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THE OBSERVERS

Restaurant & Party Planning Guide

Great Outdoor Eats Wine Bars

Special Focus on And the Coolest in the City

Spring Edition

COVER PHOTO PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE WATERS EDGE One of New Yorks Premier Waterfront Restaurants just Ten Minutes from Manhattan

The Waters Edge

he Waters Edge is one of New Yorks premiere waterfront restaurants & banquet facilities, offering the charm and sophistication of its urban setting while boasting a ship Captains view of the Manhattan Skyline. Waters Edge delivers elegant refinement that will not be soon forgotten Open Daily for Lunch Mon-Fri 12-3pm Dinner is served Mon-Sat 5:30-11pm Conveniently located ten minutes from Manhattan, and moments from each of the five boroughs.

Waters Edge Restaurant & Banquet Facility

(T) 718 482-0033 www.watersedgnyc.com 4-01 44th Drive Long Island City
To Advertise: 212.407.9386

The Only Thing We Overlook Is Manhattan

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New Leaf Restaurant and Bar A fresh take on traditional cuisine.

NewLeafRestaurant.com
1 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park For reservations, call 212.568.5323 Free Parking or take the A train to 190th Street

Located in Northern Manhattans Fort Tryon Park, the New Leaf offers a unique experience that brings together fine dining and the serenity of nature while contributing to the restoration and maintenance of New York Citys green spaces. The exquisite 1930s historic fieldstone building & rustic surroundings showcase the exceptional beauty that lies within the city while a seasonally-inspired menu guarantees that each meal is artfully crafted with the finest and freshest local ingredients. In addition to enjoying Executive Chef Scott Campbells exquisite recipes, private events held at the New Leaf provide an experience that is unrivaled by any other restaurant in New York City. The restaurant can accommodate private event seating for up to 50 guests in the dining room alone and up to 150 guests on the outside patio.

Proceeds from the New Leaf support New York Restoration Projects mission of cleaning and greening New York City one block at a time.
2|Spring 2012|The New York Observer To Advertise: 212.407.9386

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Authentic ArgentineAn cuisine

513 E 6th Street - New York, NY, 10009 info@buenosairesnyc.com

To Advertise: 212.407.9386

212.228.2775 www.buenosairesnyc.com
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Shake Shack.

Kellari
The perfect place for lunch, business meetings and intimate dinner events. Serving the freshest Greek Mediterranean Seafood in New York City.

The Bowery Hotel, home of Gemma.

RESERVATIONS: 212-221-0144
19 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036

Dos Caminos.

baked muffins, whipped maple butter, and classic buttermilk biscuits. Wash it down with a drink from Peels expansive cocktail menu that includes their unique and popular leaded milkshakes. Be sure to arrive early as lines on the weekend often stretch out the door. 325 Bowery Shake Shack Opened in a stand in Madison Square Park in 2004, Shake Shack has become a staple burger joint in Manhattan. The shack has spread throughout American and even to the Middle East, but its first home in the park is an experience like no other. Grab a Shack Burger, cheese fries, and a shake and sit down in the seating area or around the park. Make sure to check the Shack Cam on its website to ensure the line is relatively short before heading over! Southeast corner of Madison Square Park Gemma As an extension of the Bowery Hotel,

Gemma, whose kitchen is led by Chef Chris DAmico, features a rustic and selective Italian menu and decor. The restaurant offers expansive outdoor seating with overhead heaters for the chillier days. Their truffled polenta fries are a must-order. 335 Bowery Dos Caminos Dos Caminos has a few locations throughout the city, but its best is in the heart of the Meatpacking District with great outdoor seating. The restaurant boasts a strong modern Mexican menu with exceptional guacamole, but it specializes in its tequila. The menu dedicates multiple pages to endless margaritas and tequila mixes. Notables to try: Prickly Pear, Blood Orange, and Blue Pom margaritas. 475 West Broadway New York winters are not friendly, but sitting outside with a cocktail on a beautiful spring or summer night is the perfect reminder that New York is the greatest city in the world.

