.cafecarmellini.com/

Chef Andrew Carmellini, the force behind such restaurants as Locanda Verde, Carne Mare and The Dutch, will open Café Carmellini at The Fifth Avenue Hotel, a new luxury hotel located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and West 28^th Street in NoMad. Guests can expect upscale Italian cuisine to match.

Figure Eight, West Village
18 Cornelia St, NYC
https://www.instagram.com/figureeightnyc

Figure Eight is a New-American-Chinese restaurant in the West Village from the acclaimed team behind Silver Apricot (also the team behind beloved Little Tong Noodle Shop). Pulling from the team's personal upbringings, the restaurant will celebrate the culture and culinary richness of the Lower-Atlantic coast (West Virginia - Florida) through a Chinese-American lens. Housed in the former space of the iconic Pearl Oyster Bar (18 Cornelia St.), Figure Eight will offer a 45-seat dining room and bar, outdoor seating and an intimate semi-private dining room.

Photo: Jean-Georges Vongerichten/Robert Bredvad

Four Twenty Five
425 Park Avenue
October
https://425parkave.com/restaurant/

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will launch Four Twenty Five this fall which is described as “blending culinary excellence with architectural marvel.” The space designed by Lord Norman Foster features 45-foot ceilings and a 24-foot painting by artist Larry Poons. The New York Post is reporting Per Se veteran Jonathan Benno will serve as culinary director

Photo: Friend of a Farmer

Friend of a Farmer, Upper West Side
68 West 71st Street, NYC
https://www.friendofafarmer.com

Tentative Opening: September 2023

Friend of a Farmer is opening its newest location, bringing seasonal homestyle fare it's best known for serving in Gramercy since 1986 to the Upper West Side. The new location will also be operated by the Morabito Family, just as the original, with the founding couple’s three children–Taylor, Weston, and Rose–spearheading the new outpost. Quintessential Friend of a Farmer comfort dishes will remain on the menu, including Old Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie; and Ranch Hand Shepherd's Pie. Guests can also enjoy brunch favorites Monday through Sunday until 4:00 PM, including Carrie Dee’s Apple Pancakes served with homemade apple chutney; The Rose Club, a classic grilled chicken club sandwich served on homemade honey whole wheat bread with Russian dressing; and Stuey’s Smoked Lox Toast with smoked lox, red onion, cucumbers, capers, fresh dill, mint and cream cheese on toasted brioche. The liquor selection is sourced locally, with varieties of vodka, whiskey, tequila, and rum distilled in New York, as well as four options of locally brewed beers. The extensive wine menu was carefully curated based on the history and sustainability of the vineyards, with a focus on boutique, family-owned, and biodynamic varieties. Similar to the original location, the space is being designed by the Morabito Family, with antique furniture and decor handpicked to complement the concrete bar top and dining tables built by Terry Morabito himself.

Photo: HAAM

HAAM (Healthy As A Motha), East Williamsburg
234 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY
https://healthyasamotha.com

Tentative Opening: September 2023

H A A M is a Dominican and Trinidadian plant-based eatery from Chef/Owner Yesenia Ramdass; it formerly operated for two years as a cloud kitchen called Healthy As A Motha Vegan Kitchen in Sunnyside, Queens. The new 1,000 square foot restaurant will be able to seat up to 30 guests indoors and outside, as well as six people at the bar. Like its early iteration, H A A M will pay homage to Ramdass’s Dominican heritage and her husband’s Trinidadian background, blending and celebrating the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean while also boasting a sustainable and ethical food experience. Her fully-vegan menu draws inspiration from her upbringing, where everything was made from scratch. In fact, many of the seasonal summer vegetables were cultivated from her own home garden – including a variety of hot peppers that make up the foundation of H A A M’s renowned sauce, Hot As A Motha. Guests can look forward to the return of Ramdass's signature dishes, in addition to new offerings. H A A M will also offer specialties like 100% natural fresh cold-pressed sugarcane juice and house made tamarind juice; there will also be vegan wine and beer, as well as cocktails. A full bar program will be rolled out post-opening.

