Food & Dining

The best local chocolate shops in NYC

Photo credit clockwise: Jessica Minghi/Borough Chocolates, Jacques Torres Chocolates, Jessica Minghi/Borough Chocolates, Chocolate Noise.

January 25, 2023

The best local chocolate shops in NYC

By Michelle Cohen

It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to crave chocolate. But the sugar-coated holiday certainly provides a good excuse to indulge. Far beyond the red-wrapped drugstore box, creating the sweet (or bitter) treat is now recognized as a craft all its own. Chocolate purveyors range from the old-fashioned to the eco-conscious to makers who hand-mix exotic ingredients and flavors. If you're really hooked, you can make an event of it at a chocolate-themed restaurant, factory tour, or private tasting. Whether you're looking for a last-minute gift for someone special or just a sweet snack, the New York City establishments listed here have something for every chocolate lover–and you can order online or visit the source right in your borough.
Find the chocolate of your dreams, this way

Michelin-starred restaurateur to open new dining concept at 550 Madison Avenue

Image courtesy of Alex Fradkin

January 23, 2023

Michelin-starred restaurateur to open new dining concept at 550 Madison Avenue

By Aaron Ginsburg

Simon Kim, the restaurateur who founded the Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse, will be opening a new dining concept inside the landmark 550 Madison Avenue. The new "multi-faceted" concept will span 15,000 square feet across three floors at the tower's base, boast soaring 60-foot ceilings, and provide direct access to the building's new landscaped, half-acre public garden. Olayan Group is currently leading a renovation of 550 Madison Avenue, which was designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee in the 1980s as the world's first postmodern skyscraper.
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Food & Dining

5 NYC spots to keep you on track this dry January

January 13, 2023

5 NYC spots to keep you on track this dry January

The holidays are over and we’ve settled into the long month of January. With the sun setting early and the days cold and blustery, it can be hard to keep up with your healthy resolutions of exercising and eating healthy — sitting on a cozy couch and a glass of red wine is so tempting. But, if you’ve decided to partake in dry January (a month free of alcohol), there are a number of spots around New York City that can make it fun. With mocktails and non-alcoholic spirits becoming more and more popular, you don’t have to stay in on Friday and Saturday nights drinking green juice and water! Here are five bars and "liquor" stores serving up alcohol-free libations to keep your January fun and healthy.
Sober spots here

NYC Winter Outing returns with discounts at restaurants, Broadway shows, museums, and more

The New-York Historical Society. Photo courtesy of Jon Wallen

January 12, 2023

NYC Winter Outing returns with discounts at restaurants, Broadway shows, museums, and more

By Aaron Ginsburg

Reservations are now open to book some of New York City's most in-demand attractions, NYC & Company, the city's tourism agency, announced on Tuesday. "NYC Winter Outing," which runs from January 17 through February 12, offers discounts and special deals at restaurants, Broadway shows, museums, hotels, and more.
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Brooklyn icon Sahadi’s recognized by the state as a historic business

Image via WikiCommons

January 3, 2023

Brooklyn icon Sahadi’s recognized by the state as a historic business

By Aaron Ginsburg

Sahadi's, a New York City staple for more than 120 years, has been added to the state's Historic Business Preservation Registry, as first reported by the Brooklyn Paper. The Middle Eastern grocery store and cafe first opened in Lower Manhattan in 1895 before moving to Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue in 1948 where it has been located ever since. The registry, overseen by the Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, recognizes businesses that have operated for at least 50 years and have "contributed to their communities' history."
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City Winery’s Gilded Age-inspired restaurant Cornelius opens in Grand Central

All photos of Cornelius courtesy of City Winery

December 29, 2022

City Winery’s Gilded Age-inspired restaurant Cornelius opens in Grand Central

By Aaron Ginsburg

Cornelius, a new high-end restaurant by City Winery, opened in Grand Central Terminal last week. The 75-seat restaurant offers patrons farm-to-table fare inspired by Gilded Age menus and created by Chef Zach Bondy. The restaurant joins two other concepts from City Winery, including a signature experience with tasting bars and City Jams, which has a first-of-its-kind wine-to-go program and an all-day menu.
Find out more

