🚕 ICE Cracks Down on NYC Street Vendors

Good Morning NY!

Today, we're serving up the latest bites from the city's dynamic culinary scene.

Acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud debuts his first steakhouse in the Flatiron District, and a beloved bar is coming to the East Village.

Over in Bryant Park, Jean-Georges is set to revitalize a long-standing favorite, ushering in both excitement and debate.

Meanwhile, new regulations will soon require chain restaurants to alert diners about high sugar content, aiming to promote healthier choices.

On a different note, NYC's street vendors are facing increased challenges due to intensified enforcement actions.

Let's dive in!

Bustronome: Gourmet Dining on Wheels

Looking for a unique way to experience NYC? Bustronome combines elevated dining with stunning city views, all from a luxurious glass-roofed bus.

Indulge in a multi-course French meal while gliding past iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Times Square—no reservations, no waiting, just a seamless fine dining experience with a view.

Whether it’s a romantic date night, a birthday celebration, or a girls’ night out, Bustronome makes any evening unforgettable.

Use code NYCBITES20 for 20% off your experience. Treat yourself to a dining experience unlike any other!

Bryant Park Grill to Be Replaced by Jean-Georges Restaurant

After 30 years of operation, the Bryant Park Grill will be replaced by a new restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

The Bryant Park Corporation awarded an 18-year lease to Seaport Entertainment Group (SEG), associated with Vongerichten, despite a higher bid from the current operator, Michael Weinstein.

Weinstein's 1,000-seat restaurant has been a profitable mainstay in Midtown, generating $28 million annually.

He expressed concerns that the decision could negatively impact the park's funding, raise menu prices, and result in job losses for 250 employees.

SEG plans to conduct a $12 million renovation, aiming to reopen the porch seating area by October 2025 and the full-service restaurant by May 2026.

The new establishment is expected to feature elements similar to Vongerichten's first restaurant, JoJo, blending modern design with classic touches.

The deal is pending approval from the city's Parks Department.

Daniel Boulud Opens First Steakhouse, La Tête d'Or, in Flatiron District

Celebrated chef Daniel Boulud has officially entered the steakhouse scene with the opening of La Tête d’Or, a high-end take on the classic American steakhouse, located in the Flatiron District.

Housed inside the newly revamped One Madison Avenue, the restaurant is named after a park in Boulud’s hometown of Lyon, France, reflecting his signature fusion of French and American culinary influences.

Designed by Rockwell Group, the space exudes a grand yet inviting atmosphere, featuring velvet banquettes, dark wood accents, and deep blue tones that create a refined yet comfortable setting.

The 120-seat main dining room is complemented by an elegant bar and lounge, as well as private dining spaces perfect for intimate gatherings.

The menu highlights premium American beef, offering options like dry-aged ribeye, prime Angus côte de bœuf, and a decadent yellowfin tuna steak.

Classic steakhouse staples, such as lobster bisque and tableside-carved meats, add to the indulgence.

Already attracting a high-profile crowd, La Tête d’Or is poised to become a power-player hotspot, blending old-school steakhouse glamour with Boulud’s signature sophistication.

NYC Street Vendors Face Increased ICE Raids and Crackdowns

New York City's street vendors are facing heightened pressure as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reportedly increased enforcement efforts, targeting undocumented workers.

Many vendors, particularly immigrants and asylum seekers, rely on street vending as their primary source of income.

However, with strict regulations limiting legal permits, thousands operate without licenses, making them vulnerable to steep fines, confiscations, and now, potential deportation.

Advocacy groups argue that the criminalization of street vending is disproportionately harming some of the city's most marginalized communities.

While NYC officials have long debated reforms to expand permits and legal protections, enforcement crackdowns continue, forcing vendors into an increasingly precarious position.

Street vendors contribute to NYC’s rich food culture and economy, yet they remain caught in a legal limbo.

Advocates are urging the city to halt aggressive enforcement and prioritize long-term policy solutions that allow vendors to work legally and safely.

With street vending deeply embedded in NYC’s identity, this latest crackdown raises concerns about equity, economic opportunity, and the city's approach to supporting immigrant workers.

Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour

Step into the world of secret speakeasies and hidden history with the Prohibition Pub and History Walk in NYC.

This guided tour takes you back to the 1920s, where you’ll sip craft cocktails in historic bars, uncover the wild stories of Prohibition, and explore the underground world that kept NYC buzzing.

Perfect for history buffs, cocktail lovers, or anyone looking for a unique night out, this tour is your chance to drink like it’s illegal (but don’t worry, it’s not).

Book your spot and toast to a night of history, mystery, and damn good drinks! 🥃✨

Schmuck’s Comes to the East Village

The East Village has welcomed a notable addition to its vibrant bar scene with the opening of Schmuck., a concept by industry veterans Moe Aljaff and Juliette Larrouy.

This 1,600-square-foot venue draws design inspiration from Mid-Century Modern, Space Age, and Brutalist movements, creating a distinctive and inviting atmosphere.

The space is divided into two main areas: a cherry-red living room offering an all-seated experience and a separate bar area.

The cocktail menu features 12 original creations that pay homage to familiar flavors, such as the FIKA, a cinnamon bun and coffee-inspired drink, and the BLANKA, a fennel-forward concoction reminiscent of a fresh salad.

Aljaff and Larrouy aim to establish Schmuck. as a neighborhood playground, blending innovative mixology with a welcoming environment.

Their approach reflects a commitment to both creativity and community, promising a unique addition to New York City's dynamic bar landscape.

NYC Chain Restaurants to Display Added Sugar Warnings

New York City chain restaurants with 15 or more locations nationwide are now required to display warning labels on menu items containing 50 grams or more of added sugar.

This new rule, part of the Sweet Truth Act, was signed into law by Mayor Eric Adams as part of an ongoing push to promote public health awareness.

The labels will feature a spoon icon alongside a warning statement, helping consumers identify high-sugar items at a glance.

The move follows a pattern of NYC-led public health initiatives, including bans on trans fats, sodium warnings on high-sodium menu items, and smoking bans in restaurants.

Supporters argue that many fast-food and coffee chain items far exceed the daily recommended sugar intake, sometimes in a single serving.

City Councilmember Keith Powers, who sponsored the bill, emphasized that the goal isn’t to limit consumer choice but to provide greater transparency, allowing New Yorkers to make more informed dietary decisions.

With obesity and diabetes rates rising, NYC continues to set the precedent for public health policies, pushing chain restaurants toward greater accountability.

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