Food & Dining

Photo by Kate Previte

March 22, 2021

Levain Bakery’s limited-edition Café Con Leche cookie helps support Harlem Grown

Levain Bakery isn't usually one for special collaborations or seasonal flavors (why mess with a good thing?!), but a new limited-edition cookie launching today will both make your mouth water and do good. A portion of sales, up to $10,000, from the Café Con Leche cookie will be donated to two youth-based community organizations--Harlem Grown here in NYC and Horton's Kids in Washington, D.C.
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Food & Dining

Where to order takeout Easter and Passover meals in NYC

Photo by Robert Couse-Basker on Flickr

March 19, 2021

Where to order takeout Easter and Passover meals in NYC

By 6sqft

Though restaurants are now open, many New Yorkers are still choosing to spend Passover and Easter at home. And thanks to local restaurants, catering companies, and delicatessens, handmade holiday meals can be delivered to your doorstep or picked up from your favorite spot. Ahead, find places for to-go Seder dinners and Easter brunch and baskets.
The full list

March 11, 2021

St. Patrick’s Day 2021 in NYC: Parades, treats, takeout, and more

By Dana Schulz

Last year's St. Patrick's Day Parade was one of the first large events to be cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. This year, the event's going virtual, and there are many other safe and fun ways to celebrate the holiday. From a virtual tenement tour to an outdoor trolley tour at Woodlawn Cemetery to picking up sweet treats topped with Lucky Charms or ordering corned beef meals, we've rounded up all the ways New Yorkers can mark St. Patrick's Day this year.
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Indoor dining capacity in NYC can increase to 50% on March 19

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

March 10, 2021

Indoor dining capacity in NYC can increase to 50% on March 19

By Devin Gannon

Restaurants in New York City will soon be able to serve more customers inside. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced capacity can increase from the current 35 percent to 50 percent starting March 19. The announcement comes about a month after indoor dining returned in the city following a two-month closure starting in December.
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The Boathouse in Central Park will reopen on March 29

Photo by Ajay Suresh via Wikimedia Commons

March 8, 2021

The Boathouse in Central Park will reopen on March 29

By Dana Schulz

After speculation that Central Park's beloved Loeb Boathouse would be closed for good, West Side Rag reports that the venue will reopen on March 29 for lunch, brunch, and private events. Even their famous rowboats rentals will be available. The boathouse announced the news on Instagram, the first time they've posted since last April. The lakeside restaurant and event venue has been in business since 1954 and is not only an iconic spot for New Yorkers, but it's been featured in films like When Harry Met Sally and 27 Dresses.
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Food & Dining

Dine with the ‘stars’ at Brooklyn’s famed Peter Luger steakhouse

All photos courtesy of Peter Luger

February 26, 2021

Dine with the ‘stars’ at Brooklyn’s famed Peter Luger steakhouse

By Devin Gannon

As New York City restaurants expand their indoor dining capacity to 35 percent on Friday, beloved Brooklyn steakhouse Peter Luger hopes to make the experience a unique one. Celebrity wax figures will fill the empty seats of its Williamsburg dining room, as part of a partnership with Madame Tussauds New York.
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Food & Dining

Chinatown restaurant Jing Fong will close its legendary 800-seat dining room

Photo by josh s jackson via Flickr cc

February 22, 2021

Chinatown restaurant Jing Fong will close its legendary 800-seat dining room

By Dana Schulz

Jing Fong, NYC's largest Chinese restaurant, will close its famous 800-person dining room due to losses suffered from the COVID crisis. The iconic dim sum spot made the announcement on Friday in an Instagram post. "We are heartbroken to announce that our Chinatown location at 20 Elizabeth Street, will be permanently closing its indoor dining operation on March 7, 2021 at 8:00pm. We will continue to operate from the 2nd floor kitchen for our outside patio, take-out, and delivery until further notice." The pandemic took its toll early on the restaurant, which was forced to shut down temporarily in March under Governor Cuomo’s order that locations of 500 or more be closed.
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Food & Dining

February 12, 2021

King Cake, crawfish, and more: How to celebrate Mardi Gras 2021 in NYC

By Dana Schulz

Like almost everything this past year, Mardi Gras is looking a lot different (New Orleans is even closing all its bars), but that doesn't mean the festive, celebratory sentiment is lost. Here in New York City, there are plenty of bakeries with King Cake and other colorful treats, and restaurants have put together special seafood boils. There are also some virtual events so you can celebrate carnival safely.
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NYC restaurants can expand indoor dining capacity to 35% next week

Photo by Marcus Herzberg from Pexels

February 8, 2021

NYC restaurants can expand indoor dining capacity to 35% next week

By Devin Gannon

New York City restaurants can expand indoor dining capacity from 25 to 35 percent starting February 26, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday. "That will be consistent with New Jersey," the governor said during a press conference, referring to the 35 percent capacity. After closing indoor dining in December, Cuomo said city restaurants could serve customers inside again on February 12, citing the end of the "post-holiday" surge of coronavirus cases. The governor last week also extended the closing times for bars, restaurants, and other businesses from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Details this way

