Cititour NYC News

Photo: Liz Clayman                                                                                          

Chef John Fraser is giving back to restaurant workers hit hard by the pandemic with the introduction of The Industry Table.  It allows any restaurant worker to dine as a VIP at any of Fraser’s restaurants, entirely at cost.

In an open letter, Fraser writes:

“Dining out in New York has become prohibitively expensive. We got into this business because we wanted to share. Exploring other chefs’ menus has, and continues to be, a key part of my culinary journey. I could not have become the chef I am today at current prices.

The Industry Table is our team’s effort to help level the playing field so that all can access our restaurants and be inspired.   

The only rules: you cover booze, help spread the word about our program, and provide valuable feedback on your experience. That’s all we ask.”

As part of the deal, at least one guest must be currently employed in the restaurant industry. The offer is good at Fraser’s restaurants Iris, La Marchande, North Folk Table & Inn and The Terrace at The EDITION.  Some blackout dates may apply.  To make a reservation, click here

Photos: Briana Balducci                                                                                  

OL’DAYS, the all-day café, will open its second NYC outpost in TriBeCa at 73 Warren St on April 5^th.  Founded in 2014 by sisters Martina and Juliana Fracchia and their longtime best friend Camila Basigalup, OL’DAYS is inspired by traditions of hospitality that shaped the trio growing up in Argentina. The TriBeCa location boasts 80 indoor seats (2,000sqft), including a mezzanine (available to rent for private events) that can seat up to 30 guests.

The menu includes lighter fare such as Sweet Burrata (baby heirloom tomato chutney & creamy burrata), The Forest (almond pesto, carrot hummus, melted cheese and portobello mushrooms), Old Blue (gorgonzola, arugula and fresh pears with a touch of balsamic vinegar and tree nuts) and more.

All-day brunch – Served seven days a week - brings sweet and savory dishes like Champ Pancakes, oat and yogurt pancakes filled with mashed banana, and topped with coconut flakes; French Toast with maple syrup and fresh fruits; and  Buddha Bowl with wild quinoa, adzuki beans, tomatoes, seeds, sauteed spinach in kiwi vinaigrette.

Also, exclusive to the TriBeCa location is a kids menu that offers whimsical takes on OL’DAYS classics like Monster Avocado Toast, Crazy Face Homemade Yogurt, Peanut Butter & Jelly Monster Friend and more. Co-founder Martina Fracchia saying, “We chose TriBeCa for our second NYC location as we wanted a space where families could come together, connect with one another and enjoy nourishing farm-to-table fare.”

For more information, visit oldayscoffee.com/home-us

Photo: Levain Bakery                                                                        

Just in time for spring, Levain Bakery is launching its newest flavor – the Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookie.  It combines gooey caramel chips, fresh shredded coconut and melty dark chocolate in a rich, buttery crispy-yet-chewy cookie that’ll make you wish spring could last forever! In honor of springtime at Levain, all bakery storefronts will also be decked out in whimsical spring floral displays featuring daffodils, tulips and daisies, to celebrate the start of the season. The new cookie will be available starting April 3rd in all Levain Bakery retail bakery locations and for nationwide shipping at levainbakery.com.  

The Off Broadway Alliance’s popular 20at20, a bi-annual celebration of Off Broadway, has begun and continues through April 9.. The program makes $20 tickets for participating Off Broadway plays and musicals available to theatregoers 20 minutes prior to the performance.

Among the many participating shows are “Arden of Faversham: A True Crime Thriller,” “Cowboy,” “Crumbs from the Table of Joy,” “Dog Man: The Musical,” “Drinking in America,” “Gazillion Bubble Show,” “Naked Boys Singing,” “Newsical The Musical,” “Perfect Crime,” “Stranger Sings,” “The Play That Goes Wrong,” “Vanities: The Musical,” “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” and “Walking With Bubbles.”

For further information visit www.20at20.com/shows

Photo: Julieta Cervantes                                                                                      

By Brian Scott Lipton

A little knowledge – never mind a lot – is indeed a dangerous thing when it comes to viewing “Bob Fosse’s Dancin’,” Wayne Cilento’s “reimagining” of the 1978 Broadway hit, now at the Music Box Theatre. Those least familiar with the legendary choreographer’s body of work (as well as the show’s first incarnation) are most likely to be entertained – perhaps vastly – by this Vegas-glitzy revue. Meanwhile, “the more you know,” the more you may be disappointed by what’s on stage. Continue reading...

Photos: Kebaya                                                                                                      

Kebaya is a restaurant dedicated solely to Peranakan cuisine which is unique to Singapore.  Restaurateur and Chef Salil Mehta, whose restaurants include Singapura, Wau and Singlish, is the force behind this latest project. The festive space is anchored by a large picture of koi swimming amongst water lilies with a fiery  dragon sculpture set atop the bar.

Peranakan cuisine is found in places like Malacca, Singapore, Penang, and Medan where ancient Chinese and local cultures collide creating unique hybrid dishes made with unique spices and cooking techniques.

The meal begins at Kebaya with Prawn Vadai, served atop lentil doughnuts and coconut chutney seasoned with curry leaf oil; Sate Lilit with Chili Kicap Sambal made with mince beef wrapped around lemongrass root; and Kuih Pie Tee Cups, crispy cups filled with jicama, egg, and shrimp served with a vinegar chili sauce.

House specialties include Nyonya Duck Curry with braised Long Island duck in coconut milk, lime leaf, and tomato; Crab Roast with Dungeness crab, golden egg, curry sauce and fresh Malaysian herbs; Kway Chap with pork intestine, stomach and ears braised in a caramelized soy-ginger sauce; Kerabu Beehoon, thin Rice noodle, in fish sauce, with torch ginger flower, onion and herbs; and Nasi Ulam, Charred Macherel with jasmine rice with toasted coconut, herbs, torch ginger flower, sambal, and dry shrimp.

Vibrant flavors can also be found in cocktails like Tiger Stripe with guava, tequila, spicy gunpowder and lime; and Umami made with mushroom infused whiskey, Amari and citrus. Beers from Hong Kong’s Young Master Brewery are available as well as Peranakan Tea.

Kebaya is located at 20 E 17th St, New York, NY (212) 641-0401. For more information, visit kebayanyc.com

Photo: Cititour.com                                                                                            

Sky Kim, a New York-based artist from Seoul, South Korea now has some of her works on display at Chase Contemporary.  Kim is known for her meticulous patters made with incantatory watercolors that operate as optical illusions. On the Chase website she writes, “I have to raise my vibrations to the highest level,” adding, “I put myself in that state so that I am very close to my highest self.”  Among the works on display is Transduced I, Vortex Series, 2022 made with watercolor, gouache, acrylic and crystals on paper. (above)

Chase Contemporary is located at 413 West Broadway, New York, NY.  For more information, visit chasecontemporary.com 

The last of three trolley cars on the Brooklyn waterfront is in a precarious spot.  It’s now or never for civic-minded individuals to save this relic from the past, now strewn with graffiti, its windows pushed in and its door rammed with a metal barricade.  But there are still many pieces of history still intact from the levers, pulleys and pedals used to navigate the trolley to its aqua blue benches of years past.  Trolley lines were once popular in New York from the mid-1800s until 1957 when the last trolley exited the city, according to the New York Times.  Trolleys once shared the Brooklyn Bridge with cars as this video shows. Former New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio tried to bring back streetcars back to the waterfront, but the proposed $2.7 billion dollar project never got off the ground.  While we hope this piece of New York City history could be saved, and possibly turned into part of a waterfront museum, time is running out.

 
Photos: Cititour.com                                                                                                 

Photo: Cititour.com                                                                                  

The Brisket sandwich at Hometown Barbecue is one outstanding bite.  The sandwich stands about five inches tall packed with juicy brisket smothered in spices.  It starts with bread & butter pickles, brisket, white onion and a slathering of sticky sauce all sandwiched between a toasted sesame seed bun.  You really can’t ask for more!

The restaurant, located in the heart of Red Hook, Brooklyn is also serving up several types of BBQ Ribs, including mammoth beef ribs, ice cold beers and cocktails in a honky tonk environment.  457 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, NY. 

Photo: Pierre Loti Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar                                              

Pierre Loti Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar is now open.  The restaurant at (55 Irving Place) sits next door to the Pierre Loti wine bar which has been a staple in the neighborhood for over 15 years.

The menu features over 20 different mezze options ranging from tzatziki to eggplant shaksuka to avocado feta, offering many options for vegetarians and vegans alike. Some other favorites include manti, pacanga, and zucchini pancakes. Entrees include whole roasted fish like branzino and orata (dorade) accompanied by 2 sides of your choice.

Like its sister restaurant, there is a focus on wine from Lebanon, Greece, Turkey, Spain and Italy, but also operates a full bar. The food menu is designed to pair exquisitely with the wine selections. Diners are also encouraged to ask the wait staff for pairing recommendations. 

Pierre Loti Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar is open 7 days a week from 4pm - 11pm, with plans to open for lunch and brunch.  They have plenty of bar seating and high tops in the bar area, as well as indoor & outdoor dining options.

Photo: Alain Verzeroli                                                                                             

Michelin-starred Le Jardinier New York will be offering a limited-time wine pairing dinner from March 23-25. Called "Toscana Through the Ages,” the five-course tasting menu is available as an optional alternative to the regular à la carte menu. The menu features a selection of wines from Tuscany, including several Sangiovese based wines. Classic Sangiovese pairings are cured meats, grilled vegetables, tomatoes, game and pork.

