🚕 Canal Street’s “Spring Break” Vibe

Good Morning NY!

A lot is shaking up this week in NYC’s food landscape.

A West Village icon is making a comeback with a new twist, while outdoor dining is getting a crucial policy boost for the summer.

Chinatown’s streets are facing a tense debate over their new open-air policy, and a challenge to city supermarkets adds an intriguing twist to the food access conversation.

Plus, a beloved Brooklyn shop is navigating tough new trade hurdles as tariffs shake up the supply chain.

There’s a lot to digest, so let’s dive in!

Fedora Returns to the West Village With a Fresh Look and Familiar Soul

After a four-year hiatus, the beloved West Village institution Fedora is back.

The restaurant, which first opened during Prohibition and was run by Fedora Dorato for nearly six decades, had shuttered in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Now, it’s been revived by the team behind the nearby café St. Jardim.

They’ve preserved Fedora’s neighborhood spirit by prioritizing walk-ins and creating an atmosphere that’s both timeless and approachable.

The menu, crafted by chef Monty Forrest, leans European with a focus on elegant, straightforward dishes.

Expect a wine list heavy on Burgundy and Champagne, alongside cocktails made with craft spirits and wine-based ingredients by Ben Finkelstein.

Inside, the space has been redesigned by Post Company with warm wood, soft lighting, and a minimalist aesthetic.

Though updated, Fedora still nods to its artistic roots, with colorful works curated by Dete and Alexander throughout the space.

A print of Florine Stettheimer’s “Liberty” anchors the room, reflecting the team’s hopeful vision for Fedora’s future.

Outdoor Dining Can Keep Pouring This Summer

New York City restaurants can officially serve alcohol outdoors this summer, thanks to a key policy shift.

The State Liquor Authority is now allowing venues with conditional outdoor dining approvals to apply for liquor licenses.

Previously, full permit approvals were required, which left many restaurants in limbo.

The city had only issued seven liquor licenses out of 3,000 outdoor dining applicants, sparking fears of a dry season.

To speed things up, the Department of Transportation began granting conditional approvals in February.

As of April 1, about 600 roadway setups and 1,850 sidewalk cafés have been conditionally greenlit.

This move was welcomed by the NYC Hospitality Alliance, calling it a smart and necessary decision.

They emphasized the importance of supporting restaurants, hospitality workers, and guests.

There’s no official timeline yet for when the remaining applications will be finalized.

In the meantime, this workaround ensures restaurants won’t lose critical revenue from alcohol sales during peak season.

Chinatown Pushes Back Against Canal Street’s “Spring Break” Vibe

Chinatown residents and business owners are calling for major changes to the Canal Street Open Streets program.

They say the initiative has brought chaos to the neighborhood, comparing it to “spring break in Miami.”

From April to October 2024, Canal Street between Orchard and Essex was closed daily from 3 to 11 p.m. for outdoor dining.

Bars and restaurants filled the street with seating, but residents say it led to public urination, loud partying, and piles of trash.

In response to complaints, the city’s Department of Transportation has scaled back the program for 2025.

The street will now be pedestrian-only from Thursday through Sunday, not every day.

Still, many locals feel that’s not enough to restore quality of life.

They’re asking for fewer outdoor seats, earlier closing times, and clear emergency access lanes.

Some restaurants have agreed to new limits, but tensions remain.

The community is pushing for a balance between economic activity and livability.

Whether the city will go further in addressing concerns remains to be seen.

Gristedes Owner Dares NYC to Test Drive City-Run Supermarket Plan

Gristedes and D’Agostino owner John Catsimatidis has made an unexpected offer to City Hall.

He’s willing to lend one of his grocery stores to pilot a city-run supermarket experiment.

The idea stems from a proposal by Democratic socialist and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.

Mamdani wants to spend $60 million to open one city-owned, non-profit grocery store in each borough.

His plan aims to cut food prices by removing profit margins, rent, and property tax from the equation.

Catsimatidis says he’s on board — but only if the city agrees to cover any losses from shoplifting.

He raised concerns about current crime and theft policies that may hurt business viability.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from other grocers and industry reps.

Jason Ferraira of the National Supermarket Association warned that such a model could slash product variety and mimic a “Soviet” system.

Mamdani’s team has not yet responded to the offer or the backlash.

As the city debates affordability and food access, this challenge adds a bold twist to the conversation.

Whether the pilot actually happens remains to be seen.

Brooklyn’s Yun Hai Faces Hurdles From New Taiwan Tariffs

Yun Hai, a beloved Taiwanese specialty shop in Brooklyn, is grappling with the impact of new U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese goods.

The store, co-owned by Lisa Cheng Smith and Lillian Lin, has long been a source for imported Taiwanese products, including food and artisanal goods.

However, the recent 32% tariff on Taiwanese imports threatens to crush the store's already narrow profit margins.

The tariffs, imposed as part of broader trade policy changes, could make Yun Hai’s products significantly more expensive.

To cope with this financial strain, the store is exploring major changes in how it manages inventory and deliveries.

Taiwanese officials have voiced their concerns, calling the tariffs "unreasonable" and seeking clarification from U.S. officials.

Despite the challenges, Yun Hai’s owners remain committed to offering authentic Taiwanese items, though the road ahead looks uncertain.

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