Restaurant Reviews

CATHÉDRALE Restaurant Bistro Nights-French Restaurant & Summer Restaurant Week

CATHÉDRALE Restaurant serves French-Mediterranean food, and part of the renowned Tao Group, located inside the Moxy Hotel in New York City’s vibrant East Village is featuring a Bistro Nights 3 course, Prix Fixe menu for $60, and $15 specialty cocktails, curated French wines by the glass ($14-$16) or 15 oz. carafes ($25-$29), and a $10 table-side Ricard Patis Aperitif. This menu is available from July 7th (July 7-20) 2025, for French Restaurant Week, and (July 21-August 30) 2025, as part of NYC Summer Restaurant Week.

 

There’s a certain magic to a summer evening in France with the soft clink of glasses beneath vine-laced trellises. At Cathédrale, that feeling is poured into every detail of the new Le Bistro summer menu: a love letter to the quiet elegance of the French Mediterranean and the effortless charm of a Parisian terrace at dusk. a menu with just the right amount of indulgence, wrapped in the glow of summer.

 

At Cathédrale, that feeling is poured into every detail of the new Le Bistro summer menu: a love letter to the quiet elegance of the French Mediterranean and the effortless charm of a Parisian terrace at dusk. A menu with just the right amount of indulgence, wrapped in the glow of summer.

 

 

Seated beneath the stars on the open terrace or inside the breathtaking dining room with its soaring cathedral ceilings and moody, flickering light, the atmosphere is transportive. There’s a sense of grandeur, but it whispers rather than declares with vaulted ceilings that stretch skyward, echoing the quiet drama of an old-world Parisian landmark, balanced by the intimacy of flickering candles and low, murmured conversations. It’s a space that invites you to settle in, stay awhile, and let the evening unfold.

 

         

Oysters du Jour/Classic French duck terrine/Petite Filet Al Cros Sauce with spinach/Atlantic Halibut White asparagus, ramps, lemon Beurre Blanc, Golden Trout Roe/Rotisserie chicken with Mustard Jus/ Mamie Cornu Chocolate Mousse.

 

The Oeufs Mayonnaise, Leeks Vinaigrette, and Foie Gras Mousse, while mains balance comfort and refinement, from Rotisserie Chicken Chasseur with Pommes Frites to Striped Bass, Leeks, Beurre Rouge, and a Petit Filet Au Poivre ‘Paul Bert’ a nod to the iconic café in Paris. Desserts like Chocolate Mousse a la Cornu and Strawberry Tarte Tropezienne provide a cool, nostalgic finish. ($25-$29) as well as a table-side Ricard Pastis Aperitif ($10) rooted in tradition and ritual.
A few of the standout cuisine offerings we enjoyed are also featured on the seasonal Le Bistro à la carte menu.

 

For the second year in a row, Cathédrale has been recognized by Wine Spectator in its 2024 Restaurant Awards, honoring the world’s best restaurants for wine.

 

Experience Chef Jason Hall’s bold twist on French Mediterranean classic food, and a gorgeous night out—without the high price tag at Cathédrale’s Le Bistro and be sure to book ahead—this favorite eatery fills up fast.

 

Cathédrale Restaurant
112 E 11th St.
Reservations- 212-888-1093
Info- moxyeastvillage.com/cathedrale

IL FIGLIO ENOTECA Restaurant On The Hudson Fishkill, NY
IL FIGLIO ENOTECA- Scott Rosenberg, a CIA-trained chef and restaurateur, has made a name for himself with this newly opened restaurant that specializes in contemporary Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. This culinary destination, in an impressive two-story space with expansive ceilings and a visually stunning interior that commands attention is located in the heart of Fishkill, NY,  Hudson Valley.

 

The service at IL FIGLIO ENOTECA is welcoming, with an attentive and knowledgeable team that exudes a genuine passion for hospitality. The portions are generously satisfying, while the cocktails are bold, flavorful, and never shy on the spirits, ensuring every sip packs a satisfying punch.

 

                                     Food Highlights

GAMBERONI APPETIZER–  Sautéed American Gulf shrimp, in a luxuriously tangy, gorgonzola sauce .

