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As an American Express® Cardmember, we invite you to ask the editorial team an entertainment related question. Our entertainment editors will provide expert answers, with other Cardmembers providing additional input on the best in city entertainment!
Seeking a refreshing respite from the late summer heat? Get thee some ice cream! Mitchell's is a favorite for frozen delicacies and recently celebrated its 50th birthday. In addition to standard ice cream flavors that you could find anywhere else in the city, Mitchell's offers some creative and exotic delights like French custard vanilla, Mexican chocolate, avocado, buko (baby coconut), lychee, mango and ube (purple yam). The cantelope ice cream is only available for a few more weeks as a seasonal refreshment, so it's on our short list. And all their flavors are homemade, premium, rich and tasty. No wonder Mitchell's has been winning so many awards and hearts for all these years.
Mitchell's Ice Cream
688 San Jose Ave., San Francisco | 415-648-2300
Everything old is new again; case in point, Sweetwater. Once a no-holds-barred bar for all things punk rock in the good ole, golden days of counter-culture Williamsburg, Sweetwater has transformed itself into a gastronomic destination. While the stained tin ceilings (from too many cigarettes, no doubt) and long wood bar still remain, the varied wine list and nouveau American menu with nods to the French, Italians and Spanish add a freshness to the Williamsburg dining scene that was sorely needed (as tasty as it is, do we really need another Thai restaurant on Bedford?). Recommended: Spinach, sweet potato and ricotta stuffed cannelloni in a light butter, almond & lemon sage sauce. Cash only.
Sweetwater
105 North 6th St., between Berry Street and Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn | 718-963-0608
Your parents are in town. And so are your future in-laws — which mean dinner plans should be fun and festive, but, hey, it's New York, so you want to keep it sleek and chic. Consider Falai located on the Lower East Side's Clinton Street. Iacopo Falai, owner and chef whose resume includes several years at Le Cirque 2000, has created a traditional Italian spot with a varied menu, bright, open space and bread oven which emits fragrances that send endorphins sky-high. Stand out dishes like the spinach and ricotta gnudi in brown butter and pan-seared, pancetta-wrapped tuna will satisfy, but leave a little room for the freshly-baked bread — it's too good to pass up. Reservations recommended.
Falai
68 Clinton Street, between Stanton and Rivington Streets, New York | 212-253-1960
There are some places that almost look too chic to walk into — the décor is too hip, as are the patrons, dressed in that perfect downtown casual "messiness" that somehow always looks pulled together. That's Brown, a gem of a café on the Lower East Side café, except you won't be able to hold yourself back from entering. Its menu focuses on all things organic, from the greens to the wine, and even its tree stump chairs and wood board plates are eco-friendly. Open for lunch and dinner, but Brown is a place where brunch reigns supreme; try the baked eggs with smoked salmon and herbed ricotta. Yum.
Brown Café
61 Hester at Ludlow Street, New York | 212-477-2427
For those of us not schooled in wines, choosing between even just two bottles can prove to be a daunting task—so could you imagine choosing from a list of 100,000? Before you have a nervous breakdown, know about Veritas, a Flatiron wine bar that, yes, lets you choose your poison from a large and impressive collection. Of course you're not expected to go it alone; the sommelier is schooled on all the wines and can help you pick a perfect Burgundy or otherwise, even if you don't really know what you're looking for. Peckish drinkers will enjoy their $76 prix-fixe menu, not surprisingly selected with a range of palates in mind, and which all have a perfect wine complement. A special place to go on a night where you want to mix things up a bit. Reservations recommended.
Veritas
43 E. 20th St., near Park Avenue South, New York | 212-353-3700
There are so many things to love about wd-50 on the Lower East Side. First, the name, a moniker that sounds like the next generation of the blue-canned wonder lubricant, but in actuality is the name of the Chef in charge of it all, Wylie Dufresne. The second, third, fourth — well, everything else, — is the menu, cutting edge but completely approachable. So, while you might be puzzled at appetizers such as the fried quail with banana tartare, main dishes like scallops with zucchini in a smoked grape broth, or the fried butterscotch pudding with mango, taro and smoked macadamia dessert, please do yourself a favor and don't ask questions. Just pick up your fork and enjoy.
wd-50
50 Clinton St., between Rivington and Stanton Streets, New York | 212-477-2900
Undeniably, one of the best times over the weekend is a killer brunch and great company. Here's where that not-quite-breakfast, not-quite-lunch time of day reigns supreme; you supply the rest.