Menu and Pairings:

Grilled Yellowfin Tuna, Kohlrabi, Mustard Seeds, Black Currant
2015 Montevertine Rosso Di Montalcino

Vitello Tonnato, Favas, Croutons, Mignonette Pepper
2000 Guado Al Tasso

Squab & Ricotta Cappelletti, Wild Mushroom Consomme
2006 Il Paradiso Di Frassina Brunello Di Montalcino

Long Island Crescent Duck, Blackberry Aigre Doux, Turnips
1997 Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino

Tiramisu, Earl Gray Tea, Cocoa Sable
Castello D'albola Vin Santo Del Chianti Classico

"Toscana Through the Ages" will be held from 5:30PM - 10:00PM (last seating at 9:30). The price is $205 per person with optional wine pairing for $195.  Reservations via Resy

Photo: Cititour.com                                                                                      

Zillions Pizza located on 42^nd Street in Hell’s Kitchen is serving up 8 different pies which have a light and airy crust, including the Zillionaire with pepperoni, Italian sausage, black olives and fresh garlic. 340 West 42^nd St, NYC  

Another pie shop called Stretch Pizza, from the folks at Breads Bakery and Chef Wylie Dufresne, is now open near Union Square Mon-Sat 5:30pm-11pm for reservations and some walk-ins.  331 Park Avenue South, NYC 

Astoria is home to a new Greek restaurant called Nisi Estiatorio offering everything from deconstructed Moussaka to Lobster Pasta, Lamb Chops, Grilled Tiger Prawns and more. 32-07 30^th Ave, Queens 

The Moxy Williamsburg Hotel is now home to Mesiba led by Chef Eli Buli. The food is inspired by the restaurants of Tel Aviv and festive “breaking bread” culture of the Levant region.  353 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn

The Press Club Grill at the Martinique New York is offering classic dishes like Beef Wellington, Beef Wellington and Chicken Kyiv along with prime cuts of beef and Crab ‘Rice-A-Roni.’  1262 Broadway, NYC 

Lula Mae, a Cambodian restaurant in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill neighborhood is serving up dishes like Duck Breast with crying tiger sauce and 50-50 Fried Chicken with tamarind and lime pepper dressing. 472 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn 

Raf’s, a new Italian and French spot, has opened in Little Italy. The restaurant from Michelin-starred The Musket Room is offering Sicilian-style pizzas called sfincione, as well as outstanding pastries.  290 Elizabeth St, NYC 

Uni lovers rejoice. A new sushi spot, called Verge, is now open in Greenpoint, Brooklyn specializing in everything uni, including uni sushi rolls and “delicious dishes you won’t find anywhere else.”  159 Franklin St, Brooklyn 

Red Pavilion is a Chinese tea house by day and sultry Asian nightclub after dark with cocktails like The Red Dragon and Falling Flowers. There’s also a Dim Sum Sunday Brunch being offered. 1241 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn. 

The Blue Ribbon team has opened Ueki, an intimate 12-seat Omakase in tribute to master sushi chef and founder Toshi Ueki, who started Blue Ribbon as a “tiny little hole in the wall joint” which spread to major cities across the country. 34 Downing Street, NYC 

Photo: Cititour.com                                                                                           

Gammeeok, the Koreatown restaurant accused of serving up a rat in its soup, has been shut down by New York City health officials, according to TMZ.

The couple that found the rat saying in an Instagram post that it is moving forward with its lawsuit against Hanpool Inc aka Gammeeok. The restaurant is denying the allegations. 

To see the video click here

Photos: Cititour.com                                                                                    

Maybe a sexy print in the front window is a symbol for the dress code at Principe, a new SoHo hot spot, because we haven’t seen this many mini-skirts and knee-high leather boots since the 1960s.

The suave Italian restaurant is located just off of Prince Street at 450 West Broadway. A beautiful marble bar surrounded by beautiful people, including the bartenders, leads the way into this indulgent space as Italian pop music plays in the background. A huge chandelier towering over a stairwell serves as a focal point. Chandeliers and massive wooden beams, set up cathedral-style, grace the modernist dining space with floor-to-ceiling olive green drapes. A raw bar nearby on a mound of pebble ice showcases the catch of the day.

The food not surprisingly is delicious and quite stunning.  Chef Abram Bissell learned his craft in some of the city’s top restaurants, including Eleven Madison Park, The Nomad and The Modern.

Seafood dominates whether it is a lovely lobster salad served atop mini lettuce wedges with horseradish to vibrant red prawns that you swirl around in a neon green coriander sauce.

You can gorge yourself on oysters if you wish with a house martini in hand, or go bold with sea urchin and preserved tomato while enjoying one of several spritzes or an Abrato Negroni which drives home the Italian experience.

In between courses we were delighted to receive a warm disc of pillowy bread for dipping in Calabrian chili oil or house whipped butter. Our server told us it was farro sourdough served in the shape of plate, hence the name Piatto.  It should not be missed!

Pastas bring Clam Bucatini with lardo, black pepper and egg yolk adding to the richness of the sauce; Basil Tortellini in brown-butter brodo; and Rock Shrimp Malfadine with sugo bianco. Mains include dishes such as Grilled Duck with honey and fennel, Crispy Chicken with basil aioli, and Charcoal-Roasted Branzino and Lobster for two. There are fun desserts to cap off the meal like coconut popsicles with hibiscus ice, and a key lime ice cream sandwich.

Principe is fun, adventurous, and inviting. Go!

- Thomas Rafael

Photo: Joan Marcus                                                                                          

By Brian Scott Lipton

As a Jew, I don’t really need to be reminded of the antisemitism rapidly sweeping this country again. But even if this terrifying trend wasn’t happening, watching the current revival of the 1998 musical “Parade,” now at Broadway’s Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, would have been more than enough to make me take heed of the age-old notion that those who don’t remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Continue reading...

 
Photo: 5 Napkin                                                                            

The Blarney Burger is back for St. Patrick’s Day.  5 Napkin Burger is rolling out the fan-favorite just in time for the holiday. The Blarney Burger is a Cheeseburger Smash with beer-braised corned beef, stout mustard and cabbage slaw. It can be found at 5 Napkin’s locations in Hell’s Kitchen and the Upper West Side.

Photo: Sweetbriar                                                                           

On Monday, March 27th, Sweetbriar will be hosting a Bourbon Masterclass and tasting with Beverage Director Ivan Papic, in partnership with Heaven Hill Distillery. This exclusive cocktail class and tasting will guide guests on select cocktail creations paired with small bites from Executive Chef Bryce Shuman. The class will take place from 6 pm – 7:30 pm with tickets priced at $55 per person via Tock.

Photo: Jungsik                                                                                                  

Jungsik is adding desserts to the bar menu from Executive Pastry Chef Yoonjung Oh.  They include Carrot, composed of carrot cake, with cream cheese mousse and pecan praline, encased in white chocolate and painted to look like a real carrot; NY-Seoul, Choux pastry with brown rice ice cream and Tahitian vanilla ice cream; and Black Truffle Chocolate, chocolate caramel, caraibe cremeux, and grilled ice cream. 

Photo: Balaboosta                                                                                                 

Balaboosta is offering Passover specials which Chef Einat Admony will be serving up from April 5th through April 12^th. They include Matzoh Ball Chamusta with beef, baharat, chard, and lemon; Brisket Sabzi with herbs, persian lime, and spinach; and Seared Snapper with beets, yogurt, horseradish, and dill. 

Photo: Jasmine's                                                                                       

For Women’s History Month, Times Square Alliance is highlighting women-owned businesses located in the heart of Times Square. They include Margon Restaurant (Cuban-American, 136 West 46th Street), Jasmine’s Caribbean Cuisine (371 West 46th Street), Barbetta Restaurant (Italian, 321 West 46th Street), Gatsby’s Landing ( Bar-Lounge, 120 West 44th Street), Russian Samovar Restaurant & Piano Bar (256 West 52nd Street), Ellen’s Stardust Diner (1650 Broadway), and Patzeria Perfect Pizza (231 West 46th Street).

Heather Mubarak, as she is releasing her debut cookbook called Stuffed: The Sandwich Cookie Book on April 4th. Stuffed is the first-ever cookbooks soley dedicated to sandwich cookies, and features 65 whimsical recipes for every occasion and craving, including both sweet and savory cookies that range from childhood classics with a twist, to sophisticated, elevated treats. 

Quick Bites:

Photo: Cititour.com                                                                                            

On St Paddy’s Day, Gotham Burger Social Club will be slinging its Gotham Smash Burgers and Harlem Tacos at Ray’s Bar starting at 3pm. There’s talk that there may be some bagpipes as well.

Fan Fan Doughnuts is hosting its 3^rd Annual Chocolate Doughnut Festival on April 19-23.  Fans can sumbit videos sharing their Delicious Cholcolate Idea by March 26 at  fanfandoughnuts@gmail.com and you could see your idea brought to life and get some “pretty cool surprises.” Open to Kids and Adults.

Chip City, known for its decadent Chocolate Chip and other cookies, is opening a new location at 325 Greenwich Street in Tribeca starting on March 17^th

Photo: High Line Art                                                                                           

High Line Art is announcing Halls of Power, an exhibition of three films by Jasmina Cibic. Taking place on the High Line, a relic of infrastructure that became a civic monument for industrial reuse, Halls of Power reveals the ways that the buildings and structures around us reflect the values of those who build them. Cibic’s films will screen daily at dusk on the High Line at 14th Street March 16 through May 24, 2023.

Looking Ahead:

NEW INC, New Museum’s Cultural Incubator, Announces DEMO2023.  The three-day festival features exhibitions, installations, performances, and talks by industry leaders and NEW INC members at the New Museum and partner venues across New York City. Running from June 21 to June 23, 2023, DEMO2023 will spotlight innovative projects led by twenty-five current NEW INC members, whose interdisciplinary work spans art, design, technology, science, and entrepreneurship.

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

Photo: Evan Sung                                                                                              

As we continue to explore the flavors of New York City, and the forces behind them, we travel to Tatiana at Lincoln Center and its celebrated Chef de Cuisine Kamat Newman. Chef Newman was born in Centreville, Illinois and raised in St. Louis, and later attended culinary school in Chicago. She developed her own signature approach to cooking, which can be now experienced at Tatiana.

In our Q&A Series, CITITOUR had a chance to get to know Chef Newman and learn more about her cooking style:

CITITOUR: How would you describe your style of cooking and where do you draw your inspiration from?

NEWMAN: I would describe my style of cooking as free-form. I don't personally attempt to emulate any one specific cultural experience, as my life has been influenced by so many things as a Black American. My inspiration is drawn from my passion for beauty and my desire to communicate who I am through my craft.

CITITOUR: Can you tell us about some of the kitchens you’ve worked in prior to joining Tatiana and your work for SoHo House?

NEWMAN: There were only a handful of kitchens I worked in prior to Soho House and Tatiana. One of the most memorable places was this small whisky bar named “Small Batch.” Their primary focus of food is vegetarian, which I found extremely intriguing because whisky bar and vegetarian cuisine aren’t really two things I would put together in my mind. But somehow it worked, very well I might add.