Outdoor Dining
he weather is warming up and New Yorkers are itching to leave their apartments and spend the day out in the sun. Heres the low down on some of the best outdoor restaurants in town - featuring classic neighborhood favorites and innovative modern restaurants:

Peels Located on the Bowery, Peels takes redefines southern comfort and turns brunch - a meal that New Yorkers seldom have time for - into a sophisticated and shamelessly guilty endeavor. The white and dark wood aesthetic reminisces days on the countryside with delectable fresh-

4|Spring 2012|The New York Observer

To Advertise: 212.407.9386

Wine bars

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Terroir Wine Bar.

Since 1963, Victors Cafe has been at the forefront of The Evolution of Cuban Cuisine and a favorite neighborhood gem for celebrities and locals. The relaxed, airy atmosphere is designed to be reminiscent of Havana in the 1950s. Diners at Victors can enjoy classic fare, such as Ropa Vieja (Black Angus Steak), nestled in a bed of plantains, and Florida Red Snapper Ceviche, while sipping on the best Mojitos and Cuban Style Sangria in the City. Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays; lunch and dinner are served daily.

Victor's Caf

either a wine expert, nor an aristocrat? Not a problem. Whether or not youre a connoisseur, these New York City wine bars offer something for every one. Here are four unpretentious finds that cater to intimate date nights, weeknight hang-outs, delicious small plates, wine stories, concerts, and Happy Hour specials for any budget. Aria is a cozy, but bustling, Italian gem, tucked on the West Villages secluded Perry Street. A large communal table occupies the downstairs dining room, where guests sample a variety of warm Italian sweets, meat plates, fruits, and cheeses. This is an ideal spot for sharing appetizers with a date; the setting is intimate, wine glasses are small, and tapas take the place of entrees. 117 Perry St. Terrior Wine Bar lives up to its subtitle the elitist winebar for every one. Its knowledgeable waitstaff is more than happy to teach you about the extensive menu, which currently includes everything from grape history and wine geography to Justin Timberlake Wine in Box lyrics. The food-- Italian-style small plates-- is simple but satisfying; risotto rice balls with oxtail, crispy duck frise salad, and veal and ricotta meatballs are a

236 W. 52nd Street, Btw Broadway & Eighth Avenue 212.586.7714 www.victorscafe.com

Victors Caf

8th Street Wine Cellar.

few favorites. Its louder and rougher around the edges than one would expect from a Tribeca wine bar; the space has an underground feel, and the menu ends with this: NOT INTO READING A MENU? Just put your ass in the seat and let us feed you. 24 Harrison St 8th Street Wine Cellar in Greenwich Village This dimly lit, lower-level Greenwich Village spot is a great place to bring friends. This hideout is packed on weekends, and its known for its $18 bottle deal during Happy Hour. It offers a wide selection of local food, with small cheese, meat, and bread-heavy plates. 28 West 8th Street

The City Winery might be the Mother of All Wine Bars. The spacious wooded venue, opened by the founder of the Knitting Factoy, hosts live music, comedy performances, and wine classes. If youre coming for food only, a restaurant area is portioned off from the stage, and there is a full, Mediterranean dinner menu. For a few thousand dollars, customers are invited to create their own barrel of wine from grapes in the basement. For the rest of us, wine by the glass is affordable, the food is decent, and theres room to unwind. 155 Varick St

Aria.

To Advertise: 212.407.9386

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Welcome to Zucca Trattoria, New Yorks most talked about new italian restaurant, located in the West Village. After 35 years of restaurant experience Gino and his son Frank have created an at home Italian feeling for your dining experience. Located in the heart of the West Village this truly exquisite experience gives you the dcor and warm Italian atmosphere that invites you to try the regional rustic dishes of Italy. Specializing in on and off premise parties for all occasions and keeping the weekends extraordinary with daily lunch specials.

Chef Campbell Turns Over a New Leaf

N
terribly exciting. New Leaf is an initiative of The New York Restoration Project, which promotes green and sustainable values. Founded by Bette Midler, NYRP is behind the Million Trees NYC project and other initiatives to make New York a more livable city. So its not a coincidence that NYRPs values are reflected on Chef Campbells menu and in the restaurants business practicesthey make a very serious effort to buy locally and serve dishes that are healthy and delicious. People want to enjoy themselves when they go out, the chef said. At the same time they dont have to feel guilty afterwards. Thanks to the unseasonably warm weather, Mr. Campbell said the restaurant has already been able to open up their outdoor dining area, effectively doubling New Leafs capacity. Despite that, getting a table, especially on the weekends, can be tough as special events sometimes fill Saturday and Sunday slots over a year in advance. To get our taste buds tingling in anticipation, Chef Campbell gave us a preview of this springs menu. Risotto with local mushrooms, asparagus, wild stripe sea bass should be coming in relatively soon, he said. Crabcake with local red water crest that just come from upstate . . . Our concentration gave way to daydreams as we planned our next uptown adventure and perfect date night. On the banks of the Hudson, how could it be any less than amazing?
To Advertise: 212.407.9386