 

BEEF CARPACCIO APPETIZER– Ruffle aioli, crispy Brussels sprout leaves, shallots, and grana padano that’s fresh, tender, and  large enough for two people to share.

 

   

VEAL CHOP ENTREE– Marinated and grilled 16 oz veal chop, herb-infused golden, caramelized crust, haricots verts, whipped potatoes, brandy au poivre sauce and forest mushrooms with a hearty, robust taste.

 

TAGLIATELLE ENTREE– Fresh ribbons of egg pasta, shrimp, bay scallops, calamari, garlic, tomato and basil delivers both a rustic  & refined taste.

 

 

 

     

IL FIGLIO ENOTECA has become a beloved destination, drawing both locals and discerning crowds from nearby Cold Spring. With its captivating ambiance and exceptional cuisine, this eatery is an ideal spot for a memorable  outing. Visit during the Summer season for brunch or an elegant dinner, offering a picturesque setting  for those seeking a scenic/culinary escape in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Make sure to book reservations at the new dining  hot spot.

 

IL FIGLIO ENOTECA
992 Main Street Fishkill, NY 12524
+18458363015
www.figlioenoteca.com

Tootles and French Wins Award For USA Today's Best New USA Restaurant 2025

Tootles and French Restaurant and Wine Bar on Ditmars Blvd in Astoria Queens is owned and run by Chad Goldsmith and co-owned with Vanessa Massas, received a prestigious award for “USA Today’s Best New Restaurant In The Country”. This award has been achieved in only one year of opening this establishment with articles in multiple publications, including the New York Post review- “Carefully curated selection of wines that pair with the refined dishes and elegant ambiance serving guests a “sophisticated dining experience.”

Walking into Tootles & French I was greeted by a warm, inviting ambiance. The polished wood accents and glimmering lights creates a sophisticated yet cozy setting . The food features an ever-evolving seasonal menu with inventive fusion style small plates, charcuterie, cheese boards, sandwiches and entrees complimented by wine selections. The bread and most of the desserts & pastas are made in-house with fish and meat carefully sourced. Chad welcomed us with impressive expertise, providing detailed insights as he guided us through the selection of cocktails, sangrias, and specialty spirits. Chad also introduced a range of apéritifs, digestifs, brandies, cognacs, and armagnacs, offering thoughtful pairing suggestions with our food selections, including desserts. The restaurant has a vibrant performance space to enjoy live music and comedy acts after dinner and on the weekends, for an extra layer of fun to the evening.”

          Mixed Board*

                        

Tootles and French is a short walk from the N train to Manhattan, making it easily accessible and popular with the locals, and gaining recognition with visitors. We left the restaurant in a blissful state, having thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and the thoughtful pairings. “It was impossible to ignore the sense that even more exciting developments are on the horizon for this exceptional spot and its visionary owner.”Tootles & French is at the forefront of the new wave of upscale dining on Ditmars Blvd, helping to spark a restaurant revolution in Astoria.

 

Tootles and French

3615 Ditmars Blvd,

Astoria, NY 11105

Mon-Fri: Lunch 12 PM – 4 PM)

Sat-Sun: Brunch 11 AM – 3 PM

For Reservations and Events visit- tootlesandfrench.com

 

Bread And Stone New Restaurant Opening NYC

Bread and Stone is a fine-dining Italian restaurant and gourmet bread shop, located in the East Village that opened their doors on October 2023. Gia Farrell a mixologist, musician and makeup artist along with Zach Neil Executive Chef are the proud owners of this establishment. Gia Farrell also owns another establishment with Zach Neil named Beetle House, a Tim Burton film-themed pseudo, speakeasy with an immersive atmosphere on the same block. 

Zach boasts a rich history in owning and operating various restaurants and beverage ventures. His extensive background also includes working as an executive chef. The menu includes a variety of focaccia in pairs of slices, half, or whole loaves, salads like a table-made Caesar, and pizza options like the Tartufo di Parmigiano, baked on custom stone sourced from the mountains in West Virginia. The delightful desserts are also home made with amazing crust shells. The Food program will be prepared by Pizzaiolo Guiseppe Ronaldi who comes from six generations of Italian bread makers in Sambuca di Sicilia.