Jazba, Flatiron
207 2ND Ave, NYC
https://www.junoonnyc.com

Jazba is the vibrant new restaurant from the team behind Junoon, the trailblazing Indian restaurant in Flatiron. After opening Junoon over a decade ago as one of the first Michelin-starred Indian restaurants in the U.S., the team debuts Jazba this September as their highly anticipated second act and first downtown concept. Restaurateur Rajesh Bhardwaj opens Jazba as a celebration of India's spirited roadside eateries, bringing India’s beloved hawker culture to the heart of the East Village. Integral to India’s culinary identity, hawkers are diverse vendors of rich historical, cultural and religious significance that typically serve a single specialty dish from streetside carts until sold out for the day. Michelin-starred chef Akshay Bhardwaj serves a transportive menu of regional hawker specialties embodying the rustic hawker spirit, such as Coorg Pandi Curry, Ros Omelet and Beach shack style fried fish. Award-winning mixologist Hemant Pathak leads the beverage program, highlighting unique Indian botanicals, spices and liqueurs through cocktails. Designed by Tarik Currimbhoy, the dynamic East Village space features abustling bar, 85 seats and an enclosed sidewalk. The interiors are accented with burnt hard wood detailing that pays homage to the street vendors’ charcoal grills and bursts of color that reflect bright Indian spices

Lupetto, NoMad
1123 Broadway NYC
https://www.lapecorabianca.com

This September, Mark Barak, the restaurateur behind New York’s La Pecora Bianca, opens Lupetto in the heart of NoMad. Lupetto, meaning “little wolf” in Italian, is a stylish, wood-fired Italian restaurant set in a landmarked corner space overlooking Madison Square Park, and designed by Parts and Labor Design. Sotto, an alluring craft amari bar with a vaulted cellar private dining room, will open downstairs at Lupetto. Corporate chef and partner Michael Berardino and executive chef Matt Spivey lead the culinary program where meats are a large focus, complemented by extensive vegetable contorni, Neapolitan style pizza from the wood-fired pizza oven and a selection of house-made pastas, all prepared within guests’ view in the open kitchen. The craft cocktail program, developed by general manager Erik Lombardo combines the influence of the ever-alluring Italian aperitivo culture with classic New York cocktails, while the wine list, designed by Barak, Lombardo and partner Dave Ferrara, features a robust selection of old and new world wines from top producers to complement the rustic Italian menu.

Photo: Mexi

Mexi
149 North 9th Street, Williamsburg
http://www.mexi.bk.com

Estimated Debut: Early September

New contemporary Mexican restaurant Mexi will open with a focus on innovation and seasonality with upscale plates in a fun, approachable environment. Founded by Sean Rawlingson (The Bedford, Macchina, Roebling Sporting Club) who recognized a dearth in elevated Mexican in Brooklyn, he collaborated with consulting chef Johan Svensson (Aquavit) to spearhead an exquisite menu featuring quality ingredients, ceviches and tartares with housemade tortillas and heirloom Mexican ingredients. Adding a modern twist to Mexican ingredients, signature items will include Masa Gnocchi, an Italian dish prepared with Mexican ingredients such as yellow mole, roasted and raw mushrooms, Queso cheese, Al pastor served in a pineapple with marinated pork shoulder, charred pork, onions & pineapple skewered with tortillas and AguaChile, fresh tuna, Persian cucumber served on a cilantro, coconut water. The creative bar program will focus on mezcal-driven cocktails, and mixology, along with a list of Mexican rums. The space will be inspired by a Mexican courtyard with a beautiful skylight and natural textures in the converted former garage converted into a beautiful oasis with 100 year old church banquets and doors as an exciting new addition to the neighborhood.

Rendering: Ole & Steen

Ole & Steen, Upper East Side
1280 Lexington Avenue
https://oleandsteen.us

The Danes are landing on the Upper East Side! Ole & Steen, Denmark’s favorite all-day bakery, is officially opening its fifth Manhattan location this September with a soft-opening in late August. The established Danish brand is bringing their 30+ years of baking expertise to their first residential location, which will offer both indoor and outdoor seating. The bakery will have increased ‘grab and go’ options in addition to their beautiful pastries like the fan-favorite Cinnamon Social and Savory Spinach Swirl, Danish breads, hearty toasties, and smørrebrød

Point Seven, Midtown
200 Park Ave, NYC

Point Seven at the iconic MetLife Building - Early this fall, beloved NYC chef Franklin Becker, pastry chef Sam Mason, and partners Stephen Loffredo and Tora Matsuoka, will open a bright and airy seafood-focused restaurant with an expansive raw bar, while drawing on coastal cuisines from around the world and focusing on sustainability.