CITITOUR: Were you surprised when Executive Chef Kwame Onwuachi chose you to be the Chef de Cuisine at Tatiana? Have you worked together before?

NEWMAN: I was overwhelmed with joy when I’d received the call from Chef Kwame wanting to personally congratulate me on getting the position. I was right in the middle of my work day. It was 3pm on September 5. I will never forget it because it was my birthday. This particular call took place after a very surprising visit from Chef Kwame at Wax Myrtles, located in the Thompson hotel downtown Austin, Texas. I had closed the night before so I was asleep well into the afternoon of the following day only to be woken up by several texts and missed calls telling me that Chef Kwame was dining at the restaurant! We met for coffee and the rest is history. I had never worked with him prior to working at Tatiana. It's been everything I could imagine and more.

CITITOUR: The food at Tatiana has been winning high praise from critics, including a Nigerian take on pastrami which I understand was a collaborative effort. How do your West African roots play into the type of food you are cooking now?

NEWMAN: Growing up unaware of the specifics of my African heritage, I always want to take the opportunity to immerse myself in the cultures that influence my family’s history. In doing research about West African food, I have found that it intertwines with a lot of the southern cuisine that is familiar to my palate. Pulling in influences from West Africa gives my food more purpose and more soul.

CITITOUR: What are two of your favorite dishes at Tatiana?

NEWMAN: The first is the Egusi Dumplings. Prior to working for Chef Kwame, I had never eaten egusi stew. I was simply floored when I took my fist bite in the Tatiana prep kitchen. The second would have to be the Braised Oxtails. The flavors are rich and decadent. It was honestly a shock when Chef Kwame allowed me to see the menu and I read that oxtail was in it. I had never associated oxtail with fine dining cuisine and yet, here it was in bold print. To see it be one of our top selling items brings my heart so much joy.

CITITOUR: When you are not leading the kitchen at Tatiana, what does Kamat Newman like to do in her spare time?

NEWMAN: In my spare time, I love to release steam by going to the gym. It's so freeing to be in this space to exert myself and just let loose. I am also a big fan of museums. Spending hours around art while Miles Davis plays through my headphones, I couldn't ask for a better way to spend an off day. Those museum days are often followed by a dinner reservation with some of my closest friends, where we satiate ourselves with delicious food and good wine.

CITITOUR: As a rising star in the food world, where do you see yourself five years from now?

NEWMAN: Five years from now? I have to imagine I will continue on the journey of giving myself and my craft to the world.

We’d like to than Chef Newman for participating in our Q&A series and wish her much success in the future!


AlSO SEE: 

A Conversation with Celebrated Chef Bryce Shuman

Photos: Cititour.com                                                                                       

Buzzy Japanese restaurant Fushimi known for its flashy locations and fusion cuisine has landed in the in the heart of Times Square at 311 West 43^rd Street. The sprawling restaurants includes several dining spaces separated by ornate screens

As you enter, your eye is immediate drawn a narrow passageway with bright red columns with Japanese text. Enter further and a massive rattan fish appears to be floating seamlessly over a lounge area. At a nearby bar, an image of woman resembling a geisha is surrounded by origami swans.

Cocktails come with names like the Samurai, a mix of Nikka Gin, muddled blue berry, lemon juice & simple syrup; Bora Be with Soju, Lychee Schnapps, lychee puree, lychee juice, lemon juice, and butterfly pea; and Kami Hikoki made with Four Roses Bourbon, Aperol, Milleti Amaro, and lemon juice. Sake, Japanese Whisky, champagne, wine and beer are also offered.

The inventive menu includes an assortment of Robata Skewers such as Lamb Chop with black truffle, Maine Lobster with parsley lime and butter, and Octopus with scallion, togarashi, and pickled cucumbers. From the sushi bar comes assorted rolls, nigari and sashimi ranging from pristine blue fin tuna belly to red snapper, spot shrimp, yellowtail and sea urchin. Other options include Pekin Duck Salad, Chicken Katsu, Roasted Scottish Salmon and a 35-day Dry Aged Tomahawk for two.

Fushimi also operates restaurants in Staten Island, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and Williamsburg. This is its first entry into Manhattan where it is bound to make a splash!

For more information, visit https://fushimi.nyc/

Photo: Francesco Sapienza                                                                                  

There is nothing better than a cocktail and a bite.  With that in mind, the breezy coastal Italian restaurant Mr Capri is launching its "Pairing Hour" every day from 4:30pm to 6:30pm for anyone visiting the lounge and bar area.

So, what exactly is a Capri-style pairing? All of the house cocktails, wine and beer are being served with complimentary small bites.  Pictured here is the Lee Sirene (Gin Martini) and Cantabria anchovie with a butter and breadcrumb rim.

There are nine options in all.  They include the Montepulciano & parmigiano reggiano chunks; Refosco & breadsticks, mascarpone e prosciutto; Barolo & truffle potato chips; Pecorino and Shrimp cocktail, Falanghina & pesto potato chips; Prosecco and zucchini & clam oreganata; Birra Italia & Neopolitan tarollo; and a Vodka Martini with gorgonzola stuffed olives. To see what's in each of the cocktails click here. 

Mr Capri is owned and operated by Capri natives Alessandro "Ale" Passante and his brother Mario Passante.  The resturant is located at 33 West 8th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues in the heart of Greenwich Village.  For more information, visit mrcapri.com 

Photo: Döner Haus                                                                                           

Döner Haus is bringing real German-style Döner kebabs to New York City (official opening March 20^th).

Originated in the 1950s by Turkish immigrants, the Döner quickly became a staple made with German ingredients and Turkish seasonings served on flatbread. Nikolaus von Solodkoff, who was born in Germany and moved to New York City in 2010, dreamed of opening a “real German Döner,” and now that dream is coming to fruition with the help of A2Z Restaurant Consulting, known for launching fast casual concepts.

Döner Haus only offers three menu items: Döner Kebab, Döner Box and Haus Fries. All of Döner Haus’s gyro cones are produced exclusively for them by a German-Turkish manufacturer. Their crown jewel, Beef Döner, uses 100% Choice Top Round cut into thin slices, marinated for 48 hours, and then stacked together. Also offered is Chicken Döner, made from leg meat that is marinated for 48 hours, and a Vegan Döner that will be available soon. There are no fillers of any kind, such as wheat or soy, they are 100% meat and 100% halal. Döner Haus says that way they can bring delicious, authentic German-style Döner kebabs to everyone.

Döner Haus is a small, walk-up storefront with a kitchen designed for efficiency, with one side catering to window service customers and the other exclusively catering and delivery.  Döner Haus is offering several promotions for its opening, including discounts for all uniformed city workers and a midnight happy hour starting at 12AM to closing time to service patrons of the many bars, clubs, and restaurants nearby.

Döner Haus is located at 240 East 14th Street, New York, NY 10003 (929) 603-1129

For more information, visit www.doner.haus

Photo: Common Ground                                                                                 

Basketball and a dance party at Common Ground, located just steps away from the Highline, with March Madness viewing with comfortable banquettes for viewing, and flatscreens throughout the space.

The Hairy Lemon is a popular East Village spot to grab a beer and watch the game.  Jumbo chicken wings top the menu along with bar bites like Philly Cheesesteak Spring Rolls and Pigs in a Blanket.

The Three Monkees in Midtown is a bi-level bar with flat screen TV’s and two projector screens to capture all of the sports action while partaking in rotating brews and artisanal bites.

 
Photo: Gamehaus                                                                         

Gamehaus in Long Island City is offering over a dozen large screen TVs and 11-foot LED video wall to capture all of this year’s March Madness with beer bucket specials and craft cocktails.  

Located just a few blocks from Madison Square Garden, Smithfield Hall is a popular gathering spot for sports fans.  There are 20 beers on tap by the glass or pitcher.  The food is classic American.

Belly up to the bar at Standings in the East Village to catch your favorite teams in action.  Multiple screens and lots of sports paraphernalia lines the wall.  Beer is the drink of choice.

 
Photo: Little Rebel/Andy Stark                                                                                

Little Rebel in the East Village is hosting a March Madness Party.  The bar is known for its variety of chicken wings in flavors like everything bagel, maple waffle or buffalo in a sprawling two-level space.

Blondies on the Upper West Side draws a crowd with its communal tables filled with fans cheering on their favorite teams. Burgers, Buffalo Chicken Wings and Pasta a La Louie line the menu.

Get your game on at Sláinte on the Bowery. With 19 brews on tap, many from local breweries, you will never run out of choices.  Bar bites include wings, nachos, poutine and an Irish “Cubano” sandwich.

 
Photo: Downtown Social                                                                                      

New to the scene is Downtown Social, the sister of Charleston, SC’s Uptown Social, with a wall of 27 flatscreen TV’s where you will never miss a buzzer beater or highlight reel-worthy dunk.

The Supply House on the Upper East Side is a popular watering hole watering hole with big screen TVs a diverse beer selection and bites like Nana’s Meatball Sliders, House-made Chili and Hot Coffee Burger.

Boxer’s in Hell’s Kitchen is a popular gay sports bar in New York City with big screens lining the walls. The menu features Boxer Burgers and Brick Oven Pizzas with a variety of toppings.

Photo: J.Bespoke                                                                                                  

Catch the games in a speakeasy. J.Bespoke is redefining the idea of a sports bar with its sophisticated setting and expertly crafted cocktails for an elevated watch party experience.

Harlem Tavern is a popular neighborhood haunt to watch your favorite teams while indulging in premium bites like Tequila Shrimp Skewers, Seafood Gumbo, Chicken & Waffles, and more.

Photo: T. Charles Erickson                                                                                    

By Brian Scott Lipton

Passengers on today’s railroads seem to face an increased risk of explosions, derailments and physical attacks, but those catastrophes don’t affect the six people we meet aboard The Coast Starlight, the LA-to-Seattle train that serves as both the setting and title to Keith Bunin’s absorbing new play, now at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi Newhouse Theatre under Tyne Rafaeli’s solid direction. Continue reading...

Image: 12 Monkeys                                                                                              

“There are more viruses on earth than stars in the universe. In Viruses on Film, pathogens star in a cinematic exploration of how microorganisms shape human politics, thinking, desire, and intimacy around the world, ” according to Steven W. Thrasher, co-curator and author of The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality and Disease Collide.