Food & Dining

The Mermaid Inn opens expansive new location in Times Square

All images courtesy of Alex Staniloff

December 13, 2022

The Mermaid Inn opens expansive new location in Times Square

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Mermaid Oyster Bar, a new outpost of the beloved Manhattan seafood restaurant family The Mermaid Inn, opened in Times Square on Tuesday. Located at 127 West 43rd Street, the restaurant is the Mermaid's largest location yet, three times larger than any of its other Manhattan branches. Owners Danny Abrams and Cindy Smiths have opened the new location alongside restaurateur Jeffrey Bank, CEO of Alicart Restaurant Group.
Details here

Food & Dining

New York City’s latest food hall opens in Williamsburg

All images courtesy of Lexi Lambros

November 16, 2022

New York City’s latest food hall opens in Williamsburg

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's growing list of food halls just got longer. The Williamsburg Market, located at 103 North Third Street, officially opened its doors last week. The 15,000-square-foot space features 17 well-known and upcoming vendors and craft cocktails in an industrial loft space. Designed by Ogawa Depardon Architects, the hall boasts a 360-degree bar, a cozy dining room, and kiosks for each vendor.
Details this way

Food & Dining

Starbucks opens three-level Reserve location inside the Empire State Building

All images courtesy of Matthew Glac

November 16, 2022

Starbucks opens three-level Reserve location inside the Empire State Building

By Aaron Ginsburg

Starbucks is opening another of its premium, immersive roasteries within the Empire State Building on Wednesday. Spanning 23,000 square feet across three floors, the new Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store features immersive experiences like hands-on workshops and guided tasting flights, as well as an extensive menu of coffee beverages, craft cocktails, and artisan food only available at the location.
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Food & Dining

19 spots to watch the 2022 World Cup in NYC

Photo courtesy of Ryan’s Daughter

November 9, 2022

19 spots to watch the 2022 World Cup in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

For one month, New York City becomes a full-on soccer town. On November 20, the FIFA World Cup kicks off, with a total of 64 matches held over 28 days. As a city home to people from around the globe, New York is a great place to watch the world's best soccer clubs go head-to-head and represent their home countries. Ahead, find the best bars and restaurants across the city to watch the 2022 World Cup, from The Red Lion in Greenwich Village to Pig Beach BBQ in Astoria.
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Popular Articles

Where to order Thanksgiving takeout in New York City this year

Photo courtesy of Pig Beach BBQ

November 8, 2022

Where to order Thanksgiving takeout in New York City this year

By Devin Gannon

You can spend more time with friends and family and less time in the kitchen this Thanksgiving by ordering in. There are many New York City restaurants offering Turkey Day meals for takeout and delivery, from a traditional feast with all of the fixings at Bubby's to a Middle Eastern-inspired meal from Edy's Grocer. And don't forget the pie!
Thankful for takeout

New food hall Olly Olly Market opening in Chelsea’s landmarked Starrett-Lehigh Building

All images courtesy of Colin Miller

October 25, 2022

New food hall Olly Olly Market opening in Chelsea’s landmarked Starrett-Lehigh Building

By Aaron Ginsburg

Chelsea's landmarked Starrett-Lehigh Building is set to welcome a new 17,000-square-foot food hall on Wednesday. Located within the 1931 former freight terminal at 601 West 26th Street, the Olly Olly Market will be run by 16" and Center (16 OC) and host a selection of both Michelin-star and up-and-coming chefs, including Forsyth Fire Escape, Pizza Friendly Pizza, DdoBar by Joomak Bajum, and more. The market will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Food & Dining

NYC businesses on car-free ‘Open Streets’ prospered during the pandemic, report says

Image courtesy of Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

October 25, 2022

NYC businesses on car-free ‘Open Streets’ prospered during the pandemic, report says

