Pan-roasted halibut is paired with summer ratatouille at Cafe Boulud.
Credit: Cafe Boulud
As if steady warm temps, al fresco dining and sunsets that get later and later weren’t enough to keep New York diners happy, many local favorites are rolling out summer menus — all designed with freshness and flavor in mind. Read on for our picks.
Chef Jesse Schenker recently launched a new summer supper special at Recette, his West Village eatery. Guests can choose four plates (one snack, two plates and a dessert) from the nightly dinner menu for $40, nightly from 5:30-7 p.m. Check out his new seasonal dishes too, including grilled cobia with cucumber “kimchi” crema, chili and mizuna.
328 W. 12th St., 212-414-3000
At Tocqueville, a New American spot off Union Square, Chef de Cuisine Jason Lawless makes the most of the nearby greenmarket and is launching a summer menu in the spirit of eating fresh and local. The weekly three-course menu is available for lunch ($39) and dinner ($55). Wine pairings, chosen by Master Sommelier and Beverage Director Roger Dagorn, are available for an additional $30. The seasonal menu (think rhubarb, summer tomatoes and sweet corn) will be offered throughout the end of August and will change weekly, based on availability of market ingredients.
1 E. 15th St., 212-647-1515
On the Lower East Side, Black Tree Sandwich Shop is launching a summer sandwich happy hour which will be available daily from 4-8 p.m. The Summer Sandwich Board features a chef’s tasting of three slider-size sandwiches for $9, allowing newbies to sample some signature sandwiches in smaller bites. Look for the Spring Mushroom Sandwich with white wine- and herb-marinated cremini mushrooms, sautéed kale, onion, garlic and Landaff cheese. Also on hand: unlimited $4 pints of New York craft beer and $6 glasses of Long Island wine on tap.
131 Orchard St., 212-533-4684
On Friday evenings from July 12th through Labor Day at Cafe Boulud, Chef Gavin Kaysen presents a menu of fresh seafood and summer selections changing weekly — three courses paired with three wines for $68. Included in the rotating menu are Blue Point Oysters with cucumber mignonette and pan-roasted halibut with summer ratatouille in a basil pesto broth. And check out the wine pairings focused on the South of France – all better to transport diners.
20 E. 76th St., 212-772-2600
New summer openings
Potatopia is dedicated to all things potato, with endless variations. Mix and match your tuber in its many forms — four types, prepared nine ways, with lots of toppings and house-made sauces.
378 Sixth Ave., no phone yet, www.potatopia.com
In the old Lucky Cheng’s space comes Pride and Joy Bar B Que, where three-time world barbecue champion pitmaster Myron Mixon is launching his first ‘cue restaurant in the Big Apple. Look for slow- and low-cooked Georgia-style smoked ribs, pulled pork and southern desserts, including deep fried s’mores brownie and peach cobbler.
24 First Ave., no phone number yet, www.prideandjoybbq.com
New to Bushwick is King Noodle, where Chef Nick Subic draws inspiration from Asian cuisine – reinterpreting Thai, Japanese and Chinese dishes – and putting his own spin on them. Try the kimchee carbonara and spicy wings with three skulls sauce.
1045 Flushing Ave., Brooklyn 718-456-6543
At The Elm, located in the King & Grove Hotel, Chef Paul Liebrandt will make his Brooklyn debut, no doubt to much anticipation. New Yorkers on either side of the East River are looking forward to Liebrandt’s new take on French European fare.
160 N. 12th St., Brooklyn, no phone number yet