It’s all part of a film series spanning seven decades at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music).  The films include Contagion, Follow the Protocols, Hackers, 12 Monkeys, Parasite, The Andromeda Strain, among others.  The film series is being held from March 15 to March 23.  For more information click here.

Photo: David Shoukry                                                                

John Lloyd Young, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning original star of Jersey Boys, returns to the Café Carlyle, March 28 through April 1, with an all-new set of Golden Era classics. With his highly personal interpretations of hits made famous by Little Anthony and the Imperials, Roy Orbison, the Four Seasons and more, Young brings the room alive with thrilling emotional moments and unforgettable melodies.

As the original “Frankie Valli” in Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Jersey Boys, Young garnered unprecedented accolades from the New York and national media, going on to become the only American actor to date to win all four major Broadway Leading Actor in a Musical honors for a Broadway debut.

Performances will take place Tuesday - Thursday at 8:45pm, with General Seating at $100 per Person / Bar Seating at $80 per Person / and Premium Seating at $150 per Person. Friday and Saturday pricing begins at $95 per Person for Bar Seating / $130 General Seating / and Premium Seating at $180. Reservations can be made online via Tock. Café Carlyle is located in The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel (35 East 76th Street, at Madison Avenue).

Photo: Chelsea Market                                                                                    

Chelsea Market is throwing its very own St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Friday, March 17. Participating vendors will be serving up everything that makes St. Patrick’s Day great.

Dickson’s Farmstand Meats is offering specials just for St. Patrick’s Day including $5 green beers, traditional corned beef & cabbage, and other menu specials running all day.

Photo: Amy's Bread                                                                                      

Amy’s Bread will be serving traditional Irish Soda Bread, Guinness Cakes with Bailey’s Frosting, and other treats.

Doughnuttery is serving a special Beer Caramel Sauce to accompany their green sprinkle doughnuts

Photo: Economy Candy                                                                             

Creamline, in collaboration with A Taste of Economy Candy, is releasing a limited time St. Patrick’s Day Milkshake with Junior Mints, Green Whipped Cream, and a chocolate coin

Chelsea Market will also have live Irish music and Irish Step Dancers from the Niall O’Leary School of Irish Dance from 6:00 – 7:30 PM for those in attendance.

Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth will participate in after-show talk with  two-time “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner Jinkx Monsoon after the March 17 performance of the hit Broadway musical “Chicago.” Monsoon is playing the role of “Matron ‘Mama’ Morton” through Sunday, March 26

The Tony Award-winning show tells the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer in the 1920s, who murders her lover, She then dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer, Billy Flynn, to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines.

The production, which is directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Ann Reinking, features a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse and music by John Kander and lyrics by Ebb. For tickets click here.

No Oscar viewing party would be complete without some award-winning cocktails as we toast to another year of excellent films. Here are a few of them.

Photo: Ponyboy/Andrea Grujic                                                                       

Ponyboy is offering Don’t Worry Baby for a pairing with the movie, Elvis.  Created by Christopher Reyes, the drink is comprised of Bombay sapphire gin, lillet blanc, Jasmine syrup, crème de pêche, lime and 3 basil leaves. The drink is served on the rocks with pebble ice. 632 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn Resy

Photo: Aldama/Andrea Grujic                                            

Aldama is offering the Labruscal to be paired with the film Everything Everywhere All At Once.  The drink is made with Grey Goose Vodka, Fino sherry, Pineapple juice, Lemon juice, and Blueberry rosemary syrup. It’s served over crushed ice. 91 South 6th St, Brooklyn Resy

Photo: Fandi Mata/Andrea Grujic                                                             

Fandi Mata has created Big In Japan, a cocktail destined to be paired with Avatar: The Way of Water.  It’s a mix of Hendricks Gin, Pimms, Italicus Liqueur, Fresh Lemon Juice, Homemade Raspberry Elixir and egg white. The drink is garnished with a sage leaf. 74 Bayard St, Brooklyn

Photo: Kebaya                                                                                      

 “The Girl from Ipoh” cocktail served at the new, Kebaya restaurant in Union Square inspired by legendary actress and Ipoh-born super-star actress, Michelle Yeoh. This luscious rum based pandan milk includes evaporated milk, pineapple, and lime juice.  20 East 17th St, NYC Resy

Photo: Ellington on Broadway                                                           

At Ellington on Broadway on the UWS, which is named after the legendary pianist and composer, Duke Ellington, patrons can toast the Oscar nominees with the Winners Gold, a sumptuous drink composed of Lillet, prosecco, ginger beer, honey, lemon, garnished with dancing berries and a gold glitter rim. 2745 Broadway, NYC Resy 

The popular, family owned and operated, Santo Brúklin in Carroll Gardens (548 Court Street, Brooklyn) is hosting an Oscars viewing party with four Oscars-inspired cocktail specials for the evening, including And The Oscar Goes To… made with Scotch, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters. 548 Court St, Brooklyn

Photo: A Doll's House                                                                                       

By Brian Scott Lipton

Words definitely speak louder than actions in Jamie Lloyd’s much-anticipated revival of Henrik Ibsen’s landmark 1879 play “A Doll’s House,” now at the Hudson Theatre – in large part because Lloyd’s uber-minimalist production has stripped almost of all of the physical action from the production. Lloyd’s concept has the six-member cast -- led by the luminous Jessica Chastain as the troubled housewife Nora Helmer -– remain mostly seated on Soutra Gilmour’s non-set, only occasionally standing or moving. Continue reading...

Photo: Cititour.com                                                                                         

If you haven’t been to Jupiter at Rockefeller Center, you need to get their fast.  Aside from wonderful pastas and seafood, one dish that stood out to us is the Mozzarella di Bufala.  While it may sound simple on the surface it is a truly complex dish.

At the center is a delicate morsel of marinated mozzarella served with smashed chickpeas. Hovering over the plate is roasted trevise, a prized Italian radicchio, smothered with red olives.  The tantalyzing dish is drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. It is truly a masterful plate, as is much of what you will find at Jupiter, by the King team.

Photo: 9 Jones                                                                                                

Inspired by British social clubs with New York's edge, 9 Jones is an intimate, sexy supper club highlighting bespoke cocktails served on a trolley. Nestled in the West Village, the space is the perfect destination to impress your date with jewel toned, petrol-blue walls with gold touches and comfortable plus velvet seating for intimate conversions.

The show stopper on the cocktail menu is the Side Piece. It is a combination of Grey Goose vodka, lemon, prosecco, pomegranate extract and topped with ball of spun cotton candy and a dusting of gold leaf. The dink is served on a vintage black and gold Trolley Experience that is rolled tableside.

Bites range from Lobster Pasta, Grilled Lamb Chops and Slow Roast Chicken to sharable dips and Fire Roasted Seafood Tower. 9 Jones Street, New York, NY

Photo: Carmine's                                                                                     

Carmine’s is celebrating National Meatball Day on Thursday, March 9, 2023 with a colossal plate of meatballs. To honor the Italian staple, Carmine’s is rolling back the price of their meatballs to when the restaurant opened its first NYC location in 1990 – $12.95 for six meatballs! (Regular price $26.95 - quite a deal!). Carmine’s has locations in Times Square and the Upper West Side.

Al Coro has added a five course Pasta Tasting Menu. It includes Culurgiones with Golden Osetra Caviar, Fontina, Herbs & Lemon Butter; Linguine Alla Vongole with Tomato & Fennel; Cappelletti Alla Vodka with Smoked Ricotta & Basil; Tortellini in Brodo with Braised Green and Black Truffle; and Garganelli with Duck Ragù, Cocoa, Parmigiano Reggiano. The pasta tasting costs $125 per person.

Photo: Noreetuh                                                                                       

noreetuh, the Hawaiian restaurant led by Executive Chef/Partner Chung Chow (Per Se, Lincoln Restaurant) is adding more vegan and vegetarian options including musubi (similar to a hand roll) with a Spicy Spam vegan substitute.  Other options include Vegetable Potstickers with OmniPork, sesame oil and kombu-soy dip (vegan); and Artichoke Hearts Skewers, with soy crisps, and mentaiko mayo.

Photo: Somewhere, Nowhere                                                                         

Somewhere Nowhere is hosting a St Patrick’s Day Sunset Party high above NYC on Friday, March 17, 2023  from 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM. From this breathtaking vantage point, patrons can soak up stunning views of the surrounding skyline while dancing the night away to electrifying beats with a sunset party hosted by Bouge Group Hospitality. Tickets here

Gamehaus is offering some St Patrick’s Day specials that will get you in the holiday ’spirits’ with Beer Cocktails (and their version of a Green Michelada), as well as Green Jalapeño Balls, Green Nachos (beef, chicken or vegetarian) and Green Cocktails to keep it festive.

Photo: Billy's Bakery                                                                     

In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, Billy’s Bakery is partnering with craft Irish distillery, Glendalough, for two limited edition treats starting March 13 - 17 at their Chelsea location (184 Ninth Ave). A savory Double Barrel Biscuit ($4.25) made with Irish Cheddar Cheese is being offered along with a sweet Double Barrel Cupcake ($4.75) made with chocolate, Glendalough Irish whiskey-salted caramel and flaky sea salt, perfect for celebrating the luck of the Irish.

Photo: La Goulue                                                                                          

After catching the Easter Parade this year, La Goulue is offering a two-course Easter Brunch for $72 pp. Options include French Toast with home-made brioche, mascarpone cream and blueberry jam; Scandinavian with organic poached eggs, house-smoked salmon, and dill hollandaise; and a Shrimp and Lobster Roll. The brunch cocktail is the La Belle Vie with Campari, Grand Marnier and champagne.

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

Photo: Allora Ristorante                                                                                 

Le Méridien New York, Fifth Avenue is the new home of Allora Ristorante, a new Italian restaurant by Chef-owner Elio Albanese (Antica Ristorante) in NoMad.

The signature dish is Corzetti, a type of pasta dating back to medieval times. The circular pasta resembles hand-pressed coins. Back then noble families would brand the the pasta with their coat of arms. Today, elaborate wooden stamps are used to emboss custom patterns and designs. The northwestern Italian dish leans further into its Ligurian roots with a traditional walnut sauce.