• Have the quintessential New York brunch and bagel plate at Barney Greengrass.
• Down a fluffy stack of heavenly pancakes at Clinton Street Baking Co.
• Wash down some huevos with the specialty margaritas at Lobo on Court Street.
• Bask in the Indian Summer sun in the back garden of Relish in Williamsburg.
Where should we go? Whether you're looking for a first date destination or just a romantic evening with your longtime flame, you can't help but scour local mags and websites for the perfect answer. Well, here it is — B Flat in TriBeCa. Owned and operated by ex-Angel's Share bartenders, this subterranean Tokyo-style lounge is at once both elegant and friendly, with an astonishing array of liquors and drinks that are not just poured, they're crafted — and strong. Their small plate menu will stave off your hunger pangs and buzz though, and shouldn't be passed up. Recommended: the succulent deep-fried spring rolls, tasty grilled pork in garlic sauce and the Scenes in the City specialty cocktail, a blend of citron, lychee and grapefruit.
B Flat
277 Church St. at Sixth Avenue, New York | 212-219-2970
Unwrap. Microwave on high. Eat. While it's easy to fall into the trap of convenience, especially if you're not a whiz around the kitchen, there's no denying that it leaves your morale a little low. So it's no surprise that when someone takes the time to prepare a meal with the utmost care and attention, you can almost taste the love. That's what the Pink Tea Cup has been doing for over 50 years, serving homemade southern-style soul food from a cozy little setting in the West Village. Menu stand-outs include tangy barbecue pork ribs, creamy macaroni and cheese, chicken and dumplings, and a sweet potato pie you'll dream about later on. Cash only.
Pink Tea Cup
42 Grove St., between Bleecker and Bedford Streets, New York | 212-807-6755
While the lazy days of summer are almost over, the hazy ones are going to stick around for at least a few more weeks, keeping the boom of new frozen yogurt eateries packed. For those who haven't hopped on the Pinkberry wagon yet, now's the time. Offering two tasty two-flavor sensations daily, their yogurt is made without preservatives, additives or excess sugar — dessert reinvented, as they like to call it. With toppings that include everything from fresh berries to Fruity Pebbles, we predict this winter is going to be busy for Pinkberry, too.
Pinkberry
Four locations throughout Manhattan. See them here.
It's that wonderful time of year again — cool nighttime breezes hint at a crisp upcoming Fall, the city, almost empty due to vacation-goers, seems like it's almost yours and yours alone to explore, and the Barney's Warehouse Sale is in full effect. Now through September 3rd you can save up to 75% off their regular prices of designer clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women, children and home; downtown-chic Mayle sweaters originally $350 are now $119, sweet Rebecca Taylor dresses are $159, and for all you Carrie Bradshaw hopefuls, this year's selection of marked-down Manolos is abundant. After scavenging through the racks, celebrate your booty at neighboring Bar Veloce for well-crafted panini and full-bodied wines that come in at less than $10 a glass.
Barney's Warehouse Sale, through Sept. 3
255 W. 17th St., between 17th and 18th Streets, New York | 212-450-5400
Bar Veloce
176 Seventh Ave., between 20th and 21st Streets, New York | 212-629-5300
If there's one thing even the most jaded New Yorkers don't get sick of, it's a good city view. And Stone Rose Lounge's got that in spades. Nightlife impresario Rande Gerber's 6,000-square-foot lounge of dark wood, soft leather and large windows overlooks Central Park from the east, making the city itself feel a part of your intimate soiree, albeit from four floors up. Refreshingly calm and cozy despite its location in the Time Warner Center, Stone Rose Lounge is perfect for most any occasion — first dates, pre-theater, or reminiscing with old friends. A menu of light nibbles keeps tiny appetites sated, but for a real meal, head to Bar Masa, one of the notable restaurants located in the building that won't drain your bank account.
Stone Rose Lounge
Time Warner Center, Columbus Circle at 58th Street, New York | 212-823-9769
Do you feel like you're on auto-pilot come lunchtime during the workweek? Day after day, do you hit the same old make-your-own-salad joint or overpriced sandwich shop, never really enjoying it? Tiffin Wallah, the latest addition to the East Side's "Curry Hill" is the antidote to bland, boring lunches. Named and modeled after the Indian tradition of bringing home-cooked food to the workplace, Tiffin Wallah's $6 lunch buffet is a steal, and delicious. Similar to owner Pradeep Shinde's other Indian eatery, Chennai Garden, Tiffin Wallah's cheery décor and delish vegetarian menu also features a selection of curries and dosas like its sister restaurant, just a little more wallet friendly. Open for lunch and dinner. Delivery coming soon.
