Cafeteria on Seventh Avenue in the Flatiron District, with its large garage doors thrown open to the street, was the setting for our ex.expat monthly happy hour. This is exactly what a happy hour should be: a lively room, an extensive menu that makes choosing difficult and a staff that could not have been more accommodating.

There was a chill in the air that afternoon, so we asked if we could close our garage door. The team quickly obliged, though a diner seated near another door preferred hers open. In true New York fashion, the staff managed both requests with ease—leaving one open, ours closed and everyone satisfied.

Around the table came a steady flow of margaritas, spritzes, martinis and glasses of red and white wine, alongside plenty of shared bites: shrimp tacos, beef sliders, meatballs and, naturally, fries for the table.

I recommend Happy Hour at Cafeteria!

***Happy Hour details as of 05/07/2026

Hours:  4 to 6 pm Monday-Friday

What’s happy? $10 specific martinis, spritz and margaritas; $5 for tiny tinis + flights of tinis and food ($15-25); $7 beer, $9 wine plus food from $6 – $15 including tacos (2 for $10) sliders (2 for $9); pigs in blanket, hot wings (4 for $10), meatballs ($9) and fries ($6-7)

How happy? ***(three out of three stars)

Cafeteria
Chelsea
119 7th Ave
New York, NY, 10011
212.414.1717
cafeteria-nyc.com/

After a leisurely stroll through the curated jewelry show at the Museum of Art & Design—where unsurprisingly, one of us could not resist a little temptation—we made our way to Robert, the ever-sunny restaurant on the museum’s seventh floor.

Settled by the window, we soaked in the sweeping views of Columbus Circle and Central Park that never fail to dazzle, no matter how many times we’ve seen them.

The views, as always, were spectacular—but this time, so were the food and service. Glasses clinked as we sampled the crisp Cusumano Grillo Tenuta Monte Pietroso DOC Sicilia, Italy, 2022 ($57). Dark, crusty rolls with creamy butter disappeared quickly as we chattered and laughed.

Our table was soon awash with color and flavor: garden market greens ($16) tossed with plump berries, watermelon radishes, slices of kiwi and crunchy Marcona almonds, all dressed in a champagne vinaigrette—topped, for some, with juicy chicken breast (+$12) or salmon (+$14).

The chicken paillard ($29) was comfort and elegance combined with a smooth pommes purée and wild baby arugula, brightened with a lemon-caper sauce. Another entrée paired salmon ($39) with bok choy and jasmine rice in a sweet-and-spicy ginger sauce, while the branzino ($38) balanced atop Provençal ratatouille with saffron aioli.

We finished with espresso ($7) and a complimentary chocolate treat that provided a sweet ending to the afternoon.

The plates were colorful, the portions generous and the pacing unhurried. Between the views, attentive service and well-prepared dishes, lunch at Robert felt less like a meal and more like a stylish Manhattan escape.

Robert Restaurant
Museum of Art & Design
Midtown West
2 Columbus Circle, 9th floor
New York, NY 10019
(212) 299-7730
robertnyc.com/

I first stumbled upon the Yacht Club last summer after a sun-soaked boat ride around Manhattan with friends. This time, I rounded up another lively crew to celebrate a birthday.

We kicked things off with the cabana platter from the Lido deck menu—a spread of housemade hummus, tangy tzatziki, marinated olives, flatbread and crisp crudité ($28)—paired with a chilled bottle of Aligoté Rémi Jobard from Burgundy ($115). We passed plates, swapped stories and soaked up the awe-inspiring Hudson views.

We donned our celebratory crowns, nibbled the mezze platter and a half-dozen fresh oysters and sipped the delightful white burgundy. If you haven’t been yet, this seafood restaurant, under the guise of Kerry Heffernan, who’s known for sustainable seafood, is a must, especially when the weather is good. Then, you can dine outside on the lido deck.

For mains, three of us went for the champagne-butter-poached lobster on golden brioche rolls ($53 each), while another chose half a roasted chicken ($42) rubbed with Prudhomme spices and served with collard greens. We couldn’t resist sides—French fries ($13) with sage aioli and spiced ketchup, plus sweet Vidalia onion rings ($12). Oddly, our server—who’d only started a few weeks ago—brought out the fried treats first, and we were so ravenous, we polished them off before the rest of the meal arrived.