Then, grab your pasta scissors and dive into Elio’s now-famous take on the rustic Abruzzese recipe Maccheroni alla Mugnaia (Miller’s Wife Pasta). The dish is made from a 6-foot-long continuous loop of pasta tossed in Ragù all'Abruzzese and finished with tiny veal meatballs (“pallottine”), shredded Parmigiano Reggiano, dried chiles, and peperoncino. It is set atop a wooden plank (called a “chitarra”) and served with a pair of pasta scissors allowing diners to take a breath in between bites. Several other dishes are offered tableside like the Branzino Filet, Caesar Salad and Pan-fried Steak Diane.

Breakfast, which is offered from 8am to 11am, features Panettone French Toast in collaboration with award-winning Veneto pasticceria Olivieri 1882, as well as Settepani Bakery’s Maritozzi. The French Toast is made with Roman sweet buns filled with freshly-whipped cream.

Diners will also discover a robust beverage program with inventive cocktails and native Italian wines. Milano Modena serves as Allora’s specialty aperitivo. Inspired by the Milano Torino, the recipe combines Emilia-Romagna’s Lambrusco with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena to create a drink tailor-made for spritz connoisseurs. The wine list offers varietals from Veneto to the volcanic vineyards of Sicily.

This is the second Allora location at 292 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY (646) 928-5198.  For more information, visit alloraristorantenyc.com

Photos: Gabo Acr                                                                                        

Caliza Mezcal Bar y Cocina has been brought to life by restaurateur Josh Lebowitz on bright and airy corner at 378 Greenwich (at N. Moore) in Tribeca.

Caliza’s menu is a modern take on traditional authentic Mexican food. Signature items comprise of the Coctel De Camarones with Fresh Shrimp, Yuzu-Tomato Broth, Cucumber, and Cilantro; Wild Mushroom Quesadilla with Chanterelle, Black Trumpet, and Chihuahua Cheese; Branzino A La Talla with Adobo and Ensalada; Denver Cut Lamb Ribs with Roasted Chilis, Pasilla Mixe Glaze, Salsa Roja; a Porterhouse for Two with Pickled Nopales, plus a “make your own taco” concept, and more.

To compliment the Mexican cuisine, Caliza has put together an extensive tequila and mezcal selection (all of which are small batched), curated by Chef Daniel Mendoza. The agave-forward cocktail menu includes Palomita (Tequila, grapefruit-elderflower cordial, lime, topo chico), and Morelos (Reposado Tequila, Mezcal, Palo Santo, Smoke Oaks), amongst others.

The neighborhood space sports a beachy feel inspired by towns that Lebowitz loves like Montauk and Tulum. The restaurant has also has a large patio that will be enclosed in the winter months, a show-stopping art mural painted by Claudio Limon, which will transport guests to their favorite vacation destination.

In addition, Lebowitz has created Caliza “Next Door” (376 Greenwich St) that will have a service window and a kiosk app to order, serving a selection of breakfast items, special coffees and hot chocolates, tortas, salads, quesadillas, lunch bowls, and beyond. Lebowitz teamed up with popular Mexican chef and cookbook author Fany Gerson, owner of La Newyorkina and Fan-Fan Doughnuts, to bring her famous ice cream, Paletas, and baked goods to Caliza “Next Door”. The fast casual concept will be open Monday through Saturday from 8AM – 4PM.

Caliza is currently open for dinner Monday through Saturday from 5pm to 11pm with lunch and brunch to follow. For more information, visit calizanyc.com 

Photos: Trust Bae                                                                                          

A new restaurant designed to empower female chefs is now open in Manhattan. Trust Bae launching its first location at 1204 Broadway. The opening coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8^th.  The first menu features Japanese and Filipino-inspired dishes from Celebrity Chef Frances Tariga (Top Chef, Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped).

Trust Bae, founded by Simple Venue and Sushi by Bou CEO Erika London, will operate as an intimate counter-style tasting experience guided by its chefs, with each location serving as an incubator of each chef's unique culinary concept. To aid in that effort, London has enlisted television personality and entrepreneur, Rachael Ray who will support and mentor each of the aspiring chefs.

"I am looking forward to guiding some of the next generation’s female cooks and chef powerhouses through their culinary journeys," said Ray. "I believe in the power of building personal brands and leveraging them through the formation of new business models and I am excited to help scout and empower these up and coming talents."

Binalot

 
Crudo Pod

 
Sardine Robata

Chutoro

Chef Tariga's 16-course tasting menu tells the story of her culinary experience from her youth in the Philippines to her training in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine at some of New York's most famous kitchens, including The Standard, Catch and Planta.

Menu highlights include favorites like Binalot, Alaskan King crab and coconut sticky rice wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf before being covered in a Paksiw foam and topped with crispy shallots; Lumpia, slow-cooked oxtail served with a truffle cream in a crispy spring roll shell; and Sawara Tinapa (Spanish mackerel) skin torched then smoked, and garnished with house-pickled Gari and kizami.

The 16-course tasting menu including dessert is served at an intimate 8-seat counter for 90 minutes for $150 per person. Many of the dishes are presented in unique vessels designed by Chef Tariga to complement each dish.

For more information, visit trustbae.com 

Photo: Museum of Broadway                                                               

The recently opened Museum of Broadway (145 West 45th Street) has added several new artifacts from recently-closed Broadway shows, including a suitcase carried by Hugh Jackman and band hats worn by Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster in the 2022 Broadway revival of “The Music Man”, Usher’s hat from “A Strange Loop”, a costume worn by Alex Brightman in “Beetlejuice,” and a costume worn by Sara Bareilles in the 2022 revival of “Into The Woods.”

 Additionally, the Museum has added Bob Fosse’s Tony Awards from “Dancin’” and “Big Deal,” spurs worn by Tom Wopat in the 1999 Broadway revival of “Annie Get Your Gun” a replica of Alan Jay Lerner’s annotated script for “Camelot,” a hat worn by Dale Soules in “The Magic Show”, a wig worn by Tovah Feldshuh in “Golda’s Balcony”, and a ukelele from “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” signed by its stars, Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara.

There have also been a few updates in the “Making of a Broadway Show” exhibit, designed by Tony Award winner David Rockwell. The stage management booth has been updated to feature a video of the “Aladdin” stage management team calling the song “Friend Like Me,” during a performance of the show, along with the calling script so guests can follow along to better understand the role of a stage manager.

Additionally, a new AR experience has been unveiled in which guests can use a special mirror to transform themselves into select characters from “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” including Harry Potter, Professor Umbridge, Professor Dumbledore, and Bane.

 For tickets and information, please visit https://www.themuseumofbroadway.com/

Photo: Pinky Cole/Sterling Pics                                                                                         

Acclaimed burger joint Slutty Vegan opens its second New York location at 300 West 135th Street. The restaurant, founded by Pinky Cole, is serving a carry-out menu featuring creative takes on vegan burgers, sandwiches and more made with plant-based meat and all donning racy names.

Photo: One Night Stand/Madelynne Boykin                                                               

The full menu, available for takeout and delivery, includes fan-favorites like the One Night Stand, a burger loaded with vegan bacon, vegan cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato and Slut Sauce on a vegan Hawaiian bun; the Fussy Hussy, a burger loaded with pickles, vegan cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato and Slut Sauce on a vegan Hawaiian bun; the Heaux Boy, featuring vegan shrimp tossed in a New Orleans style batter, loaded with lettuce, tomato, pickle and Slut Sauce on a vegan Hawaiian bun; and the Hollywood Hooker, a vegan chopped Philly with jalapeños, bell peppers and caramelized onions, vegan provolone, lettuce, tomato, ketchup and vegan mayo on a hoagie roll. 

Photo: Vegan Shrimp/Madelynne Boykin                                                                    

In addition, Slutty Vegan, which previously opened in Brooklyn, is expanding its distribution in that borough by opening a catering hub in partnership with Cloud Kitchens that will service Bed Stuy, Ft Greene, Canarsie, Williamsburg, Flatbush and Crown Heights. Customers can order Slutty Vegan deliveries from the virtual kitchen via DoorDash, Fooda, TripleSeat, Grubhub, UberEats and EatOkra.

Photos: Michael Tulipan                                                                                     

Atti in Downtown Brooklyn is upping the Korean BBQ game with a focus on high quality beef aged in house, stylish design and an elevated wine, cocktail and spirits program. Wife and husband team, Ju Young Oh and Min Sung Kang of studiOH, own other Brooklyn spots like Kuun and MS. OHHO (in Greenpoint) that specialize in Korean home cooking. This new project offers a more refined destination for Korean BBQ.

The focus is the Atti Han Sang feast (han means big, sang is table) which includes four select cuts of beef from Pat LaFrieda, DeBragga and Snake River Farms including prime ribeye that is dry-aged in house for 45 – 60 days, and more than a dozen side dishes. Other cuts include prime hanger, dry-aged ribeye, wagyu, kalbi (short rib) and more.

Served Bansang-style (traditional Korean royal table setting), the feast includes a variety of side dishes to share, rice, soup and condiments accompanying the meat.  The staff cooks the meat tableside on built-in grills, recommending sides and condiments that complement each cut of meat.

Other offerings include East Coast and West Coast Oysters, Shrimp cocktail, Steak Tartare; Shrimp or Pork Mandu dumplings, Spicy Pork Belly BBQ, and more. Popular stews are also on the menu, such as Naeng Myun served over cold noodles, Seafood Soondubu Stew with tofu, and Pork Belly Kimchi Stew.

The curated beverage program offers a selection of craft cocktails such as Atti Old Fashioned with bourbon, ginger and orange bitters, and a Plum Mojito. There are Korean spirits like craft soju distilled from rice, pine, barley or plums, artisanal rice-based makgeolli, plus sake, beer, and wine. More than a dozen premium sakes are also available.

Atti is located at 294 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY. Reservations via Resy or by calling 917-909-1122. Hours are Monday – Friday 5pm – 11pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am – 11pm. For more information visit https://attinyc.com/

Photos: Fireman Hospitality Group                                                                  

Café Paradiso is a merger of two cultures – Italian and American – served with love. Restaurateur Shelly Fireman conceived the idea based on his 35 years of living in Italy in Pietrosante, an artist community outside of Florence, and being raised in the Bronx.

For breakfast, visitors will find assorted pastries and muffins, along with egg sandwiches Italian style waffled with chocolate hazelnut spread and toasted hazelnuts.