estled among tall, lush trees and ivy-covered walls, New Leaf, the famous restaurant in the heart of Washington Heights Fort Tryon Park, was voted Upper Manhattans most romantic restaurantand for good 95 7th Avenue South, NY, NY 10014 reason. Despite its NYC location, the (212) 255-1980 zuccanyc.com setting conjures up feelings of being in an enchanted forestnot Americas densest city. At New Leaf, beauty and fantasy intersect with history. The park was the site of the Revolutionary 36 West 52nd, Street New York, NY 10019 36 West 52nd, Street New York, NY 10019 War Battle of Fort Washingtona www.empiresteakhousenyc.com victory for Great Britain thenbut www.empiresteakhousenyc.com now New Leaf stands as a monument (212) 582-6900 (212) 582-6900 to the success and popularity of contemporary American cuisine. Behind all of this delicious magic is 36 West 52nd,StreetNew York, NY 10019 Street New York, NY 10019 36 West 52nd, Chef Scott Campbell, a man with deep www.empiresteakhousenyc.com www.empiresteakhousenyc.com (212) 582-6900 routes in New Yorks food (212) 582-6900 4-4 lbs along with a bottle ofalong with a bottle of wine of your choice! his start as ascene. Mr.at Jumbo 4-4 lbs wine of your choice! Campbell got sous chef Fine Wines (Cabernet) Special the Plaza Hotels legendary Oak Room Chateau Montelenaand Giant Lobster Special (Cabernet) Fine Wines and Giant Lobster Chateau Montelena in the early 1980s. Since then, hes Mondays and Tuesdays ONLY! Joseph Phelps (Cabernet) of wine of(Cabernet) Joseph Phelps your choice! spent time in kitchens at Le Cirque Jumbo 4-4 lbs along with a bottle and several other world-famous NYC JordanChateau 4-412 lbs along with a (Cabernet) Jordan (Cabernet) Jumbo Montelena (Cabernet) culinary institutions before taking the executive chef post at New Leaf Shaferbottle of Phelps (Cabernet) (Merlot) (Merlot) of your choice! Joseph wine Shafer about five years ago. When it comes Jordan (Cabernet) J Wines Reserve (PinotWines Reserve (Pinot Noir) J Noir) Phelps (Cabernet) to creating great food, Chef Campbell Chateau Montelena (Cabernet) Joseph Shafer (Merlot) takes his inspiration from New Yorks Chateau Simard (Bordeaux) Simard (Bordeaux) Chateau Noir) Jordan (Cabernet) Shafer (Merlot) J Wines Reserve (PinotSimard (Bordeaux) local markets and gardens to create J Wines Reserve (Pinot Noir) Chateau Ruffino, Reserve Ducale ReserveReserve Ducale Gold Label (Chianti) that constantly evolves as Gold Label (Chianti) Ruffino,SimardGold Label (Chianti) a menu Chateau Ducale (Bordeaux) Ruffino, seasons and ingredient availability Santa Margherita (Pinot Grigio)Niente (Chardonnay) Grigio) Ruffino, ReserveSanta Margherita (Pinot Ducale Gold Santa Margherita (Pinot Grigio) Far Label (Chianti) changes. Santa Margherita (Pinot Grigio) The nice thing about this corridor Far Niente Far Niente is things are always changing . . . You Far Niente (Chardonnay) (Chardonnay) have micro seasons where things (Chardonnay) happen almost on a weekly level, Mr. Campbell said. The great thing about todays day and age in cooking is there is such a great diversityget to experiment more often, whether its culturally or organic, it makes it

Fine Wines and Giant Lobster Special Fine Wines and Giant Lobster Special

Mondays and Tuesdays ONLY! Tuesdays ONLY! Mondays and

Mondays and Tuesdays ONLY!