When we mentioned the mix-up to Sophia, she apologized and surprised us with an extra round of fries as our entrees landed. I took most of mine home—lobster salad for lunch the next day was a win.

Stuffed to the gills, we skipped dessert in favor of a single lit candle on a plate—perfectly festive, especially as the staff serenaded us with “Happy Birthday.”

I recommend the Yacht Club and am already looking forward to my next warm-weather outing there.

Yacht Club
Chelsea
212 12th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
crew.fun/the-yacht-club

Melissa Clark’s review of Lola’s in The New York Times inspired me to book a table with friends—I’d been looking for a fun spot I hadn’t tried yet.

Lola’s is the very first restaurant from executive chef and owner Suzanne Cupps, who’s sharpened her knives (and her skills) at spots like Annisa, Gramercy Tavern and Untitled. Lola means “grandmother” in Tagalog—Suzanne’s way of honoring her own Filapino heritage. She opened the doors about a year ago.

Some stand-out dishes included: the Paraiso house salad—crisp gem lettuce, buttermilk ranch and (my favorite detail) crunchy pretzels ($24). We also devoured heritage pork dumplings nestled with baby bok choy, tamarind, Thai basil and a tangle of fried shallots ($37).

Not everything on the menu nods to the Philippines—Cupps’s South Carolina roots peek through, too. Take Gumbo roasted oysters (8 for $27) with chow chow relish, the crispy chicken thighs ($26), paired with crunchy cabbage, fermented hot honey and coconut vinegar or the melt-in-your-mouth Southern BBQ short rib ($41), served with baked beans, collard greens and potato chips. Both dishes are pure comfort.

For desset, we sampled everything on the menu: a silky leche flan with passion fruit caramel and blueberry preserves ($12), a brown butter miso chocolate chip cookie (served with a little cup of oolong milk, $10) and a chocolate pudding cake topped with whipped cream, coco jam and black sesame brittle ($13).

I recommend Lola’s, if you can handle the noisy vibe.

Lola’s
Flatiron
2 West 28th Street
(at Broadway)
646-941-4787
lolasnyc.com/

Instead of buying tickets for the day we planned to see Ryan Gosling in Project Hail Mary, I accidentally purchased them for the wrong day. The movie had begun when we arrived! As a result, we found ourselves with extra time before dinner, and the folks at Seahorse in the W Hotel happily accommodated our early arrival.

While waiting for another guest, who was en route after learning of our earlier reservation, we began with their bread service: a house-made sourdough baguette and rich Normandy butter. We also ordered the special appetizer—sliced Culatello (the prized Italian cured meat known as the “King of Salumi”)—paired with creamy La Tur cheese and grilled ramps ($28). Pure heaven. With that, we sipped the Saint Martin, Chablis, Laroche, France, 2023.

Once our dining companion arrived, he chose the tuna tartare with cured olives, lemon, and housemade potato chips ($26), while we shared the winter salad of radicchio, apple slivers, gem lettuce, Stilton and pecans ($20).

One friend savored the roasted duck à l’orange with citrus-braised endive ($48), another enjoyed the hamachi with blood orange juice and jalapeño ($26), and I sampled the spicy red shrimp vacatelli with dried tomatoes ($26)—most of which went home with me, as I filled up on the addictive bread (yes, we ordered more).

For dessert, we indulged in a spectacular baked Alaska, flambéed tableside—a showstopper that inspired the surrounding tables to order it as well. And then, since we were celebrating a birthday, the restaurant served us a grilled pineapple upside-down cake with a lit candle.

I recommend a relaxed meal at Seahorse.

Seahorse
Inside the W Hotel, Union Square
201 Park Ave S
New York, NY 10003
212-219-8119
seahorsenyc.com/menus

“Giant,” starring John Lithgow as antisemitic Roald Dahl at the Music Box Theatre on Broadway through June 28, 2026, is not to be missed. His powerful performance should receive a Tony nod, for sure.