For lunch and dinner there are house-made pizzas (margherita, meatball and Prosciutto du Parma, among others), pasta dishes like Lasagna Bolognese with three meat ragu, and Burrata Ravioli with Pomodoro sauce.  There are salads and sandwiches, along with cutting boards of assorted meats and cheese served with focaccia. Dessert brings Italian favorites like tiramisu and biscotti.

Café Paradiso is located at 144 west 65th Street, New York, NY (212) 869-8800.  The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 8 am to 8 pm.  For more information, visit https://www.cafeparadisonyc.com/

Photos: Tastemade Me Tacos                                                                            

Tastemade is introducing Tastemade Me Tacos from acclaimed Chef Wes Avila, founder of the popular food truck, Guerrilla Tacos, and the owner of and chef at Angry Egret Dinette in Los Angeles. The restaurant, located at the Citizens New York Food Hall, is a collaboration with C3 (Creating Culinary Communities) by SBE, a fast-growing food tech platform.

Chef Avila, a James Beard Award finalist, has created a selection of tacos inspired by the flavors of Mexico, the Mediterranean, Asia, and the American Southwest. Highlights include a Carnityaki taco with teriyaki beef; Chicken Shawarma taco with feta, sumac, and tahini; and a classic Queso Asado taco with carne asada.

Tastemade Me Tacos marks the first time that Avila’s food will be available in New York City. "I'm very excited to partner with two industry leaders to bring Tastemade Me Tacos to life,” says Chef Avila. “It has been a longtime dream of mine to enter the New York City marketplace, and I'm thrilled to be doing so with Tastemade and C3."

Tastemade Me Tacos is open Monday through Friday, 11:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. at Citizens New York Food Hall at Manhattan West (398 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001). The menu will be available for delivery on the GO by Citizens app, GrubHub, Uber Eats, DoorDash and delivery.com.

 
Photo: Amali                                                                                       

Amali at 115 E. 60th St. will celebrate the occasion with their Edge of the Night cocktail. Guests looking to experience Amali’s decadent Espresso Martini can find them for a special price of $15 (instead of $21) at the bar. Aptly named The Edge of the Night cocktail, their rendition features a velvety mix of Grey Goose, Lillet, Espresso, Mr. Black, Maple, and Vanilla.

Hole in the Wall, known for brunch classics like a Chili Scramble and Brekky Roll will celebrate National Espresso Martini Day with a day-long happy hour! Visitors who pop into any of their locations including FiDi (15 Cliff Street), Murray Hill (626 1st Avenue), in Flatiron at Hotel Henri (37 W. 24th Street) and Williamsburg (292 Bedford Avenue) can order specially priced $10 Espresso Martinis! The happy hour price will be available all day long alongside Executive Chef Matthew Foley’s menu.

Daintree, the stunning penthouse cocktail lounge and rooftop destination on the top floor of Hotel Hendricks in Midtown at 25 W 38th Street, will serve up their own heart pumping cocktails in the sky in honor of the holiday! For one day only, guests can grab their signature Cold Brewtini along with 6 oysters for the special price of $26 (a big discount from its normal price of $44).

Isla & Co. at Hotel Hendricks at 25 W. 38th Street in Midtown Manhattan and at 107 N 12th St. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn are serving up Espresso Martinis at half-price for National Espresso Martini Day!  This Australian-style, all-day Brasserie will celebrate with half priced Espresso Martinis throughout the day, leaving enough time for everyone to get in on the action!

Hidden Lane is offering a huge assortment of Espresso Martinis at their picturesque bi-level bar steps from Gramercy Park at 129 E 15th St. The special $17 drink menu will include a Peanut Butter Espresso Martini, the When in Rome Espresso Martini with Vodka, espresso, Disaranno, and Mr. Black, a Chocolate Espresso Martini with Vodka, espresso, Mr. Black, chocolate liquor, chocolate mole bitters, and cinnamon, a Raspberry Espresso Martini and their classic Espresso Martini.

Somewhere Nowhere NYC, the expansive bi-level indoor lounge and open-air rooftop pool venue that sits at the top of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel located at 112 W 25th St. will offer guests specially priced Espresso Martinis during Gotham Jazz! Visitors can order $15 Espresso Martinis featuring Grey Goose Vodka.

Lost Spirits is a high-energy cocktail bar located at 11 W 17th St, bringing all the glamour of the past to patrons down to a cocktail menu inspired by the slang of the 1920s. In honor of National Espresso Martini Day, guests will be able to purchase the Espresso Martini cocktail for a Happy hour price of just $12 all day long! Their crowd-pleasing menu, featuring classic craft beers and small plates from locally sourced produce will also be available all day long.

The Moxy Lower East Side at 145 Bowery is offering Midnight Breakfast, a special take on the classic espresso martini made with Belvedere, Uncle Nearest, Svol, Cacao Puff, Espresso, and Caraway. This decadent drink is the perfect caffeine kick to keep the night going and is best paired with live music and a swanky atmosphere.

Photo: Julieta Cervantes                                                                                        

Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ is set to make a comeback to Broadway 41 years after the original smash-hit production took its final bow. The production’s direction and musical staging is by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento, one of the stars of the original Broadway production, and is produced in cooperation with Nicole Fosse.

DANCIN’ is Fosse’s full-throated, full-bodied celebration of dancers and dancing. Utterly reimagined for the 21st century, this DANCIN’ brims with a level of warmth, emotion, and color seldom seen in modern interpretations of Fosse’s influential style and features some of his most inventive and rarely performed choreography. With New York’s hottest cast performing wall-to-wall dance, including Fosse classics such as "Mr. Bojangles," and "Sing Sing Sing." DANCIN’ delivers the quintessential Broadway experience for Fosse fans and first-timers alike. You think you’ve seen dancing, but you’ve never seen DANCIN’ like this.

Bob Fosse’s DANCIN’ will officially open on Sunday, March 19 at Broadway’s Music Box Theatre. For tickets, click here

Beard Papa’s, which originated in Osaka Japan in 1999, now has more than 400 locations worldwide offering flaky cream puffs filled with a mix of whipped cream and custard. The result is a delicious bite that is not overly sweet. The shells come in flavors like Chocolate Eclair, Ube, Honey Butter, Oreo Cookie Crumble, and S’mores, among others.  Fillings include vanilla, green tea and chocolate. Beard Papa’s latest location in New York City is at 11 St Marks place on the second floor.  It is worth a visit.

Photos: Alex Stanlinoff                                                                                      

Tucked away atop fine dining restaurant Le Jardinier in Midtown is Bar Bastion, a luxurious new cocktail bar by The Bastion Collection, an international restaurant group that collectively holds five Michelin stars. Located on the second level of the SELENE condominium at 610 Lexington Avenue (at 53rd Street), Bar Bastion offers a selection of playful, yet refined cocktails in a sophisticated space.

“We are thrilled to introduce Bar Bastion to Midtown Manhattan, and launch a new curated cocktail program in a striking setting,” says Deleon Pinto, Chief Operating Officer of The Bastion Collection. “Bar Bastion marks the growth of The Bastion Collection which includes Michelin-starred restaurants in Houston, Miami and Geneva.”

Helmed by Head Bartender, Rachel Prucha (formerly of Evelina, Quality Eats, and Jungle Bird), the cocktail menu consists of five classic cocktails and five rotating seasonal offerings as well as a selection of mocktails.

The classics are comprised of ubiquitous staples with Prucha’s personal spin using inventive flavor combinations, such as the Old Fashioned, made with cinnamon infused bourbon, Amaretto, rich demerara, orange and chocolate bitters, and the Martini made with olive oil washed Gin Mare, dill infused dry vermouth, and orange bitters.

Mirroring Le Jardinier’s seasonal and vegetable-forward ethos downstairs, the seasonal cocktail list will be a rotating list of ingredient-focused libations, such as Carrot Me Away, made with carrot juice, honey syrup, chamomile infused scotch, and a Laphroaig rinse or Off Beet, made with beet juice, lemon oleo saccharum, caraway seed–infused dry vermouth, shochu, and nigori sake. Mocktails include Blood Type made with Seedlip 42 Grove, blood orange syrup, basil lemon and tonic, and Over-Cuked with lime, cucumber, mint, pineapple and ginger beer.

Luxurious bar bites, created by Le Jardinier’s Chef de Cuisine, Andrew Ayala, include Maine lobster tartlets topped with curry aioli and royal kaluga caviar, grass-fed beef tartare with sourdough toast, and charred avocado mousse served with sweet potato chips.

Desserts from Executive Pastry Chef Salvatore Martone include a mini version of Le Jardinier’s stunning butterfly dessert featuring yuzu delicate mousse, raspberry compote and a pistachio sable, as well as mini ice cream cones.

The space, designed by renowned French architect Joseph Dirand, features a monumental marble staircase leads from Le Jardinier to Bar Bastion with double-height ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. The 38-seat cocktail bar evokes Art Deco glamor with striking dark woods, mirrored glass, and three types of bespoke lacquer. Dirand custom-designed the furniture including velvet upholstered banquettes and armchairs, and black mirrored and brushed brass tables and consoles.

Bar Bastion will be open for service five days a week Tuesday through Saturday, 5:30pm – 10:30pm. For more information, visit barbastion.com. Reservations not required. Dress code is smart casual.

New York City is marking the ancient Hindu celebration of Holi where entire streets turn red, green and yellow as colored powders are thrown into the air and onto celebrants. Several restaurants are also honoring Holi with colorful meals and sweets.  Here are some of them.

Photo: SONA                                                                                                  

SONA (36 East 20th St) in Flatiron will be decked out in the festive colors of Holi.  A special menu is also being offered including Dahi Bhalla Chaat, fermented lentil dumplings, yogurt dressing, hot and sweet chutneys; Shahi Paneer, house pressed cheese roulade, cashew cream korma; Changezi Chicken, Old Delhi street style roast chicken, stir fried peppers and onions; and Cassata Ice Cream Cake with pistachio, strawberry, saffron kulfi. Sona is also offering colorful cocktails like the Gulaabo (Reposado Tequila, Cachaca, Rose Liqueur, Hisbiscus Syrup, Black Salt) and the Golden Lark (Old Grandad Bourbon, Jameson Orange Tangerine Puree, Lime).