Bread and Stone Distinguishes itself from the rest, with outstanding home made gourmet bread, meticulously crafted from premium, wholesome ingredients, with the option of gluten-free flour. Adding to the culinary experience are delectable cocktails, thoughtfully crafted by owner, Gia Farrell, perfectly complementing the savory menu. The overall ambiance is enhanced with curated music entertainment, that promises a whimsical and enjoyable atmosphere for both diners and patrons alike.

Stop in for an all-around good time-
308 E 6th St, 
New York, NY 10003
FOR RESERVATION, RENTAL OR PARTY REQUESTS
Open Weds-Sunday 4pm-10pm

 

City Winery NYC Pier Fifty-Seven 4 course Wine Pairing

City Winery NYC Pier Fifty-Seven 4 course Wine Pairing

City Winery in Hudson Park NYC has over 32,000 sq feet & 990 seating capacity that holds a City Winery & Wine store with an expansive wine list of 1,200 bottles from over 20 countries and the biggest NY bar and restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating overlooking the Hudson River. There is also a performance venue where you can see numerous acts up close and personal with surround-sound state of the art acoustics.

On August 17th City Winery’s new Executive Chef, Henry Fiorillo hosted a four course intimate dining experience in their winery to celebrate Summer on the Pier with a BBQ inspired tasting menu along with wine pairing with Sommelier Drew Brightbill and the wine selection curated by their Beverage Director Denise Prykanowsk. I had a wonderful experience in the iconic city vineyard space with flavorful southern dishes slow cooked for tenderness matched with a perfect wine pairing to bring out the foods savory, sweet complex flavors.

                                 

For the Summer Edition of NYC Restaurant Week that continues through the end of July and into August for the  prix-fixe three course lunch and dinner menu to celebrate the 30th anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week. Both menus feature summer season entrées and all courses have suggested wine pairings to compliment the dishes. Reservations for lunch or dinner are available through Resy.com and walk-in seating is also available.

Picture a perfect evening where you enjoy a dinner/wine pairing while viewing the Hudson river then stroll next-door to their music venue to listen to an awesome performance by your favorite band while sipping wine from City Winery’s own vintage. After the show a favorite wine you had enjoyed that evening is​ available at the wine store to take home for a memorable experience.

City Vineyard returns for Vino Vinyasa; the all-level yoga class is followed by a wine pairing session to keep your bliss going longer. Commemorative bottles of the wines pair perfectly with the seafood tower on their summer menu and available at the event.

Sunday – Thursday 12PM-10PM / Friday & Saturday 12PM-11PM

25 11TH AVE AT PIER 57 AT HUDSON RIVER PARK, NEW YORK, NY 10011 646.751.6033

Click on Link for wines/menus & live acts/performances citywinery.co

Kabob with home made BBQ beans & succulent Chipotle Baby Back Ribs/St. Urbans-Hof Nik Weis ‘From Old Vines’ Estate Reisling Mosel, Germany 2018

Voodoo Chicken Kabob with BBQ baked beens, charred brisket ends/City Winery Chardonnay Scopus Vineyard, CA 2020

 
Chipotle Baby Back Ribs with rasberry chipotle BBQ sauce sauteed collard greens/
Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel “Three Valleys” Sonoma County, CA 2017

Brisket Texas-styled with Mac & 3 Cheese/vente Pinot Noir “Riva Ranch” Arroyo Seco CA 2014

 

Bourbon soaked Apple Tart
La Pulperia NYC: Upper East Side Latin American Dining Scene #lapulperianyc

La Pulperia is a gem to the Upper East Side and Latin American dining scene. The restaurant group is co-owned by Victor Medina and Head Chef Carlos Barroz, with additional NYC locations in Hell’s Kitchen and Midtown East. 

