Tavern on the Green
When it comes to some of the most innovative food in one of the most whimsical spots in all of New York City, the grass really is greener on the other side at Tavern on the Green! This iconic restaurant, which is steeped in history, will take you back in time. After all, this landmark space has served up their signature dishes to everyone from presidents to royalty since 1934 and was originally built to house the sheep that grazed in Central Park’s Sheep Meadow. While this well-known restaurant has been around for a while, their menu continues to evolve with new dishes and fresh, seasonal ingredients. This very
special spot, nestled in the park, underwent a multi-million dollar renovation. Now, it welcomes a whole new generation of both residents and tourists alike to experience this palatable and peaceful part of New York.
Their towering seafood towers feature East and West Coast Oysters, Littleneck Clams, Chilled Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Snow Crab Claws, and Alaskan King Crab Legs, while their signature dishes are farm-to-table fresh. With Avocado Poached Eggs and Brioche French Toast, when it comes to brunch at Tavern on the Green, go big or go home!
Central Park, W 67th St.
New York, NY 10023
212.877.8684
tavernonthegreen.com
Speakeasy Magick at The McKittrick Hotel
Gear up for Speakeasy Magick performances at The McKittrick Hotel’s latest entertainment destination, The Club Car. The McKittrck Hotel, home of the wildly popular Sleep No More, will now host an extra magical late-night performance on Saturdays due to popular demand, perfect for long summer nights or if you don’t feel like going to sleep right after Sleep No More! Become immersed in the underground world of mystery and magic as you are transported to the top floor of the hotel in a vintage elevator car. Step into The Club Car where you fill find a live jazz pianist and cozy tables, so you can get ready for a night of surprises which you’ll only find at Speakeasy Magick – while sipping on barrel-aged cocktails poured table side. Prepare to be mesmerized by the city’s top magicians with performances running Thursdays through Saturdays. Todd Robbins, who has performed on Broadway and around the world, in addition to appearing on Monday Night Magic and Criss Angel, will host an enchanting evening featuring up-close-and-personal prestidigitation and parlor magic at The Club Car each week, so get ready to sit back and enjoy this riveting ride!
542 W. 27th St.
New York, NY 10001
Oro Restaurant
When it comes to traditional and tasty Italian cooking, Oro Restaurant is the gold standard. After all, oro means “gold” in Italian! Father and son team Walter and Mike Celic are bringing fresh and innovative plates to the emerging Long Island City food scene with their innovative menus and contemporary design. Their sleek space, which features a 200-bottle air-cooled wine display, modern lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows, is perfect for both intimate dinners and large parties. From the moment you step into Oro, this family-run team will make you feel like you’re part of their big, fat, Italian family!
Savor their seasonal flavors with delectable dishes ranging from Seafood Risotto to Rigatoni Primavera, in addition to succulent steaks, an extensive raw bar and fresh salads. Sip on a signature drink or enjoy innovative cuisine in the chic yet comfortable dining room, or at their long bar area where you can people watch, or more importantly, Meatball Parmigiana watch!
Their farm-to-table ingredients make this one of the freshest finds in the area! From Chicken Cacciatore to Crispy Calamari pizza and pastas, you’ll be longing to go back to this Long Island City spot! You can taste the love put into each dish, which you can pair perfectly with a glass of Chianti Classico or Cabernet from their extensive wine list.
41-17 Crescent St.
Long Island City, NY 11101
718.729.1801
The Usual
With so many healthy and delectable dishes, you’re sure to find a favorite, and will soon be asking for your usual at The Usual! Start your day off right – and more importantly tasting right, with their Banana Toast, made with multigrain, hazelnut butter, toasted hazelnuts, banana and honey, as well their Grapefruit Brûlée, featuring toasted sesame seeds and rainbow microgreen. Once
you go for their BrunchaPalooza, which consists of everything from smoked salmon to fried chicken, you won’t go back – to boring brunches that is! You will be extra happy when you come for Happy Hour, and even happier when you check out Burger Happy Hour! From the Triple Cheeseburger to the very unusual The Usual Burger, made with two patties and garlic aioli, you will find innovative twists on all your favorite dishes! Chef Alvin Cailan serves up amazing American comfort food while Beverage Director Anthony Cailan has some sweet cocktails for you to sip on! From the tasty Teriyaki Bowl to their famed Jambon Burerre, with prosciutto, cotto
and butter on a baguette, your taste buds are sure to go on a very creative culinary adventure! They also serve salads, pasta and other unique comfort foods.
30 Kenmare St.
New York, NY 10012
theusualnyc.com
Kirsh Bakery and Kitchen
If you want comfort food in a comfortable atmosphere, come to Kirsh Bakery and Kitchen, an Upper West Side staple known for its breakfast, brunch and of course, the area’s best bakery items! Owners Dan and Anat Kirsh, who are also partners in an award-winning Jerusalem brasserie, have brought their hospitality expertise and high quality food to New York City! Bite into their famous French Toast, as well as sweet and savory danishes, including the mouthwatering Mascarpone Cream and Mixed Berry Jam, Goat Cheese Bureka, Chocolate Hazelnut, Cinnamon and Pear, and Banana Walnut Caramel. The bakery also serves up Shortbread, Chocolate Orange Crinkle, Pistachio Ricotta Cake, Tiramisu and Cremeschnitt, plus a selection of fresh fruitfilled pies, which pair perfectly with their locally roasted Irving Farm coffees. Their freshly baked seeded sourdough, potato rosemary sourdough, milk bread, flutes, wheatgerm and other breads, as well as their cakes and rolls, are served in the restaurant for an extra delicious dining experience! From their Shepherd Salad made with a Bucheron Za’atar spice mix, dry mint and olives, to hearty dishes including Beef Stroganoff, Lamb Meatballs with Roasted Beet and Pomegranate, plus Chicken Cordon Bleu and Quinoa with Tumeric Vegetable Stew, you are sure to love these palatable plates with seasonal and exotic spices. Whether you want a pick-me-up, a homemade
pastry or a catering platter, this cozy spot is the perfect place for whatever you’re craving!
551 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10024
212.951.1123
kirsh.nyc
Wagamama
Make your way over to Asian fusion eatery Wagamama and try their new Nama Spicy Tuna and Shichimi Tofu Summer Bowls which will be availabl in all of their New York and Boston locations. Wagamama will have your tongue wagging with their new bowls which were inspired by the poke trend and Ryokucha, or green tea, noodle teppanyaki. These light dishes featuring spicy flavors are sure to heat up your summer and are perfect for outdoor picnics! Their cuisine, which is inspired by food from all over Asia, has garnered a cult-like following due to their innovative and fresh food served in a fun atmosphere. Wagamama takes their food and philosophy to nourish both body and soul seriously – their summer bowls were created with the concept of “kokoro,” meaning spirit, heart and mind. Their newly introduced bowls which are bursting with authentic spices will keep you satisfied all summer long, especially when paired with Wagamama’s signature cocktails which you can enjoy at their locations featuring outdoor patios. Nothing else will do after you try the Nama Spicy Tuna made with sliced, marinated and lightly seared tuna which is served on a bed of brown rice with tomatoes, cucumber, edamame and radish with goma (sesame seed) seaweed, pickles, spicy mayo and miso dressing. From their new Teppanyaki to the tasty Tofu Bowl, as well as the Avant Gard’n, back by popular demand, your summer is starting to look very sweet!
210 5th Ave. at W 26th St.
New York, NY 10010
212.920.6233
wagamama.us