🚕 Top Picks for Valentines

Good Morning NY!

This week, we’re diving into the latest shifts and trends shaping NYC’s food scene, from high-profile openings to creative ways the industry is adapting to rising costs.

Brooklyn continues to dominate with a wave of exciting new restaurants making their mark across the borough.

Dominique Ansel, founder of the Cronut, is set to open a Bakery Inspired by Asian bread.

NYC Restaurant Week participants are tweaking their menus to stay afloat, proving that even prix-fixe deals aren’t immune to inflation.

Meanwhile, a new Tex-Mex spot has landed in the East Village, and if you’re looking for a standout Valentine’s Day dinner, we’ve got you covered.

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Brooklyn's Hottest New Restaurant Openings

Brooklyn's dining scene continues to thrive with a host of exciting new restaurant openings. Here are some notable additions:

Lulla's (East Williamsburg): This Venezuelan breakfast spot has quickly become a favorite, offering authentic dishes that provide a delightful start to the day.

Taqueria El Chato (Greenpoint): From the team behind Aldama, this new taqueria offers juicy tacos that have quickly become a welcomed addition to the city's growing number of new taquerias.

Pitt's (Red Hook): Chef Jeremy Salamon's Southern-inspired follow-up to Agi's Counter offers a unique blend of flavors, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking comfort food with a twist.

These establishments, among others, highlight the dynamic and diverse culinary landscape of Brooklyn, offering residents and visitors fresh and innovative dining experiences.

Dominique Ansel to Open Papa d’Amour, a Bakery Inspired by Asian Breads

Dominique Ansel, the mastermind behind the Cronut, is launching a new bakery concept, Papa d’Amour, in early 2025.

The bakery will be located at 64 University Place, near Union Square and the East Village.

The name, which translates to "Daddy of Love," comes from a nickname Ansel’s children call him.

Unlike his past projects, which focused on French pastries and hybrid desserts, Papa d’Amour will celebrate Asian bread culture.

The menu will feature egg tarts, milk breads, and other baked goods commonly found in Asian bakeries but with Ansel’s signature creative touch.

This marks a new direction for the acclaimed pastry chef, who aims to bring Asian-style pastries into the mainstream while maintaining the innovation that made him famous.

New York City is no stranger to great bakeries, but Ansel’s involvement is sure to bring heightened attention to this style of baking.

With a location in a high-foot-traffic area, Papa d’Amour is expected to draw long lines when it opens.

For fans of Ansel’s past work and those looking for a fresh take on classic Asian flavors, this bakery is one to watch.

NYC Restaurant Week Participants Adjust Menus Amid Rising Costs

New York City's semi-annual Restaurant Week, running from January 21 to February 9, 2025, offers prix-fixe menus at $30, $45, and $60—prices unchanged since 2022.

However, rising operational costs have led some participating restaurants to adjust their offerings to maintain profitability.

At Neir's Tavern in Woodhaven, Queens, owner Loycent Gordon has reduced the portion size of fries and decreased burger patty weights from eight to seven ounces to offset increased expenses.

Despite these measures, Gordon acknowledges that such adjustments are not sustainable long-term.

Similarly, Ricardo Valdez, proprietor of Excuse My French on the Lower East Side, has removed costlier dishes like yellowfin tuna, foie gras, and duck confit from the menu to continue offering fixed-price meals.

Valdez notes a decline in foot traffic and profitability, expressing concerns about the feasibility of maintaining current pricing structures amid escalating costs.

Other restaurateurs view Restaurant Week primarily as a marketing opportunity rather than a profit-generating event.

For instance, Nicola Marzovilla of Nonna Dora's in Kips Bay and Danudol Ithisuphalap of Tong in Bushwick consider the promotion a chance to attract new patrons, even if it means minimal financial gain during the period.

As operational expenses continue to rise, both restaurant owners and customers are grappling with the implications, leading some diners to reconsider the frequency of dining out due to higher prices.

New Tex-Mex Spot 'Wayne & Son' Debuts in the East Village

The East Village has welcomed a new Tex-Mex destination with the opening of Wayne & Sons at 221 Second Avenue, between 13th and 14th streets.

Launched in early December 2024 by co-owners Justin Seitzler and chef Oscar Hernandez, both formerly associated with Tacombi, the restaurant aims to offer an authentic Tex-Mex experience in New York City.

The menu features a variety of classic dishes, including crispy beef tacos filled with picadillo, queso, and chipotle sauce, as well as smoked-tinged pinto beans and tender pulled pork quesadillas.

A standout offering is their spiced, goopy cheese dip, which has quickly become a favorite among patrons.

The restaurant's interior boasts a quaint seven-seat bar and a handful of tables, creating an intimate dining atmosphere.

Notably, Wayne & Sons has also begun bottling their two signature hot sauces—one green and vibrant, the other a tangy blended salsa macha—in bear-shaped bottles, which will soon be available for purchase.

With its authentic offerings and cozy setting, Wayne & Sons is poised to become a staple in the East Village's dining scene.

Top Picks for Valentine's Day Dining in NYC

As Valentine's Day approaches, New York City offers a plethora of new dining destinations perfect for a romantic evening. Here are three notable recent openings to consider:

Kancil (Upper West Side): This Malaysian restaurant provides an intimate setting with a menu that includes dishes like nasi lemak and char kway teow, offering a flavorful journey through Southeast Asian cuisine.

Oncheon (East Village): Specializing in Korean fare, Oncheon presents a cozy atmosphere where guests can enjoy traditional dishes such as kimchi jjigae and bibimbap, making it an ideal spot for a warm and comforting Valentine's dinner.

Paris Bar Le Jardin inside Le Meridien Hotel (Upper West Side): For those seeking a classic French dining experience, Le Jardin offers a romantic ambiance complemented by a menu featuring coq au vin and ratatouille, transporting diners to the heart of France.

Each of these establishments provides a unique culinary experience, ensuring a memorable Valentine's Day celebration.

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