Dinner at the Glasshouse, about two blocks from the theatre, was not as good. The food is fine, nothing outstanding, but good. The service is another story, starting with the unwelcoming greeting you receive upon entering. We each arrived separately and received the same unwelcome.

Food was fine, especially the salads filled with a variety of goodies. Our Organic Green Salad ($18) contained mesclun, slivered radish, half-rounds of cucumbers, heirloom cherry tomatoes, pomegranate seeds (arils) and apple batons in an herb vinaigrette served with pretzel rolls.

One dining partner enjoyed the radicchio and orange market salad ($23) topped with grilled salmon (+$10). She had ordered it for the menu-described grilled radicchio.  Although the salad was good, the red chicory was not seared and included baby kale, oranges, frisse and watercress in a balsamic chardonnay vinaigrette.

The Lump crab cake ($24) with Cajun spices comes with cucumber noodles, all drizzled with chipotle aioli.

The tasty roasted half chicken ($34) came with herb rice and roasted cauliflower.

The Glasshouse Tavern needs to work on its hospitality.

Glasshouse Tavern
Theatre District
252 W. 47th St.
New York NY 10036
Get Map
Tel. 212.730.4800

What I really liked about Union Square’s Cafe Zaffi is that it’s run by four women—Mary Attea, Camari Mick, Nicole Vitagliano and Jennifer Vitagliano—who also operate Raf’s and the Musket Room. I dined there with three other accomplished women.

We sipped Hauvette Petra 23 ($90), Hauvette ‘Petra’, Alpilles, France, 2023, Cinsault, a lovely, crisp, light rose with Syrah and Grenache, while we took small bites of their breads and spreads ($21). That included warm pita, talami & Lavash za’atar oil, eggplant with coriander-chili crisp and their labneh with trout roe.

I recommend Cafe Zaffri.

Cafe Zaffri
Union Square
16 E 16th St
New York, NY, 10003
cafezaffri.com/menus/

When Dames dine together, abundance comes naturally—plates circulate, glasses stay filled and conversation flows easily.  At the annual Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI)  conference in Las Vegas, that spirit was unmistakable during an evening at Elizabeth Blau’s welcoming Honey Salt, just 20 minutes off the Strip.

In her keynote, Blau distilled mentorship to its essentials: visibility, leading by example and challenging the status quo. She truly embodies that philosophy. Throughout our evening at Honey Salt, her hospitality set the tone as dishes arrived generously—many sent out gratis by Blau herself—encouraging us to sample widely from her approachable, ingredient-driven menu.

What followed was a lively, communal meal. We shared nearly every dish, passing plates and pouring wine (Nebbiolo Ceretto, $80).

Highlights of our starters included a vibrant crudité ($20) with garden vegetables, shishito peppers, sumac chickpea hummus, baba ganoush, olive oil and papadum; Grandma Rosie’s turkey meatballs ($16) with rich tomato and caramelized onion ricotta; and chargrilled Iberico pork ribs, brightened with candied orange peel and pickled Fresno onion. Each dish invited another taste—and another conversation.

After enjoying a number of Honey Salt’s comforting entrees, we indulged in desserts that were equally spirited: Basque cheesecake with lemon curd and blueberry compote, a decadent chocolate-and-banana cake layered with mousse and ganache, and a “Brookie” topped with McConnell’s salted caramel chip ice cream. I ended with an espresso martini—an indulgent, fitting close.

The evening captured the essence of dining with Dames: generous, collaborative, and full of shared discovery—where both food and mentorship are meant to be shared and passed along.

I recommend Honey Salt!

Honey Salt
Las Vegas
1031 S Rampart Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702)-445-6100
honeysalt.com/menus/

Oddly, when the server approached our table at Orso, an Upper East Side French restaurant, to ask about our wine preferences, we had never seen a list. My dining partner chose the cabernet ($18), learning it was Californian, and I chose the Sancerre from the Loire Valley ($22).

As usual, fries ($13) were a must and were delicious.

