Cheers to the Season: The Ultimate Holiday Cocktail Guide
Shake up your celebrations with holiday-inspired cocktails that are as festive as they are delicious—cheers to the perfect sip!
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Shake up your celebrations with holiday-inspired cocktails that are as festive as they are delicious—cheers to the perfect sip!
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Read MoreToday marks a monumental moment for NYC’s dining world as acclaimed chef Michael White unveils Santi, his latest Italian culinary masterpiece, at 520 Madison Avenue. After years away from Manhattan’s restaurant scene, White’s triumphant return promises to redefine modern Italian cuisine in the city he helped shape. Santi, a luxurious new flagship from White’s BBianco Hospitality Group, opens its doors with a menu that showcases the chef’s unparalleled mastery of pasta, crudos, and seasonal Italian cooking.
The cocktail program, designed by James Lamb, complements White’s signature attention to detail with Italian-inspired beverages such as the Diavolo Fashioned and Saint’s Cure, while the wine list, crafted by Hak Soo Kim and Andreina Mayobre, highlights top selections from Burgundy to Brunello and hidden Italian gems. Desserts like the Tartaletta with Sicilian pistachio and the indulgent Millefoglie promise to round out the experience with sophistication.
The restaurant’s design, courtesy of Michaelis Boyd and L’Observatoire International, offers an atmosphere as artful as the menu. Guests enter through a grand horseshoe bar with a dramatic yellow onyx backdrop, transitioning into spaces adorned with green onyx, rich walnut, and dreamlike painted walls. With a mezzanine overlooking the central dining space, the lavish yet intimate setting combines elegance with grandeur. Artistic touches throughout the restaurant, including a meticulously restored 11-foot "Vagabond Mirror," add layers of storytelling and history to the space.
Santi promises not only to redefine Italian dining in NYC but to serve as a testament to Michael White’s enduring legacy in the culinary world. This highly anticipated opening is set to become a centerpiece of Manhattan’s gastronomic scene. Reservations are highly recommended for this exceptional new destination.
Discover New York City's finest restaurants offering exquisite Thanksgiving menus in 2024. From traditional feasts to innovative culinary experiences, explore our curated guide for an unforgettable holiday meal.
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Read MoreThe West Village welcomes Dear Strangers, (147 w 4th Street
New York, NY 10012) a bold new cocktail bar and restaurant set to officially open its doors on November 19th. Tucked beneath a classic brownstone at the intersection of West 4th Street and 6th Avenue, Dear Strangers is the creation of hospitality veterans Ivan Papic, Ivan Radulovic, and Bratislav Glisic, whose combined experience at iconic NYC establishments like Employees Only and Macao Trading Co. shapes this sophisticated yet approachable space. With its intimate atmosphere, curated cocktail menu, and vibrant dishes, the venue promises to be a fresh gathering spot for New Yorkers seeking a stylish escape.
At Dear Strangers, cocktails take center stage with an imaginative menu designed to surprise and delight. Highlights include the Angie, a blend of gin, Brazilian maracuya (passion fruit), and matcha, and the Star Treatment, which pairs sotol with cilantro syrup, coconut milk, and lime for a refreshing twist. For those craving a smoky edge, the Smokin’ Bandit combines rye whiskey, peated Scotch, lemon, and yuzu soda.
Gin lovers are in for a treat with a dedicated section of the menu devoted to Gin & Tonics, featuring Radulovic’s favorite variations inspired by Indian and Spanish traditions. Standouts like The Hindu Times blend toasted cumin, fenugreek, pomelo, and house-made tonic for a dynamic experience. These cocktails, paired with creative storytelling and pop culture influences—like nods to the band Oasis—make the menu as engaging as it is innovative.
The food menu, crafted with input from Chef Diego Rodriguez (formerly of Popular by Diego Muñoz), celebrates Latin American flavors with a modern American twist. Dishes like the Green Aguachile, with clarified cucumber, serrano, and lime water, or the indulgent Bisque de Tigre Chilaquiles, featuring lobster, prawn, and a fried quail egg, offer a fresh take on traditional cuisine. For dessert, the Cheesecake Buñuelo, paired with orange and vanilla tonka bean ice cream, provides a sweet finale that reflects the restaurant’s creativity and flair.