The food takes inspiration from simple Latin American dishes with influences from Spain and Italy. Decorated with handcrafted tiles from Mexico, reclaimed wood from Brazil, abundant displays of seasonings, oils and wine.

There is  an inviting Bar showcasing Tequila bottles and a  3 piece latin Jazz band led by a singer/percussionist all put together to create a rustic ambience that have diners feeling warm and relaxed.We started the night off with La Pulperia special handcrafted cocktails.

I had the Upper East Side Lady, made with strawberry infused gin, lavender nectar and gold flakes and my guest had the Añejo Margarita with Espolon Tequila Añejo, Cointreau Noir & fresh lime juice. Both were refreshing and well-made.

 
 

La Pulperia’s menu is loaded with fresh seafood, meat, and produce and quality top shelf ingredients. Chef Barroz carefully selects the flavours for each dish, ensuring that every mouthful is well balanced.We dived into the starters menu with classics like Lobster Taquitos, Empanadas, and Fried Oysters fresh and exotically put together. 

I especially liked the Lobster Taquitos made with crispy wonton shells, grilled pineapple, avocado cream and a spicy Kewpie mayo while my companion had the Fried Oysters with black ink tempura, cream spinach, blue cheese and creamy chipotle mayo. Both dishes exotically flavorful. We indulged in the Raw Bar selection with Tuna Tiradito, Shrimp Ceviche, El Salmon Brulee fresh all fresh with a soft palate taste. Try all three with the Crudo Tasting.

Signature menu items such as the Organic Hanger Steak from Uruguay and Chilean Verlasso Salmon are all-time favourites, and are accompanied by 5 cazuelitas: Eggplant Chambota, Celery Root Gratin, Grilled Broccoli Rabe, Spinach Mac & Cheese, and Chimichurri Sauce.

However seafood is clearly the real star of the menu with dishes like Crab Meat Black Ravioli with handmade pasta and a fragrant saffron clam sauce and the gluten free Moqueca Mixta made with fresh squid, shrimp, mussels, white fish, scallops, soy beans, Spanish chorizo, bacala served with a  green coconut rice.

For those with a sweet tooth, La Pulperia’s dessert menu won’t let you down. I enjoyed one of their specialities – the Mezcal Chocolate Mousse! Made with Riazuelo Classico Juven, olive oil flourless cake, popcorn toffee, espresso crumbs and 24K edible gold flakes.

 

La Pulperia welcomes their guests to join in on the fun with cooking and mixology classes open for bookings. But they don’t stop at food – they have a whole week filled with events! With Brazilian Jazz nights on Mondays and all day Happy Hour, as well as Tuesday – Friday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Sundays from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.Ladies Nights are on Tuesdays with all females receiving a complimentary drink from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Weekends at La Pulperia are perfect for brunch lovers with their legendary Drag Brunches. La Pulperia is a beloved restaurant group to all NYC foodies and Latin American culture fans. Chef Barroz brings more than just food to the table with a refined take on Latin American cuisine and twists on well-known classics along with entertainment making for every Eastside Foodie’s Delight. 

For more information and booking visit – lapulperianyc.com

Top Holiday Season NY Restaurants

Restaurant Review: GABY BRASSERIE FRANÇAISE for OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award 2018 #GabyNYC

The Gaby Brasserie Française restaurant recently opened in the Sofitel Hotel NYC between fifth and sixth Avenue and 44th street amidst some of the city’s best attractions within 5 minutes walking distance to Broadway shows, Times Square and art galleries. The Gaby Brasserie Française attracts theatre goers, offering exclusive theatre menus for patrons to enjoy their meal before or after the show. 

Gaby Brasserie Francaise has received an OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award 2018 – recognised as an outstanding restaurant  based on feedback from thousands of local diners so I had to come in to review this new eatery.

Upon entering the hostess greeted our party warmly and entered into an ambience that felt calming yet dynamic. The décor is a mix of modern and traditional that features a variety of art. The arrangement of the seating and furniture is elegant; complementing the smooth italian marble flooring.