I savored every bite of the fresh salad Nicoise with house-confited yellowfin tuna, haricots verts, fingerling potatoes, tomatoes, Niçoise olives, hard-cooked egg and white anchovies, all in a Meyer lemon vinaigrette ($32). My friend requested that dressing in lieu of the curry offered on her Salade de Poulet Grillé. Although the menu described her dish as a grilled chicken breast, instead the chicken was pounded thin into a round the size of the plate, then topped with little gem lettuce, endives, honey crisp apples, dried cranberries and spiced pepitas ($34).

I ran off to meet another friend at the Aquavella Galleries to see “Matisse—The Pursuit of Harmony,” a wonderful exhibit featuring 50 paintings, works on paper, and sculpture, which closed on May 22.

Orsay Restaurant
Upper East Side
1057 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10021

Met one of my book club friends in her hood at one of her go-to places for lunch, Pavin86, a cozy Italian restaurant on First Avenue.

She ordered a pot of fresh mussels ($22) in a butter wine sauce and a side of crispy French fries ($9), a woman after my own heart, as to me, fries go with everything. Her bivalves were tender and delicious. We soaked up the flavorful sauce with the sliced bread.

I tried their rigatoni alla Bolognese ($28) with freshly grated cheese added. It was fine, I prefer Novita’s version with less pasta and more meat.

We finished with more conversation and coffee — one double espresso, one cappuccino. I liked the quiet vibes of this intimate restaurant and recommend.

Pavin 86
Upper East Side
1663 1st Ave
New York, NY 10028
(646) 368-1666
pavin86.com/

As I stepped into the press preview for Jack’s Wife Freda’s new menu, the room buzzed—but it was Dean, the owner, who stood out. His warm, unforced smile lasted all night. Impressive—and rare.

We spoke briefly over their Bianca—a bright mix of vodka and raspberry, garnished with fresh mint—and discovered a shared belief: give guests more than they expect. Many say it; few deliver. Dean does. He welcomed, he promised and even in a packed room, he followed through.

But a press event is designed to shine. I wanted to know if that hospitality held up day-to-day, so I came back—this time as their guest—to a noisy, crowded room to find out.

His philosophy was clear from the moment we arrived—every person we encountered greeted us with genuine warmth. When we learned Carly, our standout server from the press night—attentive, intuitive and a clear reflection of Dean’s philosophy—was working, we asked for her and were glad we did.

We started with a French Chardonnay ($12) and a few appetizers: fried zucchini chips with smoked paprika aioli ($17), grilled halloumi ($16) and roasted cauliflower piled high in a creamy garlic dressing ($19).

We then sampled two salads: a house mix of butter lettuce, carrots, radish, avocado and pea shoots in a tarragon vinaigrette ($19) and my favorite—the well-seasoned kale and Greek salad with cucumber, pickled red onions, olives and feta ($18).

For entrées, we sampled the salmon à la plancha ($29) and the spatchcocked Peri-Peri chicken ($32), alongside a side of crisp, addictive fries—both easy recommendations. Since we were sharing, we asked to have the chicken sliced—of course, they accommodated.

They finished us off with a dessert tasting ($12 ea): a flourless chipotle chocolate cake with chocolate mousse,  a South African sponge cake and fresh fruit.

It’s the kind of place that reminds you what good hospitality feels like—simple, generous and consistent. I highly recommend.

Jack’s Wife Freda
226 Lafayette
New York, NYC 10021
(212) 510-8550
jackswifefreda.com

We celebrated with a birthday brunch at Haven Rooftop before heading to the Buena Vista Social Club musical — an electrifying show that blends Grammy-winning Afro-Cuban music with pure theatrical joy, leaving the entire Schoenfeld Theatre on their feet. Nearly a decade ago, I had the privilege of seeing the original in Cuba.

We started with a round of cocktails and mocktails, ranging from $12 to $20.

The menu offered classic brunch fare: bagel & lox ($22), omelets ($21–$23), home fries ($9), steak & eggs ($34), french fries ($15) and huevos rancheros ($19).

We wrapped up with coffees — ranging from a cappuccino to a double espresso ($6–$11) — alongside a complimentary birthday cheesecake, before heading to theatre.

