observer restaurant guide

8/2/2019 Observer Restaurant Guide

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To Advertise: 212.407.9386

COVER PHOTO PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE WATERS EDGE

One of New Yorks Premier Waterfront Restaurants just Ten Minutes from Manhattan

Special quarterly reStaurant advertiSing Supplement to the new york obServer Spring 2012

THE OBSERVERS

Restaurant &Party PlanningGuide

The Waters Edge is one of New Yorks premiere waterfrontrestaurants & banquet facilities, offering the charm andsophistication of its urban setting while boasting a ship Captainsview of the Manhattan Skyline. Waters Edge delivers elegantrenement that will not be soon forgotten

Open Daily for Lunch Mon-Fri 12-3pmDinner is served Mon-Sat 5:30-11pm

Conveniently located ten minutes from Manhattan,and moments from each of the ve boroughs.

Spring EditionSecal Fcus o

Great Outdoor Eats

A the Cles

Wine Bars

i the Cy

Waters Edge Restaurant & Banquet Facility(T) 718 482-0033 www.watersedgnyc.com4-01 44th Drive Long Island City

The Only Thing We Overlook Is Manhattan

The Waters Edge


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2 | Spring 2012 | The New York Observer To Advertise: 212.407.9386

Located in Northern Manhattans Fort

Tryon Park, the New Leaf oers a unique

experience that brings together fine dining

and the serenity of naturewhile contributing

to the restoration and maintenance of NewYork Citys green spaces.

The exquisite 1930s historic fieldstone

building & rustic surroundings showcase

the exceptional beauty that lies within the

city while a seasonally-inspired menu

guarantees that each meal is artfully

crafted with the finest and freshest local

ingredients.

In addition to enjoying Executive Chef Scott

Campbells exquisite recipes, private events

held at the New Leaf provide an experience

that is unrivaled by any other restaurant

in New York City.

The restaurant can accommodate private

event seating for up to 50 guests in the diningroom alone and up to 150 guests on the

outside patio.

Proceeds from the New Leaf support New York Restoration Projects mission of cleaning and greening New York City one block at a time.

1 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park

For reservations, call 212.568.5323Free Parking or take the

A train to 190th Street

New Leaf Restaurant and Bar A fresh take on traditional cuisine.

NewLeafRestaurant.com



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The New York Observer | Sp ring 2012 | 3To Advertise: 212.407.9386

513 E 6th Street - New York, NY, 10009

[email protected]

212.228.2775

www.buenosairesnyc.com

Authentic ArgentineAn cuisine



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RESERVATIONS: 212-221-014419 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036

The perfect place for lunch, business meetings

and intimate dinner events. Serving the freshest

Greek Mediterranean Seafood in New York City.

Kellari

The weather is warming up and

New Yorkers are itching to leavetheir apartments and spend theday out in the sun. Heres the lowdown on some of the best outdoorrestaurants in town - featuringclassic neighborhood favorites andinnovative modern restaurants:

Peels

Located on the Bowery, Peelstakes redenes southern comfortand turns brunch - a meal that New

Yorkers seldom have time for - into asophisticated and shamelessly guiltyendeavor. The white and dark woodaesthetic reminisces days on thecountryside with delectable fresh-

baked mufns, whipped maple butter,and classic buttermilk biscuits. Washit down with a drink from Peelsexpansive cocktail menu that includestheir unique and popular leadedmilkshakes. Be sure to arrive early aslines on the weekend often stretch outthe door.325 Bowery

Shake Shack

Opened in a stand in Madison SquarePark in 2004, Shake Shack has becomea staple burger joint in Manhattan. Theshack has spread throughout Americanand even to the Middle East, but itsrst home in the park is an experiencelike no other. Grab a Shack Burger,cheese fries, and a shake and sit downin the seating area or around the park.

