Pepsi Dig In held a pop-up at the newly opened SAINT in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan in honor of Pepsi Dig In Day. The event served as a preview for 2024’s Pepsi Dig In Day, a day spent encouraging diners to attend Black-owned restaurants.
Standing at the outdoor waterside terrace, I close my eyes. My mind, still searching for the sensory overload that comes with a city like NYC, soon learns to shut out which it constantly hears, and slows down.
As a man about this town I’ll be the first to tell you NYC’s nightlife has a new star: Vintage Green, the newest rooftop bar located at 303 Lexington Avenue atop The Shelburne Sonesta New York. On Tuesday, July 23, the much-anticipated launch party pulled out all the stops, offering guests a night to remember.
Nestled in the shadow of the High Line is the opening of the latest new American restaurant, promising good eats and amazing cocktails. On my visit, I was astounded by the nature-inspired decor, the fresh flavors, and natural ingredients, and really appreciated the workers’ enthusiastic attitudes and willingness to pause and strike up a conversation.
On Wednesday, June 12th, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of AFURI Ramen + Dumpling in Williamsburg. From the moment I entered, the warmth and kindness of the staff stood out, enhancing the entire guest experience—a rarity in New York.
Bake‘N Bacon is a black-owned restaurant by Kelvin Alexander and Justin Coleman. The restaurant embodies a good time and good eats.
New York’s elite gathered at Somewhere Nowhere (112 W. 25th Street) in Chelsea on Wednesday, May 22nd, for a memorable day-to-night soirée celebrating the start of pool season and the launch of a new wellness program.
As the blue light gently washed over us upon entry, encapsulating the essence of Manhattan’s majestic skyline, Son Cubano proved to be more than a dining experience—it was a journey into the glamour days of 1930’s Havana.
Picture this: you walk into a family restaurant with four of your closest buddies. The individual that greets you is immediately at attention, and politely says, “We’ve been waiting for you.” You follow him to a secluded upstairs table, as he gently picks up and removes the placard that says, “Reserved.” As you take a seat, he announces, “There will be a special menu for you all tonight.”
Bruschetta Pizza: simply delectable
This scenario seems to be straight out of an episode of The Sopranos, and yet there I was, living it in real life. I had been invited to Da Nico Ristorante in downtown Manhattan, which possessed “Tony’s Table”, a special table used as a shrine to The Sopranos and surrounded by The Sopranos memorabilia. Here, in honor of the 25th anniversary of the show, we received a special menu that contained items named with references to the show, such as the Vesuvius Scrapiello or the Not For Tony. A cocktail menu with a similar naming system was provided as well. I felt like I had the power and luxury of a gangster, and for once could understand what it felt like to be in Tony’s shoes.
Not For Tony, but for me
The waiter started us off with a bottle of wine and several appetizers, including a bruschetta pizza, a plate of cold cuts and cheeses, and a plate of hot antipasti that included samples of chicken or cheese finger food. Everyone was extremely attentive and constantly brought new and exciting things for us to try, and we loved every bite of it.
Each plate was perfect
When it came time for the entrees, I know I had to get the Not For Tony, a Sopranos-spin on the classic Eggplant Parmesan. My friends ordered Carmela’s Baked Ziti and an Agent Harris Marsala, and like family, we shared it all.
Cheers.
After that terrific meal, the waiters brought over some desserts, which included a plate of fresh fruit and a plate of zeppole, an italian pastry covered in powdered sugar. We also each were given a shot of a green sweet liquor, which we cheersed and downed simultaneously. As I sat back, I reflected upon the parallels between where I was now and Tony’s restaurant frequents with his friends. Sure, I did not have a criminal empire, but I had friends that I treated like family, laughs, and good food, all of which Tony was very familiar with.
Visit Da Nico Ristorante to see Tony’s Table for yourself, and try some of the best food I have had in recent memory for yourself.
The rich and fascinating history of New York City cannot be told fully without sharing the story of Delmonico’s.