February 4, 2021

Romantic Valentine’s Day takeout and treat options from NYC restaurants

By Dana Schulz

Heart-shaped pizzas, at-home sushi-making kits, red velvet cakes, sake and chocolate pairings--these are just some of the takeout offerings and treats that you can order this Valentine's Day. Since most of us will be staying home, we've put together a list of local restaurants with special to-go menus, as well as shops that have yummy holiday treats and edible gifts and even some virtual cooking classes. Ahead, check out all the options and start planning your romantic day (or weekend!).
Full list ahead

NJ loosens COVID-19 restrictions on indoor gatherings, lifts restaurant curfew

By Devin Gannon

Starting Friday, New Jersey restaurants and bars can serve more customers and stay open later. Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday signed an executive order relaxing some coronavirus restrictions for indoor gatherings, pointing to a decrease in new daily cases and hospitalizations across the state. Under the order, which goes into effect ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, indoor dining capacity can increase from 25 percent to 35 percent and the 10 p.m. curfew at restaurants will be lifted.
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Lunar New Year 2021: Celebrate with virtual events, food, gifts, and more

Photo by Rhododendrites via Wikimedia

February 2, 2021

Lunar New Year 2021: Celebrate with virtual events, food, gifts, and more

By Dana Schulz

Next Friday, February 12th, begins the Year of the Ox, an animal whose attributes are hardworking and honest. The Lunar New Year is a 16-day celebration, often marked by lantern festivals, parades, and fireworks. But since we aren't able to enjoy a lot of these gatherings this year, we've rounded up some of the best safe celebratory events in New York City, including virtual dumpling-making classes, papercutting workshops, a small business crawl in Chinatown, and traditional Chinese dance and music performances.
Start celebrating

January 27, 2021

Super Bowl spreads you can order from your favorite NYC restaurants

By Dana Schulz

Most of us are looking forward to special televised events this year more than ever, and Super Bowl LV is sure to be a welcome distraction from the pandemic. Even if you're not so into football (or you're like us and are toggling back and forth to the Puppy Bowl), the commercials, half-time show, and, most importantly, food make it a fun Sunday night. And when it comes to nosh, it's also a great opportunity to support one of your favorite local restaurants, many of which are offering up special game day packages.
Check out all the spots

NYC Restaurant Week returns with 570 local restaurants and to-go options

Photo by Samantha Box, courtesy of NYC & Company

January 22, 2021

NYC Restaurant Week returns with 570 local restaurants and to-go options

By Devin Gannon

New York City Restaurant Week is now Restaurant Month. Due to popular demand, NYC Restaurant Week To Go, which launched on Monday, will run through February 28 instead of on Sunday as originally planned. During the month, diners can buy one bargain meal for delivery or takeout for $20.21, which includes an entree and at least one side, from each restaurant. According to NYC & Company, the city's tourism agency behind the program, a record 570 restaurants in over 100 neighborhoods are participating this year.
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Big Gay Ice Cream’s first location in the East Village will not reopen

Photo by City Foodsters on Flickr

January 21, 2021

Big Gay Ice Cream’s first location in the East Village will not reopen

By Devin Gannon

Big Gay Ice Cream's first brick-and-mortar location has permanently closed, as EV Grieve reported on Thursday. The East Village store at 125 East 7th Street opened its doors in 2011 after operating as an ice cream truck for two years. According to the neighborhood blog, the store has been closed since Gov. Andrew Cuomo's coronavirus pandemic "pause" order in March and now a for-rent sign hangs in the window.
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Food & Dining

Queens Night Market will return to Flushing Meadows Corona Park this spring

Photo credit: Storm Garner

January 14, 2021

Queens Night Market will return to Flushing Meadows Corona Park this spring

By Devin Gannon

After canceling its 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Queens Night Market is set to return this spring. John Wang, founder of the popular open-air market, said he plans to kick off the event on April 17 at the New York Hall of Science at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, while keeping an eye on the city's COVID-19 metrics. The food market, open on Saturday nights, will tentatively run through October 30.
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A special outdoor dining pavilion in Harlem supports Black-owned businesses

Parklet designed by Brandt:Haferd for The Row and Alibi Lounge. All photos by New Kingston Media

December 28, 2020

A special outdoor dining pavilion in Harlem supports Black-owned businesses

By Dana Schulz

The stately brick homes lining West 138th and 139th Streets between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Boulevards are known as Strivers' Row. The historic Harlem enclave was once home to prominent, wealthy African-American performers, artists, and professionals. More than 100 years later, the neighborhood is once again leading the community with a new outdoor dining and recreation corridor that supports Black-owned businesses. Called the Renaissance Pavilion at Strivers’ Row, the winterized outdoor setup will help local businesses and restaurants serve customers safely through April of next year.
More details here

