RESTAURANTS RISING UP! Just like our favorite cultural centers, NYC restaurants are making a strong comeback this fall, as creativity with outdoor dining continues to boom and the city allows restaurants to reopen

RESTAURANTS RISING UP!

BY BROOKE KELLY AND ALEX TRAVERS

THE POLO BAR / 212.207.8562

ONE OF NEW YORK’S most sought-after reservations, Ralph Lauren’s The Polo Bar is famous for its classic American fare, quality cocktails, and rich wood paneling interiors with equestrian décor and leather banquets. Celebrity guests are common sightings, like Meghan Markle, who dined there just last year during her visit to the city. Since March, the restaurant has been closed due to the pan- demic with no formal plan yet to open this fall, leaving its loyal customers won- dering when they’ll dine in the Midtown hotspot next. However, The Polo Bar is now allowing diners to bring the magical experience home through its high-qual- ity Manhattan delivery service. The Polo Bar at Home offers menu favorites like the Lobster Roll and the Burger, desserts like the Coconut Cake or Sundae Kit, as well as cocktails like the Ridgway Margarita and the Old Fashioned in readyto-pour, hand-sealed bottles. It also offer select wines, with sommeliers available to walk you through the best pairings for your meal. Those interested in this unique dining experience can call in to place orders up to one week in advance or same-day by 3 p.m. (although availability is limited).

This spread, clockwise from top left: The entrance of The Polo Bar; the Polo Bar at Home’s ready-to-pour cocktails; Ralph’s Coffee Ice Cream Sundae; a Polo Bar at Home package; a server exiting the restaurant to make a delivery.

Clockwise from above: The La Terrasse menu; restaurateur Charles Masson waves to customers; the dining room at Majorelle; the Majorelle picnic basket.

MAJORELLE / 212.935.2888

UPPER EAST SIDERS have frequented this elegant French restaurant in the Lowell Hotel since it opened in 2017. Reminiscent of a botanical oasis, Majorelle’s sophisticated dining room and adjoining year-round terrace, known as The Garden, closed early on in the pandemic. But in July, the hotel launched a casual curbside alternative, coined La Terrasse, with features from inside Majorelle like the large lush plants surrounding the tables. The a la carte menu includes items like Lamb Chops Grilled with Rosemary, Risotto with Parmesan, and the Jacques’ Burger et Frites. Additionally, they’ve just welcomed back guests to dine inside, which will be serving the classic Prix Fixe menu—perfect for special occasions. The restaurant will also continue the two delivery services launched during the pandemic: Majorelle at Home, which can be ordered same day from the a la carte menu, or The Picnic Basket, featuring a Price Fixe menu that must be pre-ordered at least 48 hours in advance.

AMARANTH / 212.980.6700

AMARANTH, LOCATED just off Madison Avenue on 62nd Street, has a simple approach to its delicious Mediterranean cuisine—a fusion of original Italian and French food, great hospitality, and the highest quality of ingredients in their recipes. In fact, a large portion of specialty items that the restaurant serves are imported from Italy and France. Amaranth’s famous Focaccia Robiola, its super fresh and tasty seafood, creative pastas, and perfectly al dente risottos, have attracted a dedicated fan base. They also offer outdoor dining and a terrace during the warm season, where you can taste delicious food or enjoy a cocktail (try their famous Frozen Cosmo!) before dinner. Amaranth—which also features a curated and well-balanced wine list—is the perfect choice for a fine dining experience or for an afternoon meal with the entire family. And for dessert, don’t forget to try their Valhona Chocolate Cake.

Clockwise, from top left: The outdoor dining experience at Amaranth is delightful; diners enjoy a late lunch in mid-September; the menu at Amaranth; tucked just off Madison Avenue, this social spot offers great drinks and dishes.

J.G. MELON / 212.744.0585

THIS BELOVED establishment has been situated at 74th and 3rd since 1972, and is more than a restaurant to locals— it’s a New York icon. When the pandemic hit, J.G. Melon opened a takeout window, and soon after expanded its outdoor seating arrangements. Now, everyone’s favorite burger joint is excited to welcome guests back to its indoor dining room. The spirit of J.G. Melon that everyone loves is still there—from the dedicated staff (who don matching watermelon printed face coverings) to the gingham checkered tablecloths—just with updated safety precautions. Tables are spaced six feet apart, and anyone entering the restaurant will be required to have their temperature taken, sanitize their hands, wear masks in common areas, and fill out a form in adherence with New York’s guidelines. The cozy, casual pub offers a menu with comfort dishes like buttery grilled cheese, burgers with sides such as cottage fries or pickles, and the must-order pecan pie warmed and topped with whipped cream. The food is simple but classic, and the ambience filled with neighborhood regulars cannot be replicated. The restaurant will continue its takeout service and pickup window that launched in March, and is still only accepting cash.

Counterclockwise from top right: J.G. Melon’s takeout window; the iconic J.G. Melon sign on the corner of 74th Street and 3rd Avenue; the J.G. Melon staff wearing their new watermelon printed face coverings; burgers and Bloody Marys on the iconic gingham tablecloths.

MILOS / 212.245.7400

MILOS HAS been open for outdoor dining on its terrace since June and will continue to stay open outdoors, as New Yorkers have embraced al fresco luxury dining. With safely spaced tables, umbrellas, string lights, and overhead tents, the experience is both comfortable and highly enjoyable. