New York always has Italian restaurants popping up, one more average than the next. That's why it's a breath of fresh air to dine at Tre Stelle, the new Italian restaurant located in the Flatiron District. This resto takes a departure from the norm with a classic, rich design, featuring Italian artwork by Andrea Rusin, modern oversized hanging lamps, and a unique slotted wooden garage door that separates the bar from the dining area and can be used to create a private event space. There is even outdoor dining available.
Most might not have noticed given its proximity to Burger Royalty otherwise known as Shake Shack in Madison Square Park, but in 2009 a new burger place opened called Fresh & Fast Burgers. It's a small establishment with colors resembling more of a McDonald's instead of a real NYC burger spot. There are no tables, but rather a small counter to sit on to go along with its very simple menu. Despite all of these apparent shortcomings, I visited the place back when it opened and found the burgers to be rather delightful, albeit not anything special. Enter new owner, Heath Wolfson.
If you feel inundated with foodie events and restaurant openings this September, this won't help. But, if you enjoy these celebrations as much as we do, here's another one to add to the list: from now until October 21, the Madison Square Market is up and running.
Located in Worth Square- yes, it does have a name- on the west side of Madison Square Park, the outdoor dining space will offer food from local favorites such as Momofuku Milk Bar, ilili, Calexico, Roberta's Pizza, Asiadog, Bar Suzette, Nunu Chocolate and Sigmund's.
The number of cafes specializing in tea is spare in comparison to the number of coffee houses in New York City. However, one just opened on the side of the Flatiron Building, called Argo Tea, that features over 30 different teas from various areas in the world. What makes Argo Tea really unique is that they blend a number of teas to create signature beverages such as White Tea Açaí Squeeze, Earl Grey Vanilla Crème, and Green Tea Ginger Twist to name a few. Their signature drinks provide a wide variety of flavors, from fruity to milky, and even include bubble tea.
Improbably wedged between Lucky Jeans and Jamba Juice is a culinary relic of old New York. Eisenberg's first opened their doors to hungry customers way back in 1929, and have been serving up top-notch delicatessen cuisine ever since. Best known for their old fashioned beverages and traditional sandwiches, Eisenberg's is one of the few places in the city where you can still saunter up to a lunch counter and watch your food being made right in front of you. So if you're seeking out a slice of nostalgia or are just hungry for a good tuna salad, this is the place to be.
Tbsp/Spoon
Cuisine: American Nouveau, French
Pricing: Goat Cheese and Thyme Quiche, $2.75
Flatiron
17 West 20th Street
(between 5th and 6th Avenue)
New York, NY 10011
(646) 230-7000
www.spoonnyc.com
Owner Melissa Chmelar strives to deliver a bit of country goodness into the big city by using fresh products from upstate New York to create a variety of home-style soups, pastries, and beverages. Spoon has quickly become a lunch time favorite in the area due to the convenience of easy made options that do not abandon dietary concerns for the health conscious. In addition to wholesome selections, this establishment offers variety through daily specials of soups, salads and desserts! The permanent menu includes an extensive list of sandwiches which is sure to satisfy every taste and cater to all needs. The one-time storefront recently expanded into next door eatery Tbsp, for Tablespoon.
Opening September 7th in the spot formerly occupied by Ultra is the new club by Tommy Tardie, La Pomme. Described as “Fellini-esque,” the club sounds absurd, in the best sense of the word. For starters, the space is going to have a snow machine as well as a scent machine (yes, there is such a thing). DJ’s will be situated in the middle of the floor for max exposure. There are enormous murals done by photographer Fadil Berisha, which will be complemented by a 100-foot video wall. However, unless you are someone important, you’re going to have to wait. La Pomme may open on the 7th, but it only opens to the general, less important public on the 17th.