Food & Dining

Finnerty’s, popular Bay Area sports bar in the East Village, has permanently closed

The bar on opening day, courtesy of Finnerty’s

December 21, 2020

Finnerty’s, popular Bay Area sports bar in the East Village, has permanently closed

By Dana Schulz

Considered New York City's unofficial San Francisco sports bar, Finnerty's announced this morning that it's permanently closing its East Village location. For the past 11 years, the Irish pub on Second Avenue has been a go-to spot for Giants and 49ers fans, even hosting the Giant's World Series trophy three times. "The pandemic, along with being unable to reach an agreement with our landlord, forced our hand. There just wasn’t any way forward for us," said Finnerty's owners Dieter Seelig and Brian Stapleton.
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NYC shuts down outdoor dining on streets ahead of major snowstorm

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

December 15, 2020

NYC shuts down outdoor dining on streets ahead of major snowstorm

By Devin Gannon

Outdoor dining on New York City streets will be suspended Wednesday afternoon ahead of an impending snowstorm, the city's Department of Sanitation announced. The "Snow Alert" issued by the DSNY says "roadway dining" must end by 2 p.m. and be shut down for the duration of the alert. The latest forecast from the National Weather Service predicts between 8 and 14 inches of snow in the city starting late afternoon on Wednesday.
Details here

After 90 years, NYC’s legendary 21 Club will close

Photo by Marianne O’Leary on Flickr

December 14, 2020

After 90 years, NYC’s legendary 21 Club will close

By Devin Gannon

Midtown Manhattan's historic speakeasy 21 Club plans to close for good next year. The Prohibition-era restaurant on 52nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenue, known for its art collection, jockey figurines, and A-list clientele, has been closed since the coronavirus pandemic first hit New York City in March. But as amNY reported, the closure appears to be permanent.
Get the details

Food & Dining

For the first time, East Harlem’s exclusive Rao’s is offering delivery

Photo courtesy of Thrillist

December 14, 2020

For the first time, East Harlem’s exclusive Rao’s is offering delivery

By Devin Gannon

Noncelebrity New Yorkers will finally be able to taste the iconic Italian food of Rao's, long considered the city's most exclusive restaurant. As part of a joint program led by culture brand Thrillist and ghost kitchen operations company Zuul, the East Harlem institution will offer delivery of its signature dishes for the first time ever. As part of the program, ten New York City restaurants will lead a two-week chef residency with limited-edition menu items available for takeout and delivery.
Details here

Food & Dining

Indoor dining in New York City will shut down next week

Photo by Billie Grace Ward on Flickr

December 11, 2020

Indoor dining in New York City will shut down next week

By Devin Gannon

Indoor dining in New York City will end on Monday as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to climb, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday. Outdoor dining, delivery, and take out can continue. According to the contact tracing data from the governor's office, restaurants and bars account for 1.43 percent of the spread of the virus in the state of New York. Indoor household gatherings making up nearly 74 percent.
Learn more

East Village Ukrainian restaurant Veselka is expanding with a pierogi bar

Photo by James and Karla Murray for 6sqft. See more here >>

December 11, 2020

East Village Ukrainian restaurant Veselka is expanding with a pierogi bar

By Dana Schulz

When Veselka first opened on the corner of 2nd Avenue and East 9th Street in 1954, the business was a small candy shop and newspaper stand. Sixty-years later, and the Ukrainian restaurant serves up 21,000 pierogis, 2,500 latkes, and 110 gallons of borscht each week. That is until the pandemic hit. In September, owner Tom Birchard spoke about how the restaurant was struggling. But thanks to a dedicated customer base filling its heated sidewalk seating and indoor tables, as well as a growing delivery and national shipping arm, Veselka is expanding to the space next door, as was first reported by EV Grieve. The addition will be complete with a new "sushi bar-style counter that will showcase the restaurant’s pierogi-making process," according to the New York Times.
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Food & Dining

15 places in NYC to get latkes and takeout for Hanukkah

Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

December 10, 2020

15 places in NYC to get latkes and takeout for Hanukkah

By Dana Schulz

A lot of families won't be able to get together for Hanukkah this year, but that doesn't mean you can't do a little something special for the Festival of Lights. Many local New York City restaurants, bakeries, and shops are offering amazing holiday meal packages, along with latkes, sufganiyot, chocolate gelt, and more. Ahead, we've rounded up 14 great options, many of which also ship nationally if you want to include your out-of-town family and friends.
The full list here

French favorite Angelina Paris opens first U.S. tearoom in NYC

All photos courtesy of Angelina Paris

November 24, 2020

French favorite Angelina Paris opens first U.S. tearoom in NYC

By Devin Gannon

While traveling to France may be a distant dream at the moment, you can now get a taste of Paris in New York City. Century-old French patisserie Angelina Paris opened in Midtown near Bryant Park this month, bringing its beloved hot chocolate, signature Mont-Blanc pastry, and an all-day menu to its first U.S. location.
Delicious details this way

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