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City businesses on streets closed to cars under the Open Streets program reported better sales than those located on streets with car traffic, according to a new study. The city's Department of Transportation on Tuesday released a report that highlights for the first time the positive economic impact of the Open Streets program, which was established at the start of the pandemic as a way for New Yorkers to remain safe and later grew into a lifeline for restaurants and bars. According to the report, Open Streets saw more new businesses open during the pandemic, stronger sales, and a higher number of restaurants and bars stay open than on similar commercial corridors not participating in the program.
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José Andrés will open a restaurant lounge at LaGuardia Airport

Photo courtesy of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

October 19, 2022

José Andrés will open a restaurant lounge at LaGuardia Airport

By Devin Gannon

To continue its transformation from third-world country to state-of-the-art airport, LaGuardia Airport is adding another dining experience sure to be welcomed by foodies. José Andrés will open a restaurant lounge at the Queens airport as part of a partnership with Capital One, Eater New York reported on Wednesday. Since 2016, the airport has been undergoing an $8 billion overhaul, which has included new terminals, improved passenger space, public art, and a slew of new dining options.
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Russ & Daughters will open new location at Hudson Yards skyscraper

Rendering courtesy of Hudson Yards

October 17, 2022

Russ & Daughters will open new location at Hudson Yards skyscraper

By Aaron Ginsburg

Iconic New York City culinary institution Russ & Daughters is opening a new outpost in Hudson Yards next year. The 109-year-old mainstay of the Lower East Side will serve its famed Jewish delicacies on the ground floor of 50 Hudson Yards, a Foster + Partners-designed skyscraper that topped out last year. As the New York Post first reported, the new location, opening in the spring of 2023, will take up 4,500 square feet and offer hand-sliced fish, a glass-enclosed bagel bakery, and a caviar and champagne bar.
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Food & Dining

The top spooky and spirited NYC bars to visit this Halloween

Photo courtesy of The Cauldron NYC

October 14, 2022

The top spooky and spirited NYC bars to visit this Halloween

By Devin Gannon

New York City's favorite holiday is back and better than ever, with Halloween traditions and events returning in full force after two years. In addition to the parades, pumpkins, costume contests, and fright fests, many of the city's bars and restaurants transform into spooky dens decked out in eerie decor and serving spirited drinks and ghostly bites. Make the most of Halloween by visiting one of these freakishly festive bars.
Where to sip on spooky spirits

Whimsical ‘Wonderland’-inspired art exhibit and bar opens in Midtown

Photo by Elizabeth Acevedo

October 6, 2022

Whimsical ‘Wonderland’-inspired art exhibit and bar opens in Midtown

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new interactive art experience is bringing the whimsical world of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to Midtown. Created by artist Alexa Meade, the Wonderland Dreams art installation includes more than 20 playfully hand-painted rooms in Meade's signature 3D style. Meade has painted every inch of the 26,000-square-foot space, from floor to ceiling, creating a multi-dimensional work of art inspired by the Lewis Carroll novel. Taking over the old Best Buy at 529 Fifth Avenue, the limited exhibition opens on Friday, October 7 and runs through April 2023. The accompanying wine bar is expected to open later this month.
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This Lower East Side bar was ranked best in the U.S.

Double Chicken Please, image courtesy of World’s 50 Best Bars

October 6, 2022

This Lower East Side bar was ranked best in the U.S.

By Aaron Ginsburg

On this year's list of the World's 50 Best Bars, announced during a ceremony in Barcelona this week, New York City leads with six bars, more than any other city in the world, including two making the top 10. The Lower East Side's Double Chicken Please ranked sixth in the world, and the best in North America, and was given the highest new entry award. Katana Kitten, which serves Japanese-inspired drinks and fare in the West Village, came ninth.
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Court dismisses lawsuit challenging NYC’s outdoor dining program

