I’m back! A special thanks to Becky Hughes for last week’s report as I put the finishing touches to our big, colorful guide, “Where to Eat in New York City This Summer.” Have you already viewed the beautiful interactive map?
Over the past three months, DailyExpertNews food writers have collected dozens of recommendations that will keep you busy (and full) all summer long. We’ve got neighborhood food crawls, great beach and park dining tips, weekend trip ideas, and more. We’ve eaten in all five boroughs and beyond to bring you familiar and deliciously unfamiliar options. It’s been a labor of love, with Mark Josephson editing this newsletter each week, to get us all across the finish line.
I’m already thinking about next year’s guide. But for now, here’s what I have on my personal bucket list for summer 2023.
Even after living in New York for 10 years, I haven’t come close to enjoying all that summer has to offer here. This year I want to enjoy the city as a tourist. It’s been years since I visited the Museum of Modern Art and I want to check out the new Georgia O’Keeffe exhibit. I’ve also heard that the new wing of the American Museum of Natural History is a sight to behold.
And believe it or not, I’ve never been to Governors Island. Please don’t be ashamed – I’m ashamed enough already. Can’t wait to spend a balmy afternoon on one of the green plains. I already know where I’m going to eat: Career Club. It’s a weekend extension of the club of the same name in Industry City, where locals gather to play bocce. (Sorry, pickleball.) You can throw a few boules, sip a cold one, and enjoy sandwiches that go through Grocers on Hofstraat at their pop-up before heading to the island’s viewpoint.
Cocktails on Roosevelt Island
Speaking of islands, this is also the summer I finally visit Roosevelt Island. Robert Simonson, who writes regularly about bars for The Times, really sold me Panorama room, a high-flying cocktail lounge on the 18th floor of the Graduate Hotel. It has views of Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, and an uncluttered menu of appetizers, including caviar nachos and a raw bar. And yes, I’m going by tram.
Finally, I am strongly considering a day trip to the four year old Shirley Chisholm State Park, which I glimpsed while driving along the Belt Parkway while reporting for our summer guide. It’s the very definition of rural – an achievement, considering it was once a landfill – and perfect for a picnic and a stroll, possibly followed by an after-party at nearby Dave & Buster’s.
After Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, you’ll see me eating my weight in zeppole at the Feast of San Gennarocelebrated this year from Sept. until Sept 24 I’ll probably stick to a weekday afternoon because I’m a big hater of people, like most self-respecting New Yorkers.
I’d love to hear what’s on your summer food and drink to-do list. Send me an email at wheretoeat., and you may see your suggestions in a future newsletter. I wish you all a wonderful summer!
In other news…
A little follow-up to last month’s reader questions: two people emailed me to sing the praises of the carciofi alla giudia on Lattanzi Cucina Italiana, in Midtown (also great for a pre-theatre meal). Another reader quoted Cafe Fiorellonear Lincoln Center, as a prime car destination.
This week reviews from Pete Wells Stretch pizza, Chef Wylie Dufresne’s newest restaurant. He finds the pizzas lacking, but the starters and desserts top notch.
Openings: Mercer Kitchen has been replaced by Sartianos, with Chef Alfred Portale as Culinary Director; butchers Erika Nakamura and Jocelyn Guest bring their skills and a full menu Because of Madrid, now open at Pier 57; And French Bakery will leave TriBeCa this fall for the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Sean Sherman, the influential native chef, receives the Julia Child award this year from the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts.
Tejal Rao explores the emergence of brand-driven origin stories in movies, including “Flamin’ Hot,” the new movie about the beloved Cheetos spin-off.
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