I highly recommend both!

Haven Rooftop in the Sanctuary Hotel
Theatre District
132 West 47th Street,
New York, NY 10036
212.466.9000
sanctuaryhotelnyc.com

Jill Kreutzer Orent is a seasoned executive and industry expert in home products, specializing in product development and marketing for small kitchen appliances.

She began her career in retail at Bloomingdale’s, where she held merchandising and buying roles before expanding her experience into the watch industry. Jill went on to build a distinguished leadership career, serving as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Cuisinart, Vice President at Groupe SEB—home to brands including All-Clad, Krups, and T-fal—and then currently Vice President, Global Small Appliances at The Cookware Company, makers of GreenPan, GreenLife, and Blue Diamond.

Currently, she’s the President of Les Dames d’Escoffier’s New York chapter, deeply committed to mentorship and industry advancement. Before becoming president, she served as co-chair of LDNY’s Mentorship Committee, Scholarship Committee, and as LDNY Vice President.

Which food product, ingredient or gadget would you never give up? Why?

I think the ingredient that I would have the most difficulty giving up is Salt, especially Kosher Salt. I believe that salt brings out the flavor in so many things. When used correctly, it brings out the flavor in vegetables, meat, poultry and fish. It’s important in baking, too – both sweet and savory dishes. I think I would be really upset if I were told, “No more salt!”

Jill shared her recipe for Roasted Chicken Thighs earlier this year.

Describe your last non-holiday dinner party.

I have guests for dinner often. Most of our friends like to cook too, or at least half of each couple, so we share in the cooking. We often joke that the food we cook is better than we would have if we went out to eat. No disrespect to our restaurants, of course, but we eat delicious food, drink good wine and have great company.

Generally, someone prepares apps: cheese, olives, charcuterie, bread (often homemade—my starter is about 8 years old), along with some prosecco or cava.

Recently, we purchased local oysters for one of our birthdays, and some of us have learned to shuck them. I still need a lesson, which I will learn as promised, from fellow Dame and oyster expert, Michael-Ann Rowe.

Then we move on to mains, which usually include some sort of meat or fish, homemade pasta and sauce (one of our friends is an expert pasta maker) and some veggie sides, always a salad and always some good Italian Red Wine.
Dessert is always homemade…cookies, cake, ice cream or gelato, or a fruit galette.

What would you choose for your “last meal”?

That’s a tough one!  I guess if it were my last meal, I could eat anything without worrying about allergies or gaining weight!  I would have some good Brunello di Montalcino, some pasta, pizza, homemade bread, cheese and chocolate!!

Describe your first childhood cooking memory.

I really don’t have many cooking memories from my childhood. My mother swore that she used to cook every day when I was growing up, but I really don’t remember that. She did make these meatballs that she called “sherried” meatballs. They were something like little meatballs browned in dried onions and cooking sherry.

I also remember that on our birthdays, my Mom always made a yellow cake from a Duncan Hines mix with chocolate chips. The chips would sink to the bottom of the cake, forming a layer like frosting.

What is your go-to neighborhood restaurant? Why?

I have two favorite Go-To restaurants these days. Both are Italian and in my hometown of Westport, CT. I’m not Italian, but I love everything Italy: the food, the wine, the country, the people, the language, which I am trying to learn.

I’m very boring in that I tend to find a place and go there over and over again, but really don’t get bored. Rather, I enjoy seeing the same members of the restaurant team each time I visit. I love getting a consistently good meal each time, whether it’s the same dish or a new one and very importantly, the wine must be good. I need a good Italian red!

I love Zucca 30 Charles St. Westport, CT. The manager is also one of the owners (Kirsten – not sure of the correct spelling). I love that Kirsten runs a tight ship. You can always get a reservation, though; it’s always busy. I can’t figure it out.

The same staff has been there for the year and a half we have been going there regularly, because she takes care of them, but does not let them off the hook if their work is not at its best. I love that. The staff is attentive but not too much so. The food is consistently good. My favorite is the chicken scarpariello. Bone in, Delicious every time. My husband loves the pappardelle with short rib and truffle. I am also a fan. The wine list is great and reasonable and the cocktails are delicious. The bartender, Carly, is a longstanding staff member too!

