🚕 Pizza & Sushi?

Good Morning NY!

This week, we’re looking at major menu changes, viral food trends, and high-profile openings shaking up the city’s dining scene.

McDonald’s is adding Krispy Kreme donuts and bagel sandwiches to its breakfast lineup, while an Australian-inspired pub is bringing a taste of Down Under to NYC.

City officials are investigating food quality in shelters, and a sushi-pizza hybrid is the latest dish to take over social media.

Plus, Roman and Williams are set to open a high-end restaurant inside Sotheby’s, blending fine dining with the art world.

Let’s get into it.

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McDonald’s Adds Krispy Kreme Donuts and Bagel Sandwiches to Breakfast Menu

McDonald’s is expanding its breakfast menu with two major additions: bagel sandwiches and Krispy Kreme donuts.

Starting February 25, select McDonald’s locations in New York City will offer Krispy Kreme donuts, including the Original Glazed, Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles, and Chocolate Iced Kreme-Filled.

The donuts will be available all day, sold individually or in half-dozen boxes, while supplies last.

McDonald’s began testing Krispy Kreme in 2022, and a full nationwide rollout is expected by 2026.

In addition to the donuts, McDonald’s has brought back its bagel breakfast sandwiches to restaurants nationwide.

The lineup includes Bacon, Egg & Cheese and the Steak, Egg & Cheese bagel, both featuring toasted bagels and a fluffy egg.

These additions coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Egg McMuffin, which McDonald’s is celebrating with limited-time promotions.

On March 2, customers can get an Egg or Sausage McMuffin with Egg for $1 through the McDonald’s app.

From March 3 to March 30, a buy-one-get-one deal on the Sausage McMuffin with Egg will be available for app delivery orders.

Old Mates Pub Brings a Taste of Australia to NYC

A new Australian pub is making its mark in New York City with the opening of Old Mates Pub in the Seaport District.

The 10,000-square-foot, three-story venue is located at 170 John Street, near Pier 17.

It was co-founded by comedian Andy Lee, Bluestone Lane’s Nick Stone, and restaurateur Eddy Buckingham.

Old Mates features four different bars, each with a unique atmosphere, catering to both Australian expats and curious locals.

The space is designed with custom-made carpets and original artworks from iconic Australian artists like Ken Done and Reg Mombassa.

The menu highlights classic Australian pub food, including lamb chops, steak and chips, and the "Burger With The Lot," topped with pineapple and a fried egg.

The drink selection is exclusively Australian, featuring wines, beers, and spirits sourced directly from Down Under.

The goal is to create a communal gathering space, where people can connect over great food, drinks, and a relaxed Aussie vibe.

Old Mates Pub is set to officially open in early March 2025, adding a fresh international flavor to the city's pub scene.

NYC Council Investigates Food Quality in City Shelters

The New York City Council is holding an oversight hearing to address ongoing complaints about food quality in city shelters.

Residents have reported issues with spoiled, undercooked, and unhealthy meals, raising concerns about nutrition and safety.

The hearing will also explore how small businesses are involved in supplying food to shelters and whether improvements can be made.

One key proposal is a bill introduced by Councilmember Julie Won, which would require food service contractors to distribute feedback surveys to shelter residents.

These surveys would allow recipients to rate their meals, ensuring that complaints are documented and improvements are made.

The hearing is being conducted by the Committee on Economic Development and the Committee on Contracts.

It is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. at City Hall, where officials will discuss potential reforms.

The goal is to hold food providers accountable and improve meal quality for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

Shelter advocates hope this effort will lead to better oversight and more nutritious food options in the future. Learn more about NYC’s Food Pantries here.

'Pizza Sushi' Becomes a Viral Sensation

NYC’s culinary scene is always buzzing with innovative dishes that take social media by storm.

The most recent is the Pizza Roll offspring from Hamachi Sushi 34, a sushi sandwich that combines generous portions of sushi rice with pizza-inspired toppings.

Another viral sensation is the Tsangwich from The Sandwich Board, featuring Peking duck nestled in a pineapple bun.

For a flavorful bite, Hanamizuki offers onigiri with various fillings, and in the realm of value deals, K-Bap presents a $12 KFC special.

Lastly, dessert enthusiasts might be intrigued by 2by2 Cafe's unique tiramisu offerings, including a seaweed-pork floss-taro flavor.

Roman and Williams to Open a Restaurant Inside Sotheby’s Upper East Side HQ

The design firm Roman and Williams is launching a new restaurant inside the Breuer building, which now serves as Sotheby’s headquarters.

The firm is best known for designing La Mercerie, a French restaurant inside the Roman and Williams Guild in SoHo.

This new venture will merge fine dining with the world of high-end art, creating a space where collectors, connoisseurs, and food lovers can come together.

The restaurant is expected to reflect the same level of elegance and craftsmanship seen in their past projects, with a design that complements the Brutalist architecture of the Breuer building.

While the menu details and opening date have not yet been announced, the collaboration signals a major addition to the Upper East Side’s dining scene.

Sotheby’s, known for hosting some of the world’s most prestigious art auctions, will now offer visitors an upscale restaurant experience within its landmark building.

More details are expected to be revealed soon, but this is already shaping up to be one of the city’s most anticipated restaurant openings of 2025.

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