Gaby’s offers a daily menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bakery goods are made daily and a wide selection of contemporary, traditional, fusion and even low-calorie styled dishes are available. You can sample an endless brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday between 12 and 3 pm. The restaurant offers a fine selection of champagne, wine, and whiskey to complement the food. 

Executive Chef Robert Hohmann’s comes from an classic French and American cuisine background and makes practically everything from scratch using the freshest ingredients including freshly prepared stock, gravy simmering for hours for a taste infused with the main ingredients to create an authentic flavor.

              

The french onion soup with fresh beef consomme tasted amazing probably the best I ever had. The rib eye steak is handpicked by the Chef himself and aged perfectly which for me is about two weeks for just the right amount of tenderness and full flavor paired with the robust brown sauce complimenting the natural flavor of the steak. The fresh seafood has a rich, smooth texture. The vegetarian dishes taste as if picked the same day day including the finger potatoes and the baby mushrooms.

Gaby Brasserie Française is inside the Sofitel Hotel convenient for catering private events; whether it’s a special dinner, weddings or a conference at one of Sofitel’s many meeting rooms.

I was pleasantly surprised on many levels on my dining experience at The Gaby and highly recommend adding this eatery to the list of places to visit for tourists and locals alike where you can get an extraordinarily authentic experience of French food in true NYC style.

For Info and reservation visit here – gabynyrestaurant.com 

Restaurant Review: ZAVŌ Mediterranean Restaurant and Lounge @Zavonyc

ZAVŌ is a newly opened luxury quintessential Mediterranean restaurant in NYC set over two floors, offering a varied and exciting 5-star fine dining experience alongside fascinating and unique live shows, creating a wonderful modern twist on the traditional ‘dinner and a show’ evenings out.

ZAVŌ offers a large brunch and light lunch menu as well as a seasonal a la carte menu filled with exactly the type of foods you would expect to see in a traditional Mediterranean restaurant. Fish dishes are heavily showcased offering you a wide range including but not limited to calamari, tuna, sea bass and octopus. There are plenty of mediterranean meat specialities and staples such as olives, feta, vine-ripened tomatoes available on ZAVŌ’s broad menus.

       

Of course, it wouldn’t be a traditional Mediterranean meal without a decent wine cellar available and ZAVŌ’s doesn’t disappoint. With a large white wine list to complement a beautifully prepared fish dish or choose a red, rose or champagne from an international variety for that perfect pairing. The first-floor entrance located at 1011 3rd Ave, New York opens its doors to a modern, clean and well-lit restaurant setting where you can either enjoy a cocktail served at a sleek marble bar or treat yourself to a beautifully presented appetizer before being escorted to your table.

      

The second floor can be accessed from a private entrance on East 60th Street. You will be greeted by an intimate piano lounge and bar before you are escorted to one of three private dining rooms for 20- 60 seat sitting Déjà vu, Rendezvous and the crystal room. Each room is decorated with crisp white leather seats, ambient lighting and beautiful original artwork separated by sliding walls that easily combine for up to 60 guests offering you a unique and private dining experience.

The Déjà vu room has an intimate feel to it, with room for 20-40 seated guests and floor to ceiling windows offering you a view of New York City’s 3rd Avenue. The Rendezvous room has an intimate feel to the room, owing largely in part to the modern décor and lighting. Using the sliding walls allows for 20-60 seated guests making ZAVŌ’s private dining rooms one of the best places to bring and dine clients.

The Crystal room however is the jewel of ZAVŌ’s private rooms and the largest of the three dining rooms, offering luxury dining under a magnificent chandelier and overlooking Trump plaza. This room is perfect for larger parties where an intimate setting is needed

      

What sets ZAVŌ apart are their unique live entertainment shows where you dine to the chef’s special menu which is served to you whilst you enjoy a varied and extravagant evening show such as their recent venetian mystery night and  upcoming show fifty shades of ZAVŌ.  With combined fine dining/theatre level entertainment makes this restaurant one of the places to book for your next evening out. Imagine being in a lavish party setting with a wide variety of mediterranean faire while fulfilling all your senses that’s ZAVŌ.

For more info and reservations visit here zavonyc.com

 

HTML Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com