Photo courtesy of Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

October 5, 2022

Court dismisses lawsuit challenging NYC’s outdoor dining program

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's outdoor dining program is here to stay after a New York State Supreme Court unanimous decision. The state court on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit that had been stalling the establishment of a permanent outdoor dining program. Roughly eight months after the City Council approved a zoning amendment in a move toward permanent outdoor dining, the city says it will now be able to finalize rules and regulations to ensure the Open Restaurants effectively serves local businesses.
Details here

NYC to transform vacant public spaces into rest hubs for food delivery workers

Photo by Peter Burka on Flickr

October 3, 2022

NYC to transform vacant public spaces into rest hubs for food delivery workers

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City will soon provide a place for food delivery workers to rest, charge devices, and take shelter from the elements. Mayor Eric Adams and Sen. Chuck Schumer on Monday announced a new pilot program that transforms existing and underused structures across the city, like vacant newsstands, into "Street Deliveristas Hubs." The first of its kind in the nation, the program aims to reach the city's 65,000 app-based delivery workers.
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MTA partners with Katz’s Deli and Alidoro on new subway-themed sandwich

Photo courtesy of Jessie Mislavsky/MTA on Flickr

September 30, 2022

MTA partners with Katz’s Deli and Alidoro on new subway-themed sandwich

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has partnered with legendary New York City sandwich shops Katz's Deli and Alidoro to create a limited-edition sandwich in celebration of the subway's 118th anniversary. The sandwich is being sold at four Alidoro locations in Manhattan from September 29 through October 31.
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City Winery’s new Grand Central location will offer wine to go as part of reusable bottle program

Photo courtesy of City Winery

September 27, 2022

City Winery’s new Grand Central location will offer wine to go as part of reusable bottle program

By Aaron Ginsburg

Picking up a bottle of wine for dinner on the way home from work will soon get easier. City Winery's newest location in Grand Central Terminal, opening on November 1, will debut a reusable bottle program, allowing guests to take wine to go, return the bottle to be washed, and receive a $5 credit toward the next one. Located on the west end of Vanderbilt Hall, the new City Winery includes three dining concepts: a signature experience with tasting bars, a grab-and-go all-day menu at City Jams, and a high-end restaurant, Cornelius.
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Food & Dining

Popular UWS restaurant Mermaid Inn to close after 15 years

Streetview of the Mermaid Inn on the UWS © 2022 Google

September 26, 2022

Popular UWS restaurant Mermaid Inn to close after 15 years

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Mermaid Inn, an Upper West Side gem known for its daily happy hour and affordable oyster deal, is closing its doors on October 16 after 15 years. But longtime patrons will be happy to hear that owners Danny Abrams and Cindy Smith are planning to open a new location on the Upper West Side next year, in addition to a new restaurant in Times Square. “We’re looking at two or three spots to move on the Upper West Side, and we hope to be in one by late spring or early summer,” Abrams told the New York Post.
Details here

Food & Dining

José Andrés opens romantic rooftop bar at the Ritz-Carlton in Nomad

Photo courtesy of Björn Wallander

September 23, 2022

José Andrés opens romantic rooftop bar at the Ritz-Carlton in Nomad

By Devin Gannon

José Andrés opened a new cocktail bar on the rooftop of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Nomad last week. Described as a "glittering jewel box," Nubeluz, (the name is a mash-up of the Spanish words "nube" for cloud and "luz" for light), sits 500 feet above Nomad, becoming a part of the skyline while also boasting 270-degree views of it.
See it here

A new Japanese market offering a taste of Tokyo opens in Greenpoint

All photos courtesy of GION

September 21, 2022

A new Japanese market offering a taste of Tokyo opens in Greenpoint

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new Japanese marketplace connecting New Yorkers to the trendiest Tokyo brands opened in Brooklyn last week. Located on Norman Avenue in Greenpoint, 50 Norman is made up of three separate stores, Dashi Okume, Cibone, and House Brooklyn, all making their New York City debut. Japanese architect Jo Nagasaka designed the 3,500-square-foot space to capture the authentic essence of Japan in New York City, with the use of reclaimed wood from a demolished house in Kyoto.
Details this way

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