Photo: Ben Hon                                                                                            

At Junoon (19 West 24th St), the Michelin-starred Indian fine dining destination in Flatiron, executive chef Akshay Bhardwaj is celebrating Holi with a special menu that is bursting with color and bold, vibrant flavors, available from March 8-12. The 5-course menu will feature new limited-run specials such as Jackfruit Cutlet (with green pea garlic chutney, smoked carrot coconut puree, rainbow carrot salad, candy cane beets), Duck Potli (confit duck stuffed dumpling, pickled radish, almond raisin crumble, walnut saffron sauce) and Holi Thandai (panna cotta, saffron cardamom shrikand, goji crisp). Full menu linked here + link to reservations here. 

Photo: TAGMO                                                                                               

TAGMO (226 Front St) at the Seaport is participating in several Holi events and hosting prix fixe Holi dinners at the restaurant. They also have a Holi collection of sweets. The sweets come in flavors such as Thandai Burfi made with almonds, khoya, cane sugar, rose paste, fennel seeds, black pepper, cardamom, and white chocolate; and Kaju Katli with cashews, cane sugar, cardamom, cocoa butter, and pink dust.  The Sweets will also be offered at several events across the city, including Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and the Seaport.

Public Holi Events

Lincoln Center – This spring festival of color features dance, music, Holi face painting and treats presented by Ajna Dance Company and Lincoln Center. Saturday March 11, 2023 at 11am.  FREE

The Seaport – This annual Holi Celebration includes colorful puppets and powder play to shake off the winter blues and celebrate the arrival of spring. Events will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023 at The Culture Tree and South Street Seaport Museum from 11am to 2pm

Brooklyn Children’s Museum - BCM and Ajna Dance Company will celebrate “Color Festival” with a day of art, dance, food, music, and wonder. Saturday April 1, 2023 with three sessions at 10am, 1pm and 4pm.

All of the Holi events are perfect for some colorful family fun!

Photo: Sweetbriar                                                                                        

For Pi Day on Wednesday, March 14th, Sweetbriar is offering mathematical savants and carb lovers alike the perfect way to honor the holiday. Executive Chef Bryce Shuman will be leading a Pizza Seminar at the restaurant’s kitchen counter where one can get a front row seat and have the chance to watch as he demonstrates how to make Sweetbriar’s carefully crafted wood-fired pizzas. The seminar will teach guests how to make their pizza dough from scratch, selecting the perfect combination of toppings, and finishing with the most unusual ingredients.  5:30-6:30pm. Tickets via Tock

On Monday, March 6^th, Altro Paradiso will be hosting a special 4 course chef's tasting menu paired with one of modern Tuscany's most important producers, Monteraponi. The winemakers will be in attendance throughout the dinner to speak to their benchmark examples of Sangiovese and Trebbiano. The restaurant is also introducing New Yorkers to a new producer from the Aeolian Islands, Eolia, who are making a name for themselves in Italy.  5:30pm through 8:15pm. Tickets are $225 per person, not including tax, and gratuity. Reservations via Resy

 
Photo: The Sunken Harbor Club/Cititour.com                                                       

Gage & Tollner is hosting Nautical Nights with David Nagler & Friends at the Sunken Harbor Club on Monday, March 6^th from 7-10pm. David will be joined by talented friends Jon Langford, Therese Cox, and Chris Mills for an evening of seafaring singalongs and delicious fare; each ticket includes 1/2 dozen oysters, hearty soups and bar snacks. Specialty cocktails, beer and wine will be available for purchase from Dolphin Bar and Sunken Harbor Club. Tickets are $50.

Live entertainment is coming  to Mollusca in the Meatpacking District with performances by Sophia Morel on Wednesday nights at 6 pm and Sundays at 5 pm, as well as DJ Mike Sation every Saturday at 8 pm, along with rotating guest performers throughout the week. Fresh seafood and oceanic-themed cocktails like the Sailor’s Delight with Coconut Washed Bulleit 95 Rye, Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif de France, Giffard Banane du Brésil, chocolate bitters, and Valrhona Chocolate served in a treasure chest filled with aromatics and smoke.

Photo: Cititour.com                                                                                       

Cantonese meets a cold beer at Talea.  The brewery is working with Bonnie’s on two new beers that pair perfectly with Chef Calvin Eng’s Cha Siu McRib or anything with XO sauce.  Weekender at Bonnie’s is a crisp beer brewed with pomelo and ginger for hints of citrus and spice, while Bonnie’s XO beer is an experimental umami-filled brew conditioned on dried shrimp, scallops and Korea gochugaru, a type of chili powder.

On Thursday, March 9th at Lavan 541 (541 West 25^th St), consumers are invited to get a first taste of the newest rum release from The Kraken: Kraken Gold Spiced Rum from the “dark, mischievous world of The Kraken.” This event will combine provocative visuals, surround sound, live performances, choreographed cocktail presentations and interactive elements with characters that transport you deep into the Lair – rum in hand, of course. Light bites will be available along with Kraken Gold Spiced cocktails, 6:30pm-9pm. Tickets required. RSVP here

 
Photo: The Wesley/Teddy Wolff                                                                     

The Wesley is hosting an exclusive meet-and-greet with the team behind Conniption Gin. On Wednesday 3/8, Melissa Katrincic, the co-founder of Durham Distillery and producer of Conniption Gin, will be at The Wesley, mingling with diners, and making exclusive cocktails. She will also be showcasing The Wesley’s Conniption cocktail, which highlights Conniption gin, mezcal espadin, dry vermouth, and cucumber juice at this vegetable-forward restaurant in the West Village.

The Landing at Penn 1 is celebrating St Patrick’s Day with Corned Beef & Cabbage (3/13 - 3/17), house-made corned beef, braised cabbage, marble potato, and bacon;  Irish Made Cocktail, (3/13 - 3/17) with Jameson whiskey, cucumber, elder flower, lime juice, honey, mint, and dried cloverleaf; and  Fish Fridays, (Thru 4/6) serving up beer battered cod, malt vinegar fries, and spicy tartar sauce.  Happy Hour, Monday through Friday, 4-6PM

Photo: Heritage Kulfi                                                                                

Heritage Kulfi, a new ice cream brand is now available in the NYC area via FreshDirect.  Heritage Kulfi is described as a frozen love letter to the beloved South Asian treat. Founded by Mansoor Ahmed in 2021 in Princeton, NJ, the certified minority-owned business is revitalizing the approaches to kulfi, South Asia's style of ice cream in flavors like Alphonso Mango, Cardamom Chai, Coconut, Earl Grey, Pistachio, Rosewater, Saffron and Vanilla Bean.

The Paley Center is celebrating Women’s History Month with The Rise to the Top of the Entertainment Industry: Debra Lee in Conversation with Crystal McCrary. Debra Lee, former CEO of BET and author, is joined by filmmaker, producer, and author Crystal McCrary for a riveting conversation about the journey of the trailblazing executive, as chronicled in her new captivating memoir, I Am Debra Lee. Tuesday, March 7, 2023; 6:30 pm with book signing to follow. The Paley Museum, 25 West 52 Street, NYC

Photo: Black Tap                                                                               

Black Tap is partnering with Black Irish by Mariah Carey, the global superstar’s premium Irish Cream liqueur brand, to take their holiday special to the next level. The Luck of The Irish CrazyShake® features items that can ONLY be tasted at Black Tap: homemade Black Irish Buttercream Frosting, Black Irish Caramel Sauce, and Black Irish Whipped Cream. These toppings all complement Chef Parker’s homemade Guinness Extra Stout cupcake that tops off the boozy treat. Available March 12-19, 2023 in all NYC locations.

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

Photos: Little Rascal Greenpoint                                                                         

Brothers Halil and Öner Gündogdu are the forces behind Little Rascal, a Mediterranean restaurant in Nolita. Now, they are expanding to their current neighborhood in Greenpoint, Brooklyn where they are partnering with bartender Keith Larry, formerly of Employee’s Only.

Elevated cocktails include The Perfect Prescription, a blend of mezcal, Campari and house velvet falernum; Miss Adonis with ancho chili cream sherry, seven tails xo cognac, and szechuan peppercorn-infused sweet vermouth; and Constantine’s Cosmos with haku vodka, fresh lime, raspberry & lychee puree, and st. germaine.

Cocktails are paired with Mediterranean-inspired bites such as smoked Lamb Tacos with pickled onions and feta, Halloumi Croquettes with eggplant jam along with oysters, cheese and charcuterie. Larger plates include lamb chops with a spicy citrus labneh and a crispy duck breast with poached pear and celery root puree. For dessert, there's flaky pistachio and honey baklava that will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.

The welcoming space is adorned with exposed brick and light-hued fixtures meant to subtly evoke the Mediterranean. Each wall – carefully painted by Bushwick-based artisan William Sorvillo over a six month process – catches the soft light peeking through 18th century stained glass window panels.

Guests can people-watch from one of the booths set in picture windows that overlook Franklin Street, or pull up a stool at the long, curving brass bar. During the warm months, a charming back patio is festooned with comfy blue pillows and lush plant life, or enjoy al fresco beverages at the bar’s cozy curbside dining setup.

Little Rascal Greenpoint is located at 130 Franklin Street in Greenpoint, New York.

For more information, visit littlerascalrestaurant.com/greenpoint

 
Photo: Market 57 Rendering                                                                                         

Market 57, New York City's newest food hall curated by the James Beard Foundation in collaboration with Jamestown, is set to open this spring at Pier 57 with the focus on women-owned businesses and people of color. The lineup includes 15 vendors, the latest of which is Mijo by Fany Gerson, the founder of Fan-Fan Doughnuts and La Newyorkina’s, and her husband Daniel Ortiz de Montellano. Mijo is an abbreviation of “My Son” in Spanish and will be part of a larger project the two have in the works.

Photo: Fany Gerson/Fan-Fan Doughnuts

Organizers say Market 57 will serve as incubator for a talented mix of emerging chefs and entrepreneurs who have been underrepresented in the culinary industry. 

“New York City is filled with a rich array of cultures, traditions, and culinary influences, and the vendors at Market 57 reflect that diversity. We’re excited to bring delicious food to the city’s West Side, while showcasing and supporting incredible talent aligned to our Good Food for Good mission," said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation.

“We are able to create great places when we provide a backdrop and set of resources to celebrate and support the entrepreneurship and diversity of our communities,” said Michael Phillips, President of Jamestown. “Market 57 is that model brought to life for New York City’s culinary community.”