Photo: Radio Star

Radio Star
13 Greenpoint Ave, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
https://www.instagram.com/TheRadioStarNYC

Tentative Opening: Fall

Radio Star will be a Mediterranean-style diner with a 1940s vibe, honoring the history of WNYC radio which transmitted from 1937-1995 in the abutting Transmitter Park. Proprietor Sara Conklin loves Greenpoint. She has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years - operating Glasserie for 10 years - and was ready to dive into a new project to share with everyone. Conklin says, "Radio Star is for the people; a place you can go for an espresso anytime, or a full meal. Pop in for a cocktail at 4pm and then maybe back for a breakfast sando at 8am the next day. We are here for everyone and always good for a chat across the bar." There will be 40 seats inside Radio Star, 12 seats on the front patio and seating for 50 on a side patio. Walk-ins are welcome and encouraged. Reservations will be available on Resy for certain times of the day. The exact menu is still being finalized. (Of note: this is intentionally a fully gas-free venue. The kitchen / heat, etc. are all electric.) Opening is expected around Labor Day, but dependent on the arrival of the liquor license.

Restaurant Marc Forgione, Tribeca
30 Hudson St, NYC
https://www.marcforgione.com

In Fall 2023, acclaimed chef Marc Forgione brings his eponymous restaurant, Restaurant Marc Forgione, to 30 Hudson Street at the corner of Duane Street - the beautiful and iconic space that was once home to David Bouley’s Danube and then Brushstroke. Closing out over a decade at 134 Reade Street, where the restaurant earned consecutive Michelin stars along with the distinction of a two-star review from The New York Times review, among other high praises, Restaurant Marc Forgione will continue to showcase innovative yet approachable New American cuisine using the best seasonal and local ingredients. The move marks Forgione’s continued commitment to reviving iconic NYC spaces, having taken over the restaurant space within the One Fifth Avenue building, One Fifth, an address which has left an impression on the NYC dining scene through it's near-continuous operation since 1927, as well as the beloved wood-fired NoLita destination Peasant.

Photo: Rosemary's

Rosemary’s
825 Third Avenue, Midtown, NYC
https://www.rosemarysnyc.com

Estimated Opening: Later This Year

Rosemary’s, the Italian restaurant known for its farmhouse vibe, will open its third location at 825 Third Avenue nearing completion by The Durst Organization. This new east side outpost for Rosemary’s will feature indoor and outdoor seating, a bar, and private dining options. Rosemary’s will also be working to form a close partnership with McEnroe Organic Farm, one of the largest organic farms in New York. Diners should expect the same quality found in Rosemary’s West Village and Gramercy locations, including Italian favorites likle Golden Beets with shallot vinaigrette, whipped goat cheese, and hazelnuts; Grilled Octopus with charred corn, salsa rossa blistered tomato, and radicchio; Linguine con Gamber with sautéed shrimp, white wine, leek confit, Calabrian chili, and toasted garlic; and Steak Tagliata with charred green onion, salsa verde, and sea salt. Rosemary’s is also known for its Italian cocktails with names like the Vesuvio Sunset and Amalfi Breeze.

Sailor
228 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn
September
https://www.sailor.nyc/

Chef April Bloomfield returns to New York City’s dining scene will Sailor. Sailor is a corner neighborhood bistro opening in Fort Greene, Brooklyn where Bloomfield will be teaming up with Gabriel Stulman’s Happy Cooking Hospitality.

Smith & Mills, Midtown
Rockefeller Center, Rink Level
https://www.smithandmills.com

Smith & Mills Rockefeller Center Neighborhood Projects: (Tiny's, Yves and Smith + Mills) – the Tribeca-based restaurant group from industry veterans Matt Abramcyk and Akiva Elstein – are bringing their beloved downtown concept Smith + Mills to Midtown this fall. The new space, located in Rockefeller Center, is anchored by a circular shaped bar that will serve a menu of classic cocktails alongside an extensive raw bar program and European-inspired shared plates by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Burns (previously Luksus, Noma).