Tiffin Wallah
127 East 28th St. at Lexington Avenue, New York | 212-685-7301
The city's latest and greatest that'll make you want to boogie.
• Dine and have a few cocktails with a celeb or three at The Stanton Social on the L.E.S.
• Be oh-so refined and drink in the classic cocktail culture at Pegu Club.
• Impress the one you love (if you can get past the doorman) at Bungalow 8.
• Don't miss the, er, Boat, Cobble Hill's understated local watering hole with absolutely no signage (it's at the corner of Wyckoff and Smith).
Britney's meltdown. Lindsay's relapse. Tom-Kat's newfound love. If those are the stories that have piqued your interest as of late, spend an evening making up for it by getting acquainted with some real literature at KGB Bar's legendary Nonfiction Reading Series, every Tuesday night at 7pm. Once home to a Ukrainian socialist party in the 1940s, KGB bar now serves its special selection of over a dozen types of vodka to a much broader group, though its dramatic décor and propaganda posters might inspire those with Marxist leanings. August 7th's reading features award-winning writers John Domini and Colette Inez. Cash only.
KGB Bar
85 E. 4th St., near Second Avenue, New York | 212-505-3360
Earn instant cuddling points with these can't-miss excursions.
• Drink in NYC's breathtaking cityscape from the Brooklyn Promenade, followed by a cocktail at Superfine.
• The grab-the-person-next-to-you action sequences of the new Harry Potter make it worth seeing in IMAX.
• Bring a blanket and bottle of wine to Coney Island to watch their Friday night fireworks and spark some of your own.
• Popping the question? The incomparable One if By Land, Two if by Sea is the place.
French bistros are really a dime a dozen these day, and we're trying to weed out the ones that are worth your time. Ici, in Fort Greene, is one of the keepers. The low-key charm developed by the owners (a husband and wife team) is a welcome respite from the haughtiness that infuses a handful of bistros around town, and its locally grown, seasonal menu with refreshingly reasonable prices is just right. Recommended dishes include a classic pan seared Black Angus hanger steak and a sublime chicken liver schnitzel with a hint of lemon. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day but Monday. Reservations recommended.
Ici
246 DeKalb Ave., at Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn | 718-789-2778
Whether you're a gal or a guy, you've probably dedicated the larger part of your summer to looking halfway decent in a swimsuit (or at least wishing you did). Forget all that nonsense and come as you are to NYC Restaurant Week 2007. July 23rd through the 27th marks the second half of this summer promo, where you can eat like a champ on the cheap in some of New York's best. A three-course prix fixe lunch is only $24.07 and dinner will put you out a cool $35, so there's no time like the present to sample the superb raw bar at Lure Fishbar, put some meat on your bones at Smith & Wollensky or set the scene for romance at One if by Land, Two if by Sea without emptying out your wallet. Note: some restaurants are holding the promotion through Labor Day.
NYC Restaurant Week 2007, July 23-27
Multiple Locations
Check for details and make reservations online.
There's nothing sinister going on at Death & Co, but they do serve up killer cocktails. Named after a Prohibition-era art movement, Death & Co is a modern day "speakeasy" at its best — kerosene lamps, ornate chandeliers, smooth jazz and even smoother drinks. Bartenders at this East Village club hail from some of the more respected places in town to grab a true cocktail, and treat their creations like an art form (they are $12, after all). Additionally, their impressive selection of wines, scotches, whiskies and a decadent small plate menu will keep you coming back to this intimate spot when you're in the mood to class things up.
Death & Co
433 E. 6th St., between First Avenue & Avenue A, New York | 212-388-0882
New York is no stranger to celebrity chef restaurants. In fact, it's hard to walk through a neighborhood and not bump into one, though usually the more famous of the bunch get the spotlight. It's time to give places like Paladar time to shine. Located on one of the Lower East Sides most hipster-fied streets, Chef Aarón Sanchez serves tasty pan-Latino cuisine and specialty drinks from a cozy spot that feels like it can bust into a party at any minute. Added bonus, their late-night menu means you don't have to scarf down a slice to neutralize your buzz. Recommended dishes: seafood guisado, a mixed seafood in a coconut chile broth, with a side of fried sweet and green plantains.
Paladar
161 Ludlow St., between Stanton and Houston Streets, New York | 212-473-3535
Next time you have a few friends coming into town or need to do arrange sort of "team-building" dinner for work, book a table at Do Hwa in the West Village. Jenny Kwak and her mother Myung Ja, also owners of Dok Suni in the East Vilage, have brought some fantastic, home-style Korean cooking to the city in a not-too-trendy-but-just-stylish-enough space that's perfect for groups. Traditional dishes like Heymulpajun (seafood pancake with shrimp, squid, oysters and chili pepper) and Japchae (sesame glass noodles) are superb, but the real fun starts when you request a table with a built-in grill and start cooking your own food (like the Bulgogi, which has an outta sight garlic marinade). Reservations recommended.
Do Hwa
55 Carmine St., near Bedford Street, New York | 212-414-1224
Burgers. Whether you prefer yours bloody, charred or from the garden patch, there's no denying this sandwich's ability to satisfy. Stand, just south of Union Square, delivers on that promise in a big, juicy way. Beef, chicken, turkey, salmon, veggie — there's something for everyone here, with burgers that arrive on a fresh, soft bun topped with gourmet fixings. Sides like homemade onion rings (piled high for just $4) and drinks like Cinnamon-lemon iced tea ($3 with free refills!) and the toasted-marshmallow milkshake ($6... and worth it) give it that kitschy, '50s soda shop vibe that'll make you want to keep coming back for more. Stand also has a full bar, making it a great go-to spot ‘round midnight.
Stand
24 E. 12th St., between Fifth Avenue and University Place, New York | 212-488-5900
To experience true French joie de vivre, stop over to La Sirene on the West Side. Owner and Chef Didier Pawlicki, a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in France and former owner of Le Montagnard bistro in Montmartre, has created a space that's at once friendly, comfortable, romantic and intimate with flavorful, fresh seafood dishes in the traditional French bistro style. There's truly no place like this in the city with such a perfect mix of hospitality and fantastic eats. Know before you go: La Sirene currently has a BYOB policy. Reservations recommended (and so are the mussels — they're magnificent).
La Sirene
558 Broome St. at Varick Street, New York | 212-925-3061
If you haven't guessed it already, this week we're peppering our posts with info on places to get your Bastille Day on. The list would be incomplete without the inclusion of Florent, the original Meat-packing District destination for authentic bistro fare with greasy spoon-like prices. Owner Florent Morellet has graced our city with a campy place where all are welcome, and where we can pick up a serving of moules frites for just $15.00, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And their outdoor Bastille Day celebration, with live music, dancing and performances, rivals those on the streets of Paris. Go this week, next week, and as often as you can thereafter.
Florent
69 Gansevoort St., between Greenwich and Washington Streets, New York |
212-989-5779
What's more intoxicating than the pulse of the city at night? Having a drink in your hand while you watch it all go by. Here are some top places to drink it all in:
• Savor some gnocchi and Montepulciano under the grapevine trellises at Acqua Santa
• Pretend you were born on the bayou as you listen to The Clash at Trout (102 Smith St., Brooklyn; 718-935-1294)
• Build a sandcastle (and a buzz) at L.I.C.'s makeshift Harry's at Water Taxi Beach
• Sit under the sparkling lights and twinkling stars in Union Square's Luna Park (212-475-8464)
• Don your vintage duds, $400 heels and air of hipster disinterest at the leafy rooftop refuge of The Delancey
Though a tranny or two still give the neighborhood its charm, the Meatpacking District is definitely worlds away from what it used to be. Where, well, meat lockers and butcher blocks once stood, you'll now find some of the world's chicest boutiques and places to get a $600 haircut. But what's really good news about this nabe is that there's a place to get away from all the high-class nonsense with a perfectly temperatured Guinness and some bangers and mash. Brass Monkey, on little-traveled Little West 12th Street, is a beer-lovers (and British Isles expat's) dream, with over 75 draft and bottled beers of the hard-to-find variety, and homemade gastropub fare that would make the Queen weak in the knees.
Brass Monkey
55 Little West 12th St., between Washington Street and 10th Avenue, New York | 212-675-6686
Comfort food is like the color black — it's a go-to for every situation. Break-up? Mac and cheese makes it better. Long day at work? Some good old-fashioned meatloaf will up your energy level. Chef Bruce Dillon has perfected these delish dishes and more at Parish Diner — but with a twist. Located on the border of Williamsburg and Greenpoint, this upscale comfort-food spot not only serves starters and sides, but offers special TV dinners du jour, where for only $14.50, you get stick-to-your ribs fare like salisbury steak, scalloped potatoes, creamed spinach and, of course, a brownie. Their weekend brunch is also the most delicious deal in town and includes a house made pastry basket and special drink for only $14.75.
Parish Diner
218 Richardson Street at North Henry Street, Brooklyn | 718-383-8200
The Lower East Side has a bourgeoning bar scene, which makes it a destination for UES preppies and DUMBO hipsters alike — they're just not necessarily hanging out at the same spot. GalleryBar lets you shed the armor of your New York persona and come together over a commonality like art. A gallery by day, GalleryBar transitions into a bi-level lounge at night. Upstairs you can grab a drink at the bar and stare at works from local artists (or create your own in the photo booth), or relax in the downstairs room, an intimate candlelit reprieve from the day. Reservations recommended on weekends.
GalleryBar
120 Orchard St., between Rivington and Delancey Streets, New York | 212-529-2266
Just when summer starts... BAM! We get hit with emails or mailers about what's new for the fall season in stores. Though a little disheartening since the mercury really hasn't risen above the 80s lately, there is something to be said about getting your wooly knits earlier rather than later, and having your pick of size and shade before items go out of stock. For unique pieces with a vintage edge, check out Ohio Knitting Mills, who've brought their never been worn, near pristine knitwear right to the heart of Cobble Hill. Made between the years 1947 and 1974, you'll find sweaters, capes, vests, shirts, dresses and jackets that'll satisfy even the most discerning vintage buyer. Head there now for sweet knitvests and tees that won't break your piggy bank.
Ohio Knitting Mills
231 Smith Street, between Butler and Douglass Streets, Brooklyn | 718-596-7103
For those of you who love the architecture and history of the South Street Seaport, but get all cranky when you have to fight through crowds of fanny packs to enjoy any locale with a seaport address, there's Bin No. 220. Giving visitors and residents alike another drinking option besides foamy brews in neon cups, owners Sandra Tedesco and Calli Lerner opened their sleek Italian-style wine bar in an old building on Front Street, and were careful to preserve most of the building's details. An original centuries-old brick wall and cast iron columns pay homage to the seaport's rich history, while their selection of over 60 wines and spirits is incredibly modern and chic. Average drink will run you around $10.
Bin No. 220
220 Front St., between Beekman Street and Peck Slip | 212-374-9463
When it comes to being a "wine bar person" or not being a wine bar person, most people are pretty clear where they stand. For the naysayers, the biggest reason to run the other way is the supposed pretension they'll encounter — talk about tannins, bouquets and the like, which can be painful to listen to when all you want to do is have a nice glass of wine and relax. Boerum Hill's first wine bar, donna da vine, is completely devoid of all snootiness. Within its brick walls you'll find over 40 wines to sample by the glass, none over $15, and a scrumptious cheese and charcuterie selection that makes it a perfect destination to kick back and relax, sans sports jacket.
donna da vine
378 Atlantic Ave., between Bond and Hoyt Streets, Brooklyn | 718-643-2250
Once a hotspot that burned brightly, only to see its lights and popularity fade, Monkey Bar, tucked underneath the Hotel Elysée, is back in all its simian-themed glory. The art deco lounge, complete with monkey murals, monkey wallpaper and monkey-themed drinks (no, not banana daiquiris) is one of the more glamorous spots in the city to sip on a cocktail — even if it does have a somewhat peculiar name like the Purple Monkey (a delicious blend of vodka, Chambord, sour mix and pineapple juice). Stay for a snack at the restaurant and enjoy Chef Patricia Yeo's Asian-infused menu.
Monkey Bar
Hotel Elysée
60 East 54th St., between Park and Madison Avenues, New York | 212-838-2600
Beer lovers get the short end of the stick in this town, especially if said lover is looking to grab a cold one in an establishment that doesn't involve styrofoam cups or dirty sawdust-covered floors. For those afflicted with the lack-of-sleek-beer-hall blues, here's the antidote you've been looking for: reBar. Tucked away in a revamped factory loft space in DUMBO (is there any other kind, really?), the atmospherically sexy reBar has over 15 beers on tap, plus all the bottled American microbrews and Belgian ales you could hope for — and for your companions who may not be so hep to the hops, there's an extensive list of wines by the glass, featuring organic and bio-dynamic varietals. A tapas menu is also available.
reBar
68 Jay St. at Water Street, Brooklyn | 718-797-2322
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