New York City is never lacking in the holiday spirit. From the Rockettes and Rockefeller Center to Christmas Markets and stunning window light displays, it is a city filled with magic. After trekking around the city and taking in the sites, stop by the restaurants below that take festive to a new level for some bites and drinks.
South Village Hospitality, the brains behind Ainslie Brooklyn, Cotta, Follia, and Carroll Place, just opened a Manhattan Ainslie this month. The 20,000-square-foot Italian restaurant, wine bar, and beer garden took over the space formerly occupied by Vandal at 199 Bowery on the Lower East Side.
Enjoy Oktoberfest-ivities and all the flavors of a German Biergarten at Clinton Hall now through Monday, October 17th at their FiDi, W. 36th Street, E. 51st Street, and Williamsburg locations. Oktoberfest staples such as Hot Jumbo Pretzels with mustard marmalade and fondue cheese ($15), Potato Pancakes with sour cream, apple sauce, and chives ($9), and Schweinpops, a slow-roasted pork lollipop creation with amazing craft beer-infused gravy ($16) will be included on their special menu.
Last week the French honored Bastille Day, an annual day of reverence for the storming of the Bastille, a major battle of the French revolution that united the people of France. To honor the day we headed to the east side to enjoy an evening of gourmet cuisine at La Brasserie. Formerly known as Brasserie Les Halles, the dimly lit space is fashioned after the old French Brasseries which were casual dining spaces serving hearty foods rather quickly.
Last week, for the first time, I stopped by Hidden Lane, located in the Gramercy area of New York City. I was very excited to check out this hidden gem. On the evening of my visit, Hidden Lane hosted an intimate Winter Cocktail Soiree. Fitting and much needed for such a chilly evening. Although Hidden Lane is known for serving up specialty cocktails, on this night guests got to indulge in pizza and meatless meatballs from Zazzy’s Pizza in addition to chocolate-covered doughnuts and cookies from Innocent Yesterday on the Upper East Side. The pepperoni pizza was my favorite by the way.
Zuma New York is one of NYC’s hottest spots and is known for its authentic and modern Japanese food. The restaurant has teamed up with the world-famous COYA brand. is an award-winning luxury lifestyle brand, known for delivering an unforgettable Latin American experience across the globe. The ritual experience brings melodic techno music, dancing, and cocktails together with inspiration from Aztec culture to instantly transport guests from Manhattan to the vibrant tribal festivals of Peru.
Curamia Tequila is a new Blanco tequila made from all-natural and 100% blue agave, which makes it one of the smoothest and cleanest we’ve ever tasted. Curamia Tequila was founded by Dafna Mizrahi, an accomplished chef originally from Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico, Curamia. Dafina reflects on her journey with Curamia, she shares “Sipping Curamia for the first time was an unforgettable experience for me because it truly is unlike any other Tequila I’ve tasted. It is a testament to what our brand is all about: Tequila made exceptionally well with authenticity at its core and respect for the Mexican land, its traditions, and the culture”.
Summer is definitely over, but the fun doesn’t have to end just yet. Head over to the Baylander Steel Beach and enjoy the last remnants of good weather. Located at the West 125th street Piers, this former aircraft carrier, the Baylander IX-514, is now a lively Harlem Hotspot, filled with good music, stellar drinks, and a casual atmosphere. The Baylander boasts one of the most impressive views of the Hudson River.