🚕 Yelp Announces Best Restaurant of 2024

Good morning, NY!

Goodbyes are never easy. And today, we’re unfortunately doing just that.

A beloved Thai spot in Carroll Gardens is closing shop at the end of this month.

But, like a Hydra, if you shut down one beloved food spot in NY, two more will spring up to take its place.

Today, we’re covering some bittersweet goodbyes, new openings, and a few restaurants that were just recognized as being Culinary Excellence.

So, let’s dive right in and see what’s new in NYC this week.

Ugly Baby Announces Closure in Carroll Gardens

Ugly Baby, the beloved Thai restaurant in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, is preparing to close its doors permanently by the end of this month.

Known for its intensely flavorful and fiery dishes, the restaurant has been a favorite among locals and visitors since it opened in 2017.

Over the years, it has built a loyal following for its uncompromisingly authentic approach to Thai cuisine, which often includes some of the spiciest dishes in the city.

Chef Sirichai Sreparplarn, the mastermind behind Ugly Baby’s unique menu, plans to take a break and focus on writing a cookbook following the closure.

The decision to close marks the end of an era for the Carroll Gardens dining scene, leaving a void for fans of its daring culinary offerings.

You still have a few weeks to savor the bold flavors that made Ugly Baby a standout in NYC's crowded restaurant landscape as they’re set to close on 12/22.

Social handles: Google Maps: 4.5 | Yelp: 4.2 | Instagram

Mēdüzā Mediterrania Tops Yelp's Best New Restaurants of 2024

Yelp has released its list of the top 25 new restaurants for 2024, and Mēdüzā Mediterrania, located in NYC's Meatpacking District, claimed the number one spot.

Known for its upscale Mediterranean menu and boho-chic interior, the restaurant has quickly become a hotspot for celebrities, attracting notable figures like Taylor Swift and Cardi B.

The lively ambiance is enhanced by live music, adding to the overall exclusive and vibrant dining experience.

Mēdüzā Mediterrania also enforces a strict dress code, ensuring that diners match the venue's fashionable vibe.

This attention to detail has solidified its reputation as a standout addition to New York City’s dining scene.

Its unique combination of inventive dishes, stylish decor, and a celebratory atmosphere has captured the attention of food critics and casual diners alike, propelling it to the top of Yelp's prestigious list.

Social handles: Google Maps: 4.1 | Yelp: 3.8 | Instagram

Resurgence of Grand Dining Establishments in NYC

New York City is experiencing a revival of grand dining establishments, with large-scale, opulent restaurants opening in several neighborhoods.

Among them is Time and Tide by Kent Hospitality Group, featuring a 150-seat dining room and a menu that combines comforting favorites with luxurious touches.

Another notable addition is Daniel Boulud’s La Tête d’Or, which brings elegance and ambition to the city’s dining scene.

These expansive venues are often created in collaboration with real estate developers to draw diners back to commercial spaces, many of which have struggled to regain their pre-pandemic activity levels.

With their grand designs and lavish menus, these restaurants reflect a renewed interest in extravagant dining experiences.

They also cater to a clientele looking for more than just a meal—offering atmosphere, scale, and the ability to indulge.

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On this tour, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of festive homes, learn the history behind the tradition, and soak in the magic of the season without worrying about the logistics.

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Serendipity 3 to Open New Times Square Location

Serendipity 3, an iconic NYC restaurant known for its frozen hot chocolate, is expanding to Times Square.

Its new location will be situated on West 47th Street within the OYO Times Square hotel and is expected to open later this year.

Since its founding in 1954, Serendipity 3 has operated exclusively from its East 60th Street location, attracting celebrities and locals alike.

The Times Square venue will mirror the charm of the original while incorporating bolder, contemporary design elements.

The menu will largely stay consistent, with the addition of some exclusive items to cater to the high tourist traffic in the area.

This expansion aims to meet the overwhelming demand at the original location, with an expected revenue boost to nearly double its current annual earnings of $8 million to $12 million.

Despite Times Square's historically challenging restaurant scene, industry experts are optimistic about the venture's success, given the brand's enduring popularity.

Social handles: Google Maps: 4.1 | Yelp: 3.2 | Instagram

Eater New York Awards Recognize City's Culinary Excellence

Eater New York has announced the winners of its 2024 awards, honoring several standout restaurants and bars across the city.

This year, Kisa took the title of Best New Restaurant for its innovative Korean-inspired menu, earning praise for its creativity and execution.

Kanyakumari was recognized as the Sleeper Hit, with its diverse Indian flavors capturing the attention of diners and critics alike.

Le Veau d’Or, a historic establishment, was awarded Best Comeback after reopening with a modernized style that still honors its original charm.

Meanwhile, Carnitas Ramirez claimed the title of Best Counter-Service Spot, celebrated for its authentic and flavorful taco offerings.

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