To keep tabs on every New York restaurant and bar opening is folly. But to keep tabs on the most worthy? Yeoman’s work, and we’re proud to do it. Thus we present Table Stakes, a monthly rundown of the five (or so) must-know spots that have swung wide their doors in the past thirty (or so). Bon appétit.
BKW
Crown Heights, Brooklyn
We’re not going to argue with a menu that is built around the wine list rather than vice versa. It’s Brooklyn Winery’s first full-service restaurant, and Chef Michael Gordon, previously of Bouley, Savory and Asiate is serving up wine-approved fare like Crisp Brussels Sprouts with Pastrami and Pan-Roasted Skate. There are pre-programmed wine flights in abundance or you can create your own. And there’s an actual “micro-winery” on-site, with some selects being offered exclusively at BKW.
747 Franklin Avenue, Crown Heights, Brooklyn (map)
bkwnyc.com
Invite Only
Meatpacking
Tastes like a restaurant. Feels like a club. There’s a whole lot of good-lookin’ going on here, and we’re not just talking about the food. Settled into the token Meatpacking plush velvet booths, Spago and French Laundry alum Jordan Andino delivers tapas-style plates like Kimchi Coleslaw and Fried Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Bread. And there’s rotating live entertainment, from live pianists to harpists to things more boombastic. And there are drinks. Pitchers of drinks. Many. Drinks.
63 Gansevoort (map)
inviteonlyny.com
The Wild Son
Meatpacking
Like stepping into a bohemian jungle dream. The Wild Son is a light- and plant-filled casual go-to serving only breakfast and lunch until the late afternoon. From Robert Ceraso and Jason Mendenhall of The Wayland and Good Night Sonny, the fare is health-conscious in philosophy: think grains, greens and non-mutant meats. Not to be missed: the Nitro Cold Brew and Coconut Latte — both on tap — and extra-bubbly juices … as in: they have a machine that can carbonate anything.
53 Little W 12th Street (map)
wild son
Eastfield’s
Upper East Side
The latest edition from the Broome Street Hospitality group is slightly less formal but shares a similar ethos. High end and high quality. Simple and warm. Go for the lamb shawarma and don’t sleep on the vegetables.
1479 York Avenue (map)
eastfieldsnyc.com
Cafe Medi
Lower East Side
Located in Hotel on Rivington, Medi is a welcome asset to the neighborhood serving up coastal Mediterranean fare. Helmed by Vincent Chirico of Jean-Georges, Aquavit and Daniel, the menu features a smattering of gluten-free options like roasted peach with burrata and charred octopus with jalapeño pesto. But if you’re up for it, we say go for the crudo bar. The hamachi had our knees weak.
107 Rivington Street (map)
hotelrivington.com
Don Muang Airport
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Bangkok comes to Brooklyn, and there are live bands. Nestled in poppin’ venue Baby’s All Right, Don Muang is an homage to the founders’ bromance, which began at Don Muang International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. As strangers who would soon be friends and business partners, the pair decided to venture off on an impromptu backpacking trip throughout Southeast Asia. Fourteen years later, they’re bringing things full circle. Get the Green Curry Fried Rice. Get the Full Moon Party cocktail. Get everything.
146 Broadway, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (map)
donmuangairportbk.com
Tapestry
West Village
Michelin-starred Chef Suvir Saran is back on the scene with his first venture since he was behind the line at the renowned Devi. He didn’t disappoint. The menu is global with influences from Mexico, India, Portugal, France, Italy and more. Mexican Sea Bass Ceviche with Indian Spices? Sign us up. But we wouldn’t go so far as to call the fare fusion. And while Saran is attempting to make it “comfortable,” he’s just too damn talented — it’s avante garde.
60 Greenwich Avenue (map)
tapestryrestaurant.com
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