NYC: WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK RIGHT NOW
The most delicious season is here and there couldn’t be a better time to go out and enjoy food and drinks prepared by New York City’s top chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists. Destination: The Restaurant and Bar Collection at The Shops at Columbus Circle, which is home to the hottest spots in town and multiple Michelin stars, all under one roof. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find.
Calling all veggie lovers. As we head into spring, Momofuku Noodle Bar is adding dishes with a light touch. There are Crispy Brussel Sprouts paired with a peppadew romesco sauce; Roasted Carrots in a lemon yogurt; and Charred Shishito Peppers topped with furikake. Also perfect for the season: the new In Bloom cocktail made with Ford’s gin, sakura vermouth, rhubarb cordial, and calpico lychee.
From business lunches to midday martinis with friends, Porter House Bar and Grill is back for daytime dining. Enjoy chef Michael Lomonaco’s signature American classics — Skirt Steak Frites, Garganelli Bolognese, and more — served alongside an award-winning list of wines and cocktails. Guests can also upgrade their lunch experience with the Park View Prix Fixe, a $42 three-course meal.
Now’s the time to plan that bucket-list Per Se dinner you’ve been dreaming about. To complement its spectacular nine-course tasting menus, Per Se has introduced a new wine bottled exclusively for the restaurant: the “Orschwihr” Alsace Riesling from a winery that has been in business since 1691. “It is fruity with tons of ripe yellow apple notes without being tart or sharp, which contributes to the versatility to pair with our cuisine at Per Se,” says Head Sommelier Hak Soo Kim.
If you’re a foodie, you’re probably aware that Masa is the only three Michelin-starred sushi restaurant in the country. It’s also home to the more casual Bar Masa, where the cocktail bar is just as inventive as the restaurant’s modern-Japanese dishes. The latest creation is the Emerald Splash cocktail, featuring Green Chartreuse, Butterfly Pea infused Vodka, and lime juice.
Summer is around the corner, so keep it healthy and light at Tartinery, where the clean eats range from the Veggie Wild Rice Bowl to the Petite Avo Tartine. There’s also a list of feel-good smoothies and juices like the Matchalicious smoothie and the Beet Me Up juice. Or maybe you want to indulge: Stop by for L’Apéro, a happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with half off beer and wine by the glass and a tempting menu of snacks.
As the city continues to open up, Center Bar is the perfect place to drink in those gorgeous Central Park views and classic cocktails, from martinis to Manhattans. Come before or after dinner or complement an evening Jazz at Lincoln Center with drinks here. For music lovers, Center Bar pulls out the stops with live piano during the evening hours.
For the most glamorous evenings, head to Ascent Lounge New York, which is known for its craft cocktail menu filled with seasonal surprises and fan favorites. One drink not to miss is the Smoked Old Fashioned, served with a cloud of roasted pistachio. It is (literally) the most smoking drink in town.