New York City, the largest in the U.S. in terms of population, is a gastronomical paradise with every type, quantity, style and price range of food available. There are so many restaurants within the five boroughs of New York City that you could eat at a different one every day and still not have tried them all 12 years later. That doesn’t stop most New Yorkers from trying the more than 4,200 restaurants in the city. If that many options seems a bit daunting here are a few to put at the top of your list.
Bubby’s High Line Restaurant
73 Gansevoort Street at Washington Street212-206-6200
bubbys.com
The best things come in pairs, and finally, one of NYC’s most beloved spots has opened its doors a second time, this time at the foot of the High Line. Sure, with 23 years under its belt in its Tribeca digs, this gastronomic institution has consistently churned out renowned baked goods, the best brunch-time fare around and fresh, new takes on Americana classics; but now, only a few days in to this next go around have made one thing resoundingly clear: there’s far more at play here.
Could it be starchitect Richard Lewis’ rustically cool combination of casual warmth and meatpacking chic–think a mirrored bar, retro photographs and a piece of taxidermy or two? The small take-out window cum bakery counter, brimming with homemade pies, each more enticing than the next? Or maybe, just maybe, it’s the mix of genuine hospitality and simply good comfort food.
Bubby’s prides itself on using locally purveyed ingredients and sticks to “defending the American table” with unflagging certainty, oh and “stealing recipes from grandmas.” In opening this second locale, Chef/Owner Ron Silver has infused his new Gansevoort Street gem with love, and such favorite menu items as challah french toast, smoked barbecue ribs and inspired grown-up beverages. With all of this and so much more in which to indulge, it’s a good thing they’re open 22 hours a day to do so. Yes, really.
Toro & Toro Bar
85 10th Avenue; Entrance on 15th Street and 11th Avenue212.691.2360
toro-nyc.com
Finally. The age of re-imagined tapas is upon us, and it’s muy caliente. All-star chef duo, Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette have partnered with some of the biggest names in the industry to bring Barcelona stateside with what is perhaps the most highly anticipated Fall debut: Toro.
A sensuous lounge-like space, in which edgy industrialism mingles with subterranean tropical touches, will be home to a wide selection Spanish style tapas and larger format plates that Zagat is already calling “lick your plate delicious.” Before that mind begins to wander, the answer is yes, this is the self-same Toro that has dominated the Boston scene with unique stunners such as pork and snail paella, Spanish pork belly and more.
…But that’s not all. Here in NYC, things are a bit different; make way to the nondescript brick and stone laden corridor adjacent to the restaurant to uncover Bar Toro, a private cocktail laden hideaway of seriously seductive proportions.
American Cut Restaurant
363 Greenwich Street(212) 226-4736
americancutsteakhouse.com
LDV Hospitality’s American Cut signature steakhouse has opened its flagship location in the heart of NYC’s Tribeca neighborhood. Carefully curated once again by Iron Chef Marc Forgione, the new location blends the Atlantic City concept with New York City style. The 180-seat restaurant with private dining options adds an element of culinary intrigue to guests, filled with fine food and spirits in a modern setting with art deco accents.
The name American Cut is an ode to An American Place, the iconic restaurant founded by Marc’s father, famed chef Larry Forgione. American Cut spotlights Marc’s rock and roll personality with a unique spin on fine dining offering signature dishes including the Tomahawk Rib Eye Chop, a show-stopping 28-day dry aged 48 ounce steak, the ultimate Surf & Turf and the Chili Lobster.