Photo: Chef Julian Medina

Soledad, Upper East Side
1825 Second Ave, NYC
https://soledadnyc.com

Tentative Opening: September 2023

Soledad is the latest restaurant from Julian Medina – Chef/Owner of El Fish Marisqueria, Coppelia, Toloache — and Meghan Manzi, the same duo behind the three New York locations of La Chula and the recently opened El Verano in Southampton. The upcoming Manhattan venture, opening this Fall on the Upper East Side, is named after chef Medina’s grandmother and will pay homage to her cooking and Mexican heritage. The menu will feature Medina's personal interpretation of the dishes his grandmother served while he was growing up in Mexico City – the same recipes that continue to root him to his family traditions since moving to New York. Like the food, Soledad’s design will embody contemporary Mexican culture, mirroring the colors and architecture found in Mexico City. The bar will be framed by arches – similar to those seen in traditional haciendas – and will take center stage to anchor the space like a hacienda’s captivating central garden. The 1,500 square foot restaurant will be washed with vibrant Spring shades of pink and lavender – inspired by the Jacaranda flower, which is native to South America – and will evoke the feeling of being engulfed by nature.

The Caboose, Hudson, NY
60 South Front St, Hudson, NY
https://www.thecaboosehudson.com

This fall, The Caboose opens in Hudson, NY, directly across from the Amtrak station and adjacent to sister restaurant + marketplace Kitty’s, which opened in 2020 by owner and CEO Ben Fain. The Caboose is a stunning 2,500 square feet event space and lush backyard in a 200-year-old historic former coal barn, available for private events from weddings to galas. The dynamic space will also house the new location of Kitty's natural wine and spirits shop, Grapefruit Wines (formerly on Warren St. in Hudson), effectively creating a central Kitty's "campus" of F&B offerings just steps from the Hudson River. Fain worked with a team of ecologically centered architects and designers to make a space that is as beautiful as it is environmentally friendly, while also supporting local producers and farmers. The Caboose is slated to open in September 2023 and is currently booking events for the fall season and beyond

Photo: The Gotham Burger Social Club

The Gotham Burger Social Club
131 Essex Street, NYC
https://www.gbsc.nyc/

Estimated Debut: Mid-October

One of New York's favorite pop-ups is opening its first brick-and-mortar with smash burgers by The Gotham Burger Social Club. What started as a hobby for founder Mike Puma and as a way to bring food and friends together over their love of burgers, became a business when people turned to his social media as a trusted source for the best burgers. After tasting over 1,000 burgers throughout New York as a quest to find the best, Puma decided to start grilling his own. The real cult following began during the pandemic when Puma popped up at numerous locations across the city in an effort to feed the community and support restaurants. With lines around the block for his pop-ups, the reputation for Gotham Burger’s smash patties steadily grew - and now outgrew - their setup as the next step to open his first restaurant. After serving up hundreds of thousands of burgers over the years, the Gotham Burger Social Club is excited to expand its menu with offerings of homemade onion rings, frickles, fries, tots and hot dogs. Built on nostalgia, The award winning Gotham Smash will be the signature item served at the restaurant inspired by burgers Puma grew up eating. The dining experience will pay homage to Oklahoma, home to The Onion Burger, and will offer some hometown favorites like chopped cheese in a taco and egg creams. At the new location in the Lower East Side, everyone will be welcome to join the club.

TJ’s Sushi Deli, East Village
620 East 6^th St, NYC
https://www.rosellanyc.com

TJ’s Sushi Deli will open in Fall 2023 from partners Jeff Miller and TJ Provenzano - the team behind acclaimed sushi restaurant Rosella. The New York style deli will offer fish by the pound as well as Rosella’s cult-favorite sauces, spice mixtures and more for sale, in addition to take out and delivery of rice bowls, sushi rolls, and salads.

Travelers Poets and Friends
453 6th Ave, Greenwich Village, NYC

Estimated Debut: Mid-October

One More Hospitality (Osteria 57 and Alice) is opening a one-of-a-kind Italian food market called Travelers, Poets and Friends with a focus on community and bringing like-minded individuals together under one roof. The market will host Pamina, Mercado and Alaluna. The first phase opened with Pamina, an artisanal gelato and desserts option with a desire to offer healthy and natural options for gelato and pastries in the city. In the fall, the rest of the multi-faceted space will open with a focus on sustainability and responsibly-sourced products, highlighting small farms. The Mercado, will feature a specialty store, bakery, cafe and pasta counter with fresh pasta production to eat on site, as well as product lines imported from Italian Michelin starred restaurants - only available in Italy - and flour selected from local and imported mills, such as Molino Pasini and Petra. A wine, cocktail bar and gourmet pizzeria Alaluna will also open within the space, perfect for aperitivo and oven-baked pizzas, along with many other surprises such as an underground wine cellar for private events. Guests can spend all day at TPF starting at the cafe in the morning.

Stay tuned to this space for more updates!