As the anchor tenant, the James Beard Foundation will also operate Good To Go by JBF, an incubator for fast-casual concepts featuring rotating menus from established operators who embody the Foundation’s mission and values. The kiosk will be a place where delicious innovation from emerging talent meets sustainable, ethically sourced, and accessible food.

Market 57’s vendor kiosks include:

Ammi: From restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi, known for his popular Indian restaurant GupShup and Chote Miya, Ammi will feature a menu of homestyle Indian favorites. The name Ammi, which means “mother” in Hindi or Urdu, pays homage to Rizvi’s mother and their family going back a couple generations. Not only will Ammi feature Rizvi’s mother's family recipes, but she will also be training and passing on these recipes to Ammi's chefs.

Photo: Maiko Kyogoku/Bessou                                                           

Bessou: Restaurateur Maiko Kyogoku and chef Elena Yamamoto will open the next outpost for Bessou. Kyogoku’s modern take on Japanese home cooking made Bessou a must-visit destination in NoHo. This new location will be called “Bessou on the Pier'' and will feature some of Bessou's signature dishes, including Japanese-style karaage fried chicken and sushi crispy rice, as well as a new rotating omakase bento and seafood-forward menu.

Bird & Branch: Wife-and-husband team Faith and Brandon Lee will open the next location for their specialty coffee shop, which showcases relationally sourced coffees and baked goods with flavors inspired by their Asian-American upbringing. Through their shop, the couple offers a job-training program for those facing barriers to employment. The Lees teach their trainees job skills as well as soft skills—a program that they aim to continue at their new Pier 57 location.

Due Madri by Butcher Girls: The latest concept from Erika Nakamura and Jocelyn Guest, the founders of the Butcher Girls, will bring 20 years of shared experience as whole animal butchers to Due Madri. Inspired by their travels to Italy, the menu will feature some of Erika and Jocelyn’s favorite sandwiches and will pay homage to their personal experience and shared love for meaty, Italian fare.

Photo: Wen-Jay Ying/Local Roots                                                       

Local Roots: Owner Wen-Jay Ying will feature a menu of elevated Chinese farm-to-table food with homestyle cooking using sustainably grown ingredients from local farms. The menu will offer popular items like scallion pancakes, bubble tea, vegetarian egg drop soup, and vegan organic Mapo tofu bowls, along with many grab-and-go options to take to Pier 57’s rooftop park. Ying is known as one of the faces of New York City’s local food movement.

LoLo’s on the Water: Raymond Z. Mohan and Leticia Skai Young Mohan offer a spin-off of their Harlem mainstay LoLo's Seafood Shack, a Cape Cod and Caribbean Mashup with LoLo's on the Water which will focus on Caribbean coastal comfort foods from Belize all the way down to Guyana. The name and menu of LoLo's is inspired by the seaside eateries the couple encountered while living abroad in the British West Indies as well as Raymond and Leticia’s Caribbean Roots and travel to over 50 countries together. The name LoLo’s stands for locally owned, locally operated.

Photo: Malai                                                                                                   

Malai: Founder and first-generation Indian American Pooja Bavishi draws inspiration for her bold and flavorful ice cream from South Asian ingredients, offering unexpected twists on classics. Popular flavors at her Brooklyn-based ice cream company include masala chai and rose with cinnamon roasted almonds. Pier 57 will serve as the first Manhattan location for Malai.

Mothershuckers: Ben “Moody” Harney is known as “The Oyster King of New York” and operates the only oyster cart in Brooklyn. Moody’s goal is to serve more than just the best oysters in New York; he also is driven by the mission to educate the public on the benefits of eating and harvesting oysters–for the body and the environment. At this new location, all oyster shells will be donated to the Billion Oyster Project.

Nom Wah: From owner Wilson Tang, this new outpost of his beloved all-day dim sum restaurants will bring together his experiences as a second-generation Chinese American, serving Cantonese classics and riffs on childhood favorites.

Photo: Harlem Hops                                                                                              

Harlem Hops: Owners Kevin Bradford, Kim Harris, and Stacey Lee brought Harlem its first 100-percent African American-owned craft beer bar. Now the team is opening a new concept that will offer a welcoming space for small bites, socializing, and exploring an intriguing and accessible collection of innovative, small batch beers, including a growing number of beers from brewers of color. The location will also give another platform to the trio’s nonprofit: Harlem Hopes.

The Galley by Lobster Place: This fun, casual seafood eatery is the latest outpost from the team behind Chelsea Market’s Lobster Place. Chef Dave Seigal will highlight some of the most popular items from their flagship location, including their crowd-pleasing lobster roll and a selection of broiled local oysters, while also creating new dishes that capture the uniqueness and quality of their seafood offerings.

The Good Batch: Owner and chef Anna Gordon is the mastermind behind the popular Clinton Hill bakery, The Good Batch. Her latest outpost at Pier 57 will specialize in the hearty cookies, ice cream sandwiches, and little cakes that have made her one of New York City’s foremost dessert experts.

Photo: Romeo and Milka Regalli/Ras Plant Based                              

Ras Plant Based: Driven by the mission to connect communities to living foods by promoting sustainability, Romeo and Milka Regalli serve delicious and healthy plant-based food made from scratch. This second location of Ras Plant Based will feature some of the popular menu items from their original Brooklyn location, including flavorful bowls that are a hit at lunch time.

Zaab Zaab: Chef Aniwat Khotsopha and owners Bryan Chunton & Pei We have brought an authentic, forward-looking approach to Thai food at their hit restaurant. Showcasing the true flavors of Thailand's Northeastern Isaan region, this latest location will feature crowd favorites like duck larb, as well as some new surprises.

Market 57 is located in the historic Pier 57 between West 14th and 17th Streets within Hudson River Park. For more information, visit pier57nyc.com/market-57

Photo: Marc Frankin                                                                           

By Brian Scott Lipton

By the time Emily Feldman’s touching new play “The Best We Could (a family tragedy),” now at Manhattan Theatre Club -New York City Center Stage I, concludes after 90 minutes, we sadly realize that the show’s title does not foretell the whole story of a family’s travails. Yes, the richly drawn people we meet are, unsurprisingly, flawed; but it’s highly questionable whether any of them have done anywhere near the best they could have with their lives. Continue reading...

Photo: Anixi                                                                                       

Anixi

Anexi, a vibrant new restaurant in Chelsea, is offering bold Mediterranean flavors with a twist.  All of the dishes prepared by Chef and Restaurateur Guy Vaknin are made from plants, including kebobs and fish that will have you doing a double take.

 
Photo: Wallace Lounge                                                                        

Wallace Lounge

Located just a short walk away from Lincoln Center, the Wallace Lounge features live music, cocktails, and light bites in a beautifully designed space complete with a Lilac Marble fireplace and Mason & Hamlin Grand Piano built in 1926.

Photo: Pappas Taverna                                                                                         

Pappas Taverna

Restaurateur Stratis Morfogen is going back to his roots with Pappas Taverna. It’s the name of the Greek restaurant opened in New York by his grandfather in 1910.  Chef Todd English is a partner in the project with a focus on wood-fired Greek specialties.

Photo: Jac's on Bond                                                                                           

Jac’s on Bond

From the team behind Pebble Bar comes Jac's on Bond, a sexy new bar located in a landmark 1831 townhouse in NoHo. The menu of small plates highlights international tavern-style fare with contemporary twists. For dessert, there is Creamsicle Pie.

Photo: Bad Roman/Christian Harder                                                                 

Bad Roman

Bad Roman doesn’t take itself too seriously with its over-the-top design and stunning Central Park views.  Look for house-made pastas like Osetra Caviar Gnocchi with creme fraiche and chives, and Whole Roasted Lobster and Calabrian Campanelle for two.

Photo: Brooklyn Winery                                                                                 

Rosette at Brooklyn Winery

Led by Chef Shaun Lafountain, Rosette is offering a seasonal menu honoring local sourcing, classic techniques, and contemporary aesthetics in a beautiful setting. Dishes incorporate wines from Brooklyn Winery’s renowned collection.

 
Photo: Dumo 51                                                                                            

Duomo 51 

Located in the shadow of Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Duomo 51 is offering a modern interpretation of Tuscan cuisine with signature handmade pastas and dishes inspired by land and sea. The wine list also keeps the focus on Tuscany with selections largely from Italy.

 
Photo: Tara Kitchen                                                                                         

Tara Kitchen

Chef Aneesa Waheed is known for her skillful cooking of Moroccan cuisine. At Tara Kitchen, which recently opened in Tribeca, those skills are being put to work in flavorful tagines and other Middle Eastern delights, like cigars of ground lamb and a giant stuffed tomato.

Photo: Goa/Michael Tulipan                                                                                    

Goa

This colorful spot from Toronto's most celebrated Indian chef, Hemant Bhagwani, is filled with vibrant colors that mirror stunning dishes Garlic Ginger Prawns in curry, Charcoal Butter Chicken and Hemant's legendary grilled lamb chops.

 
Photo: Petite Patate/Noah Fecks                                                             

Petite Patate

Chef Greg Baxtrom’s  newest restaurant is named after his beloved dog, Spud.  Baxtrom is offering creative takes on classic French bistro fare – from French Onion Soup to Escargot to Steak Frites, and more – showcasing ingredients from local farmers and purveyors.

Photo: Loreley Beer Garden                                                                              

Loreley Beer Garden loves St. Patrick’s Day so much they’re celebrating with special green drinks and Irish classics all weekend long! From March 15th to the 19th, this Lower East Side favorite will offer Green Beers and Guinness pints plus Green Frozen Margaritas made with tequila, triple sec, and lime juice sporting green St. Patrick’s Day rubber ducks that guests get to keep, and Jameson Perfect Irish Coffees combining Jameson Irish Whiskey, hot coffee and brown sugar syrup, topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce and cinnamon. The outdoor heated garden, which will be decked out with new seasonal décor for Spring with lots of flowers and plants starting March 8th, is the perfect spot to toast St. Paddy and enjoy cocktails, craft beers, sausage platters, giant pretzels with beer cheese, and more.

Photo: Cititour.com                                                                                          

Photo: Milady's/Daniel Krieger                                                                        

Mixologist Julie Reiner will be the special guest at Cocktails + Comedy New York on Thursday March 2^nd at City Winery (25 11th Ave at Hudson River) along with LP O’Brien. The special guest comedians will be Dulce Sloan and Nore Davis with music by DJ Don Will.  Doors open at 6pm. Tickets here.