6|Spring 2012|The New York Observer

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Argentine Dining
W
by Jane Ginsberg hen Karina DeMarco, an Argentine transplant with a deep passion for cooking, missed the food and dining traditions of her native country, she had limited options in the city to remedy her homesickness, finding them instead in Queens. Aiming to fill this void in Manhattan and create a place where Argentines and non-Argentines a top appetizer selection, which burst with tasty fillings such as corn, chicken or beef with handcut scallions and onions. Fantastic Malbecs and other winesthere are over 10,000 bottles in the cellaror zesty sangria perfectly complement the courses. Concluding the meal are outstanding specialty desserts like panqueque de dulce de leche, two long flutes of crepes oozing mouthwatering caramel paste, and a mountainous homemade flan. Buenos Aires also casts a wide geographical net: delicacies from other countriesand continentsare offered, which reflects the diversity of Argentinas large international population. Creamy, delectable mozzarella cheese flown in from Naples every week, Moroccan olives and the tender cured jamn ibrico (pata negra), from southern Spain, whose nutty flavor comes from the pigs exclusively acorn diet, are just a sampling of Buenos Airess broad array of gustatory delights. With Buenos Aires Ms. DeMarco has solidified Argentinas presence in the culinary landscape of Manhattan. Whether its for a full course dinner or just a couple of appetizers and drinks, Buenos Aires promises an authentic Argentine and world-class eating experience in a low-key, congenial atmosphere. Before diners finish their plates they will already be planning when they will return. The restaurant is open daily noon to midnight, which caters to Argentines especially who are accustomed to eating later at night, and offers a family-style lunch on Sunday. There is a patio garden that is open in the spring and summer, and the World Cup and Champions League, of course, are broadcast.

Tribecas favorite Thalassa offers a menu of delicious Greek and Mediterranean dishes featuring fresh seafood and organic produce. The restaurant was awarded 3 stars by Forbes, Zagat and is the recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for having the most extensive and exclusive Greek wine list in the city, along with an extensive wine cellar offering an international assortment (including selections from France and the US). With dining rooms accommodating 50 to 200 guests, Thalassa is also the perfect location for private events from weddings, corporate events, business dinners and family functions. 179 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013 (Btw Greenwich and Hudson Street)

Thalassa Restaurant

212.941.7661 s www.thalassanyc.com

alike could gather in a relaxed, casual setting for authentic Latin American fare and feel at home, Ms. DeMarco, with no previous chef experience, turned her vision into a reality when she and her husband opened Buenos Aires in March 2006. A charming little spot tucked away in the East Village, Buenos Aires is a lively slice of Argentina. It is designed to resemble an Argentine bodega, and the hostess and waitstaff, who all hail from either Buenos Aires or nearby Uruguay, are friendly, professional and very knowledgeable about the wine and food on the menu. Among Ms. DeMarcos signature dishes are the meats, like the exceptionally seasoned skirt steak and succulent slab of rib eye. The beef comes from grass-fed cows in Uruguay and is prepared in the traditional Argentine style, in which it is cooked with salt directly on the grill (which was custom-made to recreate the smoky flavor of coal), and is accompanied by a delicious chimichurri sauce. Empanadas are
To Advertise: 212.407.9386

Classic New York butcher references are evident throughout the contemporary menu and its offerings. All of the steaks are sourced from two legendary family butchers, Milton Abeles and Strassburger Meats. Some of the cuts, such as The QM Double Rib Steak are custom butchered to the chefs specifications and only available at the restaurant.

QUALITY MEATS
57 West 58th St., New York, NY 10019 212.371.7777 qualitymeatsnyc.com
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Distincitive, Hand-Made Chocolates since 1923

Visit Li-Lac Chocolates two Manhattan locations

Li-Lac Chocolates in Greenwich Village: 40 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10014 (Where Eighth Ave. meets Jane St.) Tel: (212) 924-2280 Fax: (212) 924-4916 Li-Lac Chocolates in Grand Central Terminals Market Hall: Enter Market Hall at Lexington Ave. & East 43rd St., or through the Main Concourse on the main level. Tel: (212) 370-4866 Fax: (212) 924-4916

www.li-lacchocolates.com
8|Spring 2012|The New York Observer To Advertise: 212.407.9386