🚕 Premium Cocktails in East Village

Good Morning NY!

This week, we’re celebrating a rising star in the city’s pizza scene as Michelin takes notice of a trailblazer.

A sleek new cocktail bar is shaking up the East Village with bold flavors and stunning design.

Meanwhile, Planet Hollywood is making a flashy return with a star-studded reopening.

An iconic Michelin star chef is bringing his signature touch to Hudson Yards.

And at City Hall, a heated debate over food quality at Rikers sparks questions about what’s on the menu for the city’s incarcerated population.

It’s a lot to chew on so let’s dig in!

P.S. If you entered in our Ahoy Food Tour Giveaway, we will be sending an email to the winner this afternoon.

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! 🥃✨

NYC’s Pizza Queen Earns Michelin Recognition

Giorgia Caporuscio has made history as the only female pizza maker featured in the Michelin Guide.

The Italian-born chef specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza at her Hell’s Kitchen restaurant, Don Antonio.

She believes a woman’s touch is ideal for handling the delicately fermented dough, giving her pizzas their signature quality.

Don Antonio ranks seventh in the U.S. and 30th globally, according to 50 Top Pizza.

Caporuscio moved to New York at 19 to join her father, Roberto, a pioneer of Neapolitan pizza in Manhattan.

Despite facing skepticism from male colleagues, she quickly proved her skill, winning the prestigious Caputo Cup at just 22.

Now, she co-owns Don Antonio with her husband, Matteo, and continues to push boundaries in the pizza world.

She also mentors aspiring female pizza makers through Women in Pizza, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in the industry.

With Michelin’s recognition, Caporuscio cements her place as one of New York’s most influential pizza chefs.

Gabriel Kreuther’s Next Big Move: Two New Restaurants in Hudson Yards

Gabriel Kreuther is bringing his signature touch to Hudson Yards.

The Michelin-starred chef behind one of Midtown’s top fine dining spots is opening two new restaurants inside The Spiral, a 66-story tower designed by Bjarke Ingels.

The first will be a full-service restaurant focused on live-fire cooking, promising bold flavors and serious technique.

The second will be an all-day café, serving breakfast, lunch, and small plates in the evening, with a wine and cocktail program to match.

Both spots are expected to open in fall 2025 and will overlook Bella Abzug Park.

This expansion comes in partnership with real estate developer Tishman Speyer, who’s betting that Kreuther’s refined style will be a hit in this high-end neighborhood.

Hudson Yards has been a playground for big-name chefs, but Kreuther’s take on open-fire cooking could bring something fresh to the mix.

If you’re into smoky flavors, precise execution, and a Michelin-level approach to grilling, this one’s worth keeping an eye on.

Schmuck Brings World-Class Cocktails to the East Village

Moe Aljaff and Juliette Larrouy, the duo behind Barcelona’s acclaimed Two Schmucks, have opened their highly anticipated cocktail bar, Schmuck, in the East Village.

Located at 97 First Avenue, the 1,600-square-foot space is divided into two sections: a stylish main bar and an intimate communal kitchen area.

The design blends Mid-Century Modern, Space Age, and Brutalist aesthetics, with vintage pieces sourced from Europe.

Schmuck’s cocktail menu features 22 globally inspired drinks, focusing on bold flavors rather than gimmicks.

Standouts include the Piña Colada Pickleback, served with pickled pineapple brine and coconut fat-washed whiskey.

The food menu, created with co-founder Arash Ghassemi, offers European and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes like White Bean Cacio e Pepe and Crushed Potatoes with spicy peanut sauce.

Despite construction delays, Aljaff and Larrouy personally worked on the build-out to bring their vision to life.

Now open, Schmuck has already become a must-visit for cocktail lovers in NYC’s dynamic bar scene.

Scott's Pizza Tours

Craving an authentic taste of New York's pizza scene?

Hop on the New York City Pizza Bus Tour and embark on a journey through the city's diverse neighborhoods, sampling slices from four of the finest pizzerias.

Led by expert guides, you'll delve into the history, culture, and science behind each delicious bite.

Traveling aboard a classic yellow school bus, this tour is perfect for families and offers a fun adventure for pizza lovers of all ages.

Don't miss out on this cheesy exploration—book your spot today!

Planet Hollywood Returns to NYC with a Star-Studded Reopening

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin are hosting the grand reopening of Planet Hollywood in Times Square.

The invite-only event will feature a DJ set by Boy George and an appearance by rapper 50 Cent.

The Baldwins, currently starring in the TLC reality show The Baldwins, are making the event a family affair.

Planet Hollywood first opened in 1991 with backing from celebrities like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

After closing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant has undergone a $17 million renovation.

The new space at 136 W. 42nd St. replaces classic movie memorabilia with massive digital screens for an immersive experience.

Unlike its previous tourist-heavy focus, the revamped Planet Hollywood aims to attract local New Yorkers.

The venue sits above Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy!, adding another celebrity-backed restaurant to the mix.

With its fresh design and high-profile relaunch, Planet Hollywood is ready to reclaim its spot in NYC’s dining and entertainment scene.

Gale Brewer Pushes for Farm-to-Table Meals at Rikers

NYC Councilwoman Gale Brewer wants inmates at Rikers Island to receive farm-to-table meals made with fresh, local ingredients.

During a recent budget hearing, she criticized the current food quality and called for better options, similar to those found in top NYC restaurants.

The Department of Correction currently spends $18.8 million annually on food, serving around 27,000 meals daily.

Brewer’s proposal raises concerns over cost, as farm-to-table meals are significantly more expensive than standard prison meals.

The city has already introduced plant-based meals in correctional facilities, but Brewer believes more improvements are needed.

Republican Councilwoman Vickie Paladino pushed back, arguing that resources should go toward struggling community members like veterans.

DOC officials acknowledged the benefits of healthier meals but noted the financial challenges of implementing Brewer’s vision.

With budget talks ongoing, it remains to be seen whether Rikers inmates will get a farm-to-table upgrade.

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