My other favorite is a new restaurant in town called Massi Co. 90 Post Rd E Level, Westport, CT 06880.  The owner, Massimo Tulio, closed his Mexican restaurant Don Memo and revamped it as an authentic Naples-style spot. He installed a new pizza oven, trained in Naples to make authentic Napoletana pizza, and uses imported Italian ingredients. One of our own NY Dames, Ingrid Paronich, is the general manager. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is always loud and buzzing. They have been changing up the menu regularly but keeping the winners. My husband and I love to sit at the bar and chat with the bartender and the other guests. The host is always a pleasure as well.

As you can tell, for me, a restaurant is not just about the food, but about the atmosphere and the people!

Who was your most influential mentor?
As a cook, I think it was actually a combination of my friend Caryn Vallone and many years working at Cuisinart.  I was brought up with that boxed-cake style of cooking and did not really have the toolbox to cook from scratch.

I recall going to Caryn’s house for Thanksgiving and being amazed that she and her Mom could tell the turkey was actually done, many hours before the timer said it was. I learned so many secrets of how to prepare, season and taste from Caryn.

When I was at Cuisinart, I oversaw our Test Kitchen.  Our chefs were really talented and knowledgeable, and we had a lot of fun developing and testing our products, with the test kitchen chefs creating recipes to include with them. We would spend time together outside of work as well, eating and cooking. I learned so much along the way.

7. Describe your worst kitchen disaster and how (if possible) you saved it
In my early days of cooking, I had little experience in the kitchen. I’m not sure it was a disaster, but the first Thanksgiving turkey I cooked wasn’t as magical as the one my friend and her Mom made. Mine was totally undercooked even after I took it out and let it rest. Thankfully, the oven and the microwave rescued me..and my houseful of family and friends. The turkey was dry, but safe to eat.. and the sides are what counts at Thanksgiving anyway, right?

What food is your secret guilty pleasure?
Probably not a secret, but I love chocolate!

What advice would you share with your younger self?

Listen to those with more experience and learn from them. I have a very early memory of learning this, and then I had to learn it multiple times since then.

When I was in high school, I worked in a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop in my hometown on Long Island. My friend had been working at the store for quite a while already, and he got me the job.  We were two high school students running the store on a busy Saturday night.

A young kid dropped his ice cream cone on the floor while running around with his friend. The Mom came over and asked me to give her a new ice cream, on us. I said no.  My friend gave the Mom the new cone.  He told me that the woman would remember the goodwill and would come back again, rather than telling everyone how stingy we were.  He was absolutely right, and I never forgot that.

If you could have anyone, past or present, at your dinner table, who would it be and why?

Not to be corny, but my Mom died about 10 years ago. It really would be great to have the chance to sit and talk with her again. I feel like I have so many things I still want to ask her…

It would also be fun to sit with my grandparents and learn more about their lives. I knew my grandmothers, but never met either of my grandfathers.

My floormate described the breathtaking city views we’d see as we drove to Edgewater, New Jersey, to The River Palm Terrace, one of the state’s best steakhouses, with valet parking. The cityscape fully matched her description.

After we were seated upstairs at the cozy, old-school restaurant, I handed out party goodies to let everyone know we were celebrating a birthday. Interestingly, every—yes, every—table around us was also celebrating. Clearly, the River Palm Terrace is the place people come for special occasions. It’s quite lively.

Our staff was very attentive. We sipped a Rosso di Montalcino, Castello Banfi, Tuscany ($78), as we shared everything, starting with the crisp iceberg wedge ($17) with Applewood bacon, Beefsteak tomato, Bermuda onion, blue cheese dressing and their Maryland crab cakes ($29 for 2) with lots of crab.

We then ordered too many entrees, taking home most of the full rack of baby back ribs slathered in BBQ sauce, accompanied by French fries and coleslaw ($38). They were delicious, with the meat falling off the bone. We also enjoyed the sea scallops ($42) in a chipotle beurre blanc, fresh asparagus with a side of Hollandaise ($15), housemade French fries ($11), and, what we all thought was the most delicious, a perfectly cooked prime, dry-aged NY Shell Steak ($68). Worth the visit.

