Food & Dining

Classic Upper East Side cocktail bar Bemelmans to finally reopen in May

Photo of Bemelmans Bar by Don Riddle for The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

April 26, 2021

Classic Upper East Side cocktail bar Bemelmans to finally reopen in May

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One of New York City's most storied bars will reopen next month following a year-long shutdown. Located inside the historic Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side, Bemelmans Bar will welcome guests back to the iconic mural-covered watering hole on May 11, the first time since last March. And for the first time in its nearly 75-year history, Bemelmans is now accepting online reservations.
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The best boat bars in New York City
April 23, 2021

The best boat bars in New York City

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There are few spring and summer pleasures more sublime than drinking aboard a boat, though, in New York City, those are hard to come by unless you’re buddies with a yacht owner. The good news is, there are a handful of bars actually located onboard barges and boats, where you can sip wine and watch the sunset as the waves bob below. Here are our favorites; and do note the Staten Island Ferry is an unofficial boat bar, too.
All aboard!
Eataly’s rooftop restaurant is now a blooming greenhouse

All photos courtesy of Eataly

April 16, 2021

Eataly’s rooftop restaurant is now a blooming greenhouse

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SERRA by Birreria, the popular Italian restaurant on the 14th-floor rooftop of Eataly, has transformed itself for the spring. "Serra will instantly transport guests to the Italian countryside," the restaurant tells us, as it will become a beautiful, blooming greenhouse featuring seasonal dishes with ingredients sourced from the local Union Square Greenmarket. A portion of the proceeds during this time will be donated to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Children’s Garden, where children 2 to 17 years old have the chance to plant and harvest their own crops and flowers.
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Magnolia Bakery opening new location on Columbus Circle

Photo by Ralph Daily via Wikimedia Commons

April 14, 2021

Magnolia Bakery opening new location on Columbus Circle

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Grabbing some to-go cupcakes to enjoy in Central Park is going to get a lot easier when Magnolia Bakery opens its new Columbus Circle location tomorrow. As was first reported by I Love the Upper West Side, the announcement comes as the famous sweet shop's Upper West Side location has seen a surge in customer traffic. The new location will be at 1784 Broadway, between 58th and 59th Streets, and, unlike the other NYC locations, will offer self-serve refrigerators with pre-packaged favorites like banana pudding and cupcakes, as well as a partnership with Australian coffee cafe Bluestone Lane.
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Waterfront restaurant and bar approved for the South Street Seaport

Renderings by Mancini Duffy, courtesy of the Landmarks Preservation Commission

April 14, 2021

Waterfront restaurant and bar approved for the South Street Seaport

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While the Howard Hughes Corporation has so far failed to get their South Street Seaport residential project approved, even with a scaled-down design, another plan from the developer in the same neighborhood was given the green light on Tuesday. The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to approve plans for an open-air restaurant and bar that would sit in front of the Tin Building, which was home to the original Fulton Fish Market and is now being reconstructed. The accepted proposal differs quite significantly from the one first presented last July; it's in a new location with a design by a different architecture firm.
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Central Park’s iconic Tavern on the Green will reopen after 13 months

All photos courtesy of Tavern on the Green

April 6, 2021

Central Park’s iconic Tavern on the Green will reopen after 13 months

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All photos courtesy of Tavern on the Green After temporarily closing 13 months ago due to COVID-19, Central Park's iconic restaurant Tavern on the Green will reopen on April 29, with reservations opening today. Guests can enjoy indoor dining, which will be limited to 50 percent capacity, outdoor dining, and a new to-go window perfect for park-goers or at-home diners. "Tavern is more than just a restaurant, it is a place for New Yorkers to unwind, relax in the heart of Central Park, and feel some kind of normalcy again," said co-owner Jim Caiola.
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Get a free Krispy Kreme doughnut if you show your COVID vaccination card

Courtesy of Krispy Kreme

March 23, 2021

Get a free Krispy Kreme doughnut if you show your COVID vaccination card

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"We all want to get COVID-19 behind us as fast as possible and we want to support everyone doing their part to make the country safe by getting vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available to them," said Krispy Kreme's Chief Marketing Officer Dave Skena in reference to the company's new offer that anyone who shows their valid COVID-19 vaccination card can receive a free glazed doughnut. The promotion began yesterday and will run through the rest of the year at any Krispy Kreme location in the U.S.
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Levain Bakery’s limited-edition Café Con Leche cookie helps support Harlem Grown

Photo by Kate Previte

March 22, 2021

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

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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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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

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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
St. Patrick’s Day 2021 in NYC: Parades, treats, takeout, and more
March 11, 2021

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

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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

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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

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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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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

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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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King Cake, crawfish, and more: How to celebrate Mardi Gras 2021 in NYC
February 12, 2021

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

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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

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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
Romantic Valentine’s Day takeout and treat options from NYC restaurants
February 4, 2021

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

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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

Photo of Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten by cogito ergo imago on Flickr

February 3, 2021

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

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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

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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
Super Bowl spreads you can order from your favorite NYC restaurants
January 27, 2021

Super Bowl spreads you can order from your favorite NYC restaurants

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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

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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

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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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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

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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

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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
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

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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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