The ambiance at Dear Strangers is as much a part of the experience as the food and drinks. Designed by Dutch East Design, the space blends deep navy tones, marble accents, leather details, and polished wood to create a cozy yet elegant environment. The centerpiece is a stunning bar illuminated by dramatic lighting, inviting guests to linger over cocktails while retro accents and eccentric artwork add character. For those seeking a more private experience, a hidden dining room with deep sea blue walls offers a secluded escape.
With its inventive menu, lush design, and storied cocktails, Dear Strangers is set to make its mark as a standout addition to the West Village. Follow along on Instagram at @dearstrangersnyc or visit dearstrangersnyc.com to learn more about this exciting new destination.
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Make this Thanksgiving unforgettable with expertly chosen wines that bring out the best in every dish, from savory turkey to spiced vegetables and decadent desserts.
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Read MoreWilliamsburg’s vibrant culinary scene recently welcomed Meraki Greek Bistro, which has now opened an inviting new outdoor patio for guests to enjoy a year-round cozy dining experience while savoring authentic Greek cuisine.
Meraki Brooklyn has also just launched a delectable new happy hour during the week serving Greek appetizers, wines and beer. Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, this restaurant offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere inspired by the Greek Isles, providing a delightful escape for diners.
Meraki Brooklyn is the first location outside Miami for the Meraki Hospitality Group, known for its successful Greek dining concepts in South Florida, including Meraki Greek Bistro and Meraki Gyro. Led by Executive Chef Giannis Kotsos and Managing Partner Alex Karavias, the team brings their passion for authentic Greek flavors to New York, building on a strong reputation cultivated through their Miami locations.
“Meraki means to put something of yourself into whatever you do, and that’s exactly what Chef Giannis and I have been doing since we opened the original Meraki location,” said Alex Karavias. "Our cuisine is a reflection of our love for Greek tradition, featuring fresh ingredients and classic flavors that have resonated with our guests in Miami, and we can’t wait for Brooklyn to experience the same."
Guests at Meraki Brooklyn are transported to the Aegean Sea with its charming decor featuring breezy white curtains, rustic wooden floors, cozy seating and gorgeous bar with bougainvillea adorning the ceiling overhead, which are designed to evoke the warmth and charm of a Greek taverna. With its new outdoor patio, diners can now enjoy the fresh Mediterranean dishes al fresco through all seasons.
Executive Chef Kotsos has curated a menu that emphasizes fresh, authentic Mediterranean flavors and stays true to his Greek roots, offering timeless dishes like Moussaka, Aegean Chicken and Creta Seafood Pasta. Family-style platters, known as “Poikilies,” encourage sharing and bring people together around the table, just as they would in Greece.
Adding to the dining experience is a carefully curated all-Greek wine list, featuring traditional and organic selections from Greece’s most renowned winemakers and unique micro-wineries. Guests can also enjoy a selection of Greek beers, highlighting both traditional favorites and new brews from local Greek microbreweries.
Meraki Brooklyn’s new happy hour features delectable appetizers with favorites such as mussels, calamari, spanakopita, honey and sesame cheese puffs and more for $7 each, house wines for $8 a glass and Greek beers for $4.
"We’ve always been about bringing people together over good food," said Chef Kotsos. "Every dish we create is meant to remind you of sitting by the sea in Greece, enjoying a meal with family and friends."
Whether it’s a weekend lunch or an evening out, Meraki Brooklyn offers a warm, inviting space where everyone is welcome. With lunch and dinner options, and a patio perfect for relaxing with friends, it’s the ideal spot to escape the hustle of the city and enjoy the simple pleasures of Greek dining. For those looking to celebrate special occasions, the restaurant also offers catering and private event services.
Meraki Brooklyn is open from 4pm to 10pm Monday through Thursday and on Friday from 4pm to 11pm and from 11am to 11pm on Saturday and Sunday. Meraki is located at 252 Grand St., Brooklyn, NY 11211. For more information, catering inquiries or reservation visit ww.merakibrooklyn.com or contact brooklyn@merakibistro.com
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Get ready, pumpkin spice lovers—Eleven Madison Park’s “Bake it Nice” pop-up is bringing the ultimate autumn treat to NYC for one day only this weekend!
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