As the waitstaff came through the dining room with a lit candle on the Key Lime Pie ($12), singing Happy Birthday to another table, almost every diner burst into song, before breaking into song and applause.

I recommend this fun place to celebrate!

The River Palm Terrace
1416 River Rd,
Edgewater, NJ 07020
(201) 224-2013
riverpalm.com

We hadn’t seen each other in almost a year, so we made our brunch reservation at Jams in 1 Hotel Center Park early enough to reconnect before heading to see Monsters at City Center. In addition to being close to the theatre, my friend requested that the menu serve French toast and be quiet enough to catch up.

I chose the wrong one. Jonathan Waxman’s Jams is anything but quiet. It’s the type of noisy brunch place I try to avoid.

My friend requested her brioche French toast, which came with poached pear, whipped cream and maple syrup, well done. “Crispy,” she said, and had to send it back, as it was anything but.

My shrimp and polenta came topped with 2 poached eggs and 5 tiny red shrimp ($24).

Jams is close to City Center, where we saw the closing performance of the powerful two-character play, Monsters, written and directed by Ngozi Anyanwu and featuring Aigner Mizzelle and Okieriete Onaodowan.

Jams
1 Hotel Central Park
1414 6th Ave
New York, NY 10019
(212) 703-2007
1hotels.com/central-park/taste/jams

My grandniece visited from Boston with friends, one of whom was celebrating her birthday. They celebrated as only 20-somethings would. I was thrilled they could squeeze me in for an hour.

I looked for a rooftop place nearby where they were dining, before they headed to the theatre. I chose something they would enjoy. The Magic Hour rooftop at the Moxy Hotel is, for sure, a young person’s party place.

We shared a pitcher of their Some Like it Hot drink with 1800 Banco Tequila, spicy mango juice and Thai chili, ate some freshly made guacamole with warm chips and opened b-day gifts before they ran off. Fun afternoon.

Send your young visitors looking for a fun place with a view to party!

Magic Hour Rooftop
Moxy NYC Times Square
485 7th Ave,
New York, NY 10018
(212) 967-6699
moxytimessquare.com/dining/magic-hour-rooftop-bar-lounge/

The staff warmly greeted me as I arrived for a tasting at the Blue Bar that featured the iconic Algonquin’s new menu, which debuted at the beginning of the year. It’s available all day from 3 to 10 pm.

While waiting for my dining partner, I chatted with Melvin Agui, one of the managers. He described the new items as a balance between nostalgia and contemporary flavors, with fewer offerings.

We started with tasty cocktails. I sipped their Old Fashioned with 1792 small batch bourbon. My dining partner had their Linger on, made with Lalo Tequila, Grand Marnier, ginger, and lime ($25 each).

We started with the highly recommended guacamole, topped with lots of lump crab meat in a citrus vinaigrette and garnished with chips ($24). We also tried their house 8 fried falafel balls, drizzled with tahini sauce, chili oil, and crisp leeks ($21).

We loved their spicy Thai fried chicken with a sweet chile sauce, topped with fried peanuts ($29). Their signature angus beef burger came topped with aged cheddar, pickles and Dijonnaise on a brioche bun with crispy fries ($34). It was cooked as requested.

We also enjoyed their lamb ribs with miso-glazed eggplant and a pomegranate glaze ($34). We found them a tad salty.

After that, we still had room for a few bites of their “encore” dessert ($26), which included chocolate chip ice cream sliders, Junior’s original cheesecake and apple crumb cake. We took home leftovers (of course) and an Espresso Martini ($25).

I highly recommend a stop at Blue Bar; the location is great for pre- or post-theatre.

Blue Bar
The Algonquin Hotel Times Square
Autograph Collection
59 W 44th Street
New York, NY, 10036

After my massage with a masseuse whom I’ve followed around the city—as she’s that good—I met my friend and her mom at Kyma Hudson Yards for lunch.

I’d been to their Flatiron one a few times, but this was my first time at this location.

We started with the always-tasty Kyma Chips, stacks of crispy, thin slices of zucchini and eggplant, served with tzatziki ($26) and little cheese treats.

My friend’s mom had the Avgolemono soup, a traditional chicken soup with chunks of chicken, lots of rice, all flavored with lemon ($12), and we both had their delicious roasted beet salad ($23) with cheese (Skordalia), mixed greens, frisée, almonds, pomegranate arils and orange supremes in a light balsamic vinaigrette. My friend added the chicken (+$10) to hers.

I recommend a visit to Kyma, Hudson Yards; I like it even better than the Flatiron location.

Kyma
Hudson Yards
445 West 35th Street
New York, NY 10001
(212) 967-9700

SaiTong Thai, a family-run, modern two-level restaurant in the heart of the Theater District, just celebrated its second anniversary — and I was lucky enough to be invited to sample their fare.

While waiting for my guest to arrive, I sipped their tart and tasty Tom Yum Sunrise, featuring Tomyum herb-infused blanco tequila, Suze (a French apéritif), and tamarind ($20).The steamed branzino at the table next to me caught my eye immediately — it was too beautiful not to photograph and share. Our neighbors loved it. Do not miss their flavorful mango salad. It contains that fruit, shredded, with red onion, scallions, cilantro, grape tomatoes, cashews and grated coconut. The spicy lime sauce and four large shrimp together complete the dish ($20).Also try the new Moo Dang Puff ($15 for 3)— hand-crafted pastries filled with roasted pork, caramelized onions, honey, and toasted sesame oil.We sampled two of the new seafood-forward menu items and found both to feature rich, creamy sauces; selecting just one might offer better balance. The Crab Curry Noodle ($30), a chef’s special, highlights lump crab in creamy egg curry with onion, scallions and egg noodles. The Goong Garee ($28) presents shrimp sautéed in a rich yellow curry. Both dishes offered generous portions of seafood.Our fabulous waitress, Patty, recommended the Pad Thai ($35), which features a grilled Canadian lobster tail atop rice noodles, stir-fried in a tamarind sauce with shallots, chili paste, shrimp paste, coconut milk, and salted egg yolk. The dish is served with sides of chives, bean sprouts, shredded mango, cucumber and long beans.

I recommend a visit

SaiTong
Theatre District
244 W 48th St
New York, NY 10036
(646) 998-4089

I hadn’t heard ofCorsica!, a French-inspired spot, until a recent visit. The restaurant sits at the far end of Pier 57, overlooking the Hudson just south of Little Island.

Pier 57 draws a steady stream of visitors, offering the city’s largest public rooftop with sweeping views of Little Island and a dynamic collection of fast-casual eateries curated by the James Beard Foundation.

Most New Yorkers haven’t visited Pier 57’s newer food offerings. City Winery debuted in 2020, the nearly 2-acre rooftop park opened in spring 2022, and Market 57 food hall—curated by the James Beard Foundation—followed the next year.

At ofCorsica, one friend ordered the Monte Cinto Fog ($18), applewood-smoked tableside and made with Diplomatico rum, house sage-honey infusion, and grapefruit bitters. I chose a glass of Clos Fornelli Nielluccio ($23), robust enough to pair with my chestnut tagliatelle ($38) topped with wild boar ragu, tomato confit, and fiore sardo cheese.

Two couples shared the veal Milanese ($42) with Calabrian chili aioli and arugula, plus the saffron malloreddus ($42)—a dish featuring Manila clams, leeks, garlic confit, Sungold tomatoes, crab, langostine, sea urchin, Calabrian chile butter and lemon confit. They left pleased, as did the friend who  enjoyed the flavorful bucatini ala vongole ($34)

After dinner, the six of us headed to City Winery to see comedian Judy Gold, who was annoyed that the front seats weren’t filled, as she had a photographer filming.  (We had tried to sit there and were told it was reserved!). Her stick kept referring to the empty table, number 14.

I recommend a visit to ofCorsica!

ofCorsica!
Pier 57
25 11th Ave
New York, NY 10011
(646) 475-7752
ofcorsicanyc.com