Make sure to check the Shack Camon its website to ensure the line isrelatively short before heading over!Southeast corner of MadisonSquare Park

Gemma

As an extension of the Bowery Hotel,

Gemma, whose kitchen is led by ChefChris DAmico, features a rustic andselective Italian menu and decor. Therestaurant offers expansive outdoorseating with overhead heaters for thechillier days. Their trufed polentafries are a must-order.335 Bowery

Dos Caminos

Dos Caminos has a few locationsthroughout the city, but its best is in theheart of the Meatpacking District withgreat outdoor seating. The restaurantboasts a strong modern Mexican menuwith exceptional guacamole, but itspecializes in its tequila. The menudedicates multiple pages to endlessmargaritas and tequila mixes. Notablesto try: Prickly Pear, Blood Orange, and

Blue Pom margaritas.475 West Broadway

New York winters are not friendly,but sitting outside with a cocktail on abeautiful spring or summer night is theperfect reminder that New York is thegreatest city in the world.

Outdoor Dining

Shake Shack.

The Bowery Hotel, home

of Gemma.

Dos Caminos.



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The New York Observer | Spring 2012 | 5To Advertise: 212.407.9386

Since 1963, Victors Cafe has

been at the forefront of The

Evolution of Cuban Cuisine

and a favorite neighbor-

hood gem for celebrities

and locals. The relaxed, airy

atmosphere is designed to be reminiscent of Havana in the 1950s. Dinersat Victors can enjoy classic fare, such as Ropa Vieja (Black Angus Steak),

nestled in a bed of plantains, and Florida Red Snapper Ceviche, while sip-

ping on the best Mojitos and Cuban Style Sangria in the City. Brunch is

available Saturdays and Sundays; lunch and dinner are served daily.

Victor'sCaf

Victors Caf236 W. 52nd Street, Btw Broadway & Eighth Avenue

212.586.7714 www.victorscafe.com

Wine bars

Aria is a cozy, but bustling, Italiangem, tucked on the West Villagessecluded Perry Street. A largecommunal table occupies thedownstairs dining room, whereguests sample a variety of warmItalian sweets, meat plates, fruits,and cheeses. This is an ideal spot forsharing appetizers with a date; thesetting is intimate, wine glasses aresmall, and tapas take the place ofentrees.117 Perry St.

Terrior Wine Bar lives up to itssubtitle the elitist winebar for everyone. Its knowledgeable waitstaff ismore than happy to teach you aboutthe extensive menu, which currentlyincludes everything from grapehistory and wine geography to JustinTimberlake Wine in Box lyrics. Thefood-- Italian-style small plates-- issimple but satisfying; risotto rice ballswith oxtail, crispy duck frise salad,and veal and ricotta meatballs are a

few favorites. Its louder and rougheraround the edges than one wouldexpect from a Tribeca wine bar; thespace has an underground feel, andthe menu ends with this: NOT INTOREADING A MENU? Just put your assin the seat and let us feed you.24 Harrison St

8th Street Wine Cellar in

Greenwich Village This dimly lit,lower-level Greenwich Village spotis a great place to bring friends. Thishideout is packed on weekends, andits known for its $18 bottle deal duringHappy Hour. It offers a wide selectionof local food, with small cheese, meat,and bread-heavy plates.28 West 8th Street

The City Winery might be theMother of All Wine Bars. The spaciouswooded venue, opened by the founderof the Knitting Factoy, hosts livemusic, comedy performances, andwine classes. If youre coming for foodonly, a restaurant area is portionedoff from the stage, and there is a full,Mediterranean dinner menu. For afew thousand dollars, customers are

invited to create their own barrel ofwine from grapes in the basement.For the rest of us, wine by the glassis affordable, the food is decent, andtheres room to unwind.155 Varick St

Neither a wine expert, nor an aristocrat? Not a problem. Whether or notyoure a connoisseur, these New York City wine bars offer something for

every one. Here are four unpretentious nds that cater to intimate date nights,weeknight hang-outs, delicious small plates, wine stories, concerts, and HappyHour specials for any budget.

Terroir Wine Bar.

Aria.

8th Street Wine Cellar.



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Chef Campbell TurnsOver a New Leaf

36 West 52nd, Street New York, NY 10019

www.empiresteakhousenyc.com (212) 582-6900

Fine Wines and Giant Lobster Special

Mondays and Tuesdays ONLY!Jumbo 4-412 lbs along with a

bottle of wine of your choice!

Chateau Montelena (Cabernet) Joseph Phelps (Cabernet)Jordan (Cabernet) Shafer (Merlot)

J Wines Reserve (Pinot Noir) Chateau Simard (Bordeaux)

Rufno, Reserve Ducale Gold Label (Chianti)Santa Margherita (Pinot Grigio) Far Niente (Chardonnay)

Welcome to Zucca Trattoria, New

Yorks most talked about new italianrestaurant, located in the WestVillage.

After 35 years of restaurantexperience Gino and his son Frank

have created an at home Italianfeeling for your dining experience.

Located in the heart of the WestVillage this truly exquisite

experience gives you the dcorand warm Italian atmosphere thatinvites you to try the regional rustic

dishes of Italy. Specializing in onand off premise parties for alloccasions and keeping the week-

ends extraordinary with daily lunchspecials.

95 7th Avenue South, NY, NY 10014

(212) 255-1980 zuccanyc.com

Nestled among tall, lush trees andivy-covered walls, New Leaf,

the famous restaurant in the heart ofWashington Heights Fort Tryon Park,was voted Upper Manhattans mostromantic restaurantand for goodreason. Despite its NYC location, the

setting conjures up feelings of beingin an enchanted forestnot Americasdensest city.

At New Leaf, beauty and fantasyintersect with history. The parkwas the site of the RevolutionaryWar Battle of Fort Washingtonavictory for Great Britain thenbutnow New Leaf stands as a monumentto the success and popularity ofcontemporary American cuisine.

Behind all of this delicious magic isChef Scott Campbell, a man with deep

routes in New Yorks food scene. Mr.Campbell got his start as a sous chef atthe Plaza Hotels legendary Oak Roomin the early 1980s. Since then, hesspent time in kitchens at Le Cirqueand several other world-famous NYCculinary institutions before takingthe executive chef post at New Leafabout ve years ago. When it comesto creating great food, Chef Campbelltakes his inspiration from New Yorkslocal markets and gardens to create

a menu that constantly evolves asseasons and ingredient availabilitychanges.

The nice thing about this corridoris things are always changing . . . Youhave micro seasons where thingshappen almost on a weekly level,Mr. Campbell said. The great thingabout todays day and age in cookingis there is such a great diversitygetto experiment more often, whetherits culturally or organic, it makes it

terribly exciting.New Leaf is an initiative of The

New York Restoration Project, whichpromotes green and sustainablevalues. Founded by Bette Midler,NYRP is behind the Million TreesNYC project and other initiatives

to make New York a more livablecity. So its not a coincidence thatNYRPs values are reected onChef Campbells menu and in therestaurants business practicestheymake a very serious effort to buylocally and serve dishes that arehealthy and delicious.

People want to enjoy themselveswhen they go out, the chef said. Atthe same time they dont have to feelguilty afterwards.

Thanks to the unseasonably warm

weather, Mr. Campbell said therestaurant has already been able toopen up their outdoor dining area,effectively doubling New Leafscapacity. Despite that, getting a table,especially on the weekends, can betough as special events sometimes llSaturday and Sunday slots over a yearin advance.

To get our taste buds tingling inanticipation, Chef Campbell gave us apreview of this springs menu.

Risotto with local mushrooms,asparagus, wild stripe sea bass shouldbe coming in relatively soon, he said.Crabcake with local red water crestthat just come from upstate . . .

Our concentration gave way todaydreams as we planned our nextuptown adventure and perfect datenight. On the banks of the Hudson,how could it be any less thanamazing?



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The New York Observer | S pring 2012 | 7To Advertise: 212.407.9386

212.941.7661 s www.thalassanyc.com179 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013 (Btw Greenwich and Hudson Street)

Thalassa RestaurantTribecas favorite Thalassa oers a menu of delicious Greek and Mediterranean dishes featur-ing fresh seafood and organic produce. The restaurant was awarded 3 stars by Forbes, Zagat andis the recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for having the most extensive andexclusive Greek wine list in the city, along with an extensive wine cellar oering an internationalassortment (including selections from France and the US). With dining rooms accommodating50 to 200 guests, Thalassa is also the perfect location for private events from weddings, corpo-rate events, business dinners and family functions.

QUALITY MEATS57 West 58th St., New York, NY 10019 212.371.7777 qualitymeatsnyc.com

Classic New York butcher references are evident throughout the contemporary menuand its offerings. All of the steaks are sourced from two legendary family butchers,

Milton Abeles and Strassburger Meats. Some of the cuts, such as The QM Double Rib Steakare custom butchered to the chefs specications and only available at the restaurant.

When Karina DeMarco, anArgentine transplant with a deep

passion for cooking, missed the food anddining traditions of her native country,she had limited options in the city toremedy her homesickness, nding theminstead in Queens. Aiming to ll thisvoid in Manhattan and create a placewhere Argentines and non-Argentines

alike could gather in a relaxed, casualsetting for authentic Latin Americanfare and feel at home, Ms. DeMarco,with no previous chef experience,turned her vision into a reality when sheand her husband opened Buenos Airesin March 2006. A charming little spottucked away in the East Village, BuenosAires is a lively slice of Argentina. Itis designed to resemble an Argentinebodega, and the hostess and waitstaff,who all hail from either Buenos Airesor nearby Uruguay, are friendly,professional and very knowledgeableabout the wine and food on the menu.

Among Ms. DeMarcos signature

dishes are the meats, like theexceptionally seasoned skirt steakand succulent slab of rib eye. Thebeef comes from grass-fed cowsin Uruguay and is prepared in thetraditional Argentine style, in whichit is cooked with salt directly on thegrill (which was custom-made torecreate the smoky avor of coal),and is accompanied by a deliciouschimichurri sauce. Empanadas are

a top appetizer selection, whichburst with tasty llings such ascorn, chicken or beef with hand-cut scallions and onions. FantasticMalbecs and other winesthere areover 10,000 bottles in the cellarorzesty sangria perfectly complementthe courses. Concluding the meal areoutstanding specialty desserts likepanqueque de dulce de leche, two longutes of crepes oozing mouthwatering

caramel paste, and a mountainoushomemade an.

Buenos Aires also casts a widegeographical net: delicacies fromother countriesand continentsareoffered, which reects the diversityof Argentinas large internationalpopulation. Creamy, delectablemozzarella cheese own in fromNaples every week, Moroccan olivesand the tender cured jamn ibrico(pata negra), from southern Spain,whose nutty avor comes from thepigs exclusively acorn diet, are justa sampling of Buenos Airess broadarray of gustatory delights.

With Buenos Aires Ms. DeMarcohas solidied Argentinas presence inthe culinary landscape of Manhattan.Whether its for a full course dinner or

just a couple of appetizers and drinks,Buenos Aires promises an authenticArgentine and world-class eatingexperience in a low-key, congenialatmosphere. Before diners nish their

plates they will already be planningwhen they will return. The restaurantis open daily noon to midnight, whichcaters to Argentines especially whoare accustomed to eating later at night,and offers a family-style lunch onSunday. There is a patio garden thatis open in the spring and summer,and the World Cup and ChampionsLeague, of course, are broadcast.

Argentine Dining


by Jane Ginsberg


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8 | S pring 2012 | The New York Observer To Advertise: 212.407.9386

www.li-lacchocolates.com

Li-Lac Chocolates in Grand Central Terminals Market Hall:

Enter Market Hall at Lexington Ave. & East 43rd St., or through the Main

Concourse on the main level. Tel: (212) 370-4866 Fax: (212) 924-4916

Li-Lac Chocolates in Greenwich Village:

40 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10014

(Where Eighth Ave. meets Jane St.) Tel: (212) 924-2280 Fax: (212) 924-4916

Visit Li-Lac Chocolates two Manhattan locations

Distincitive, Hand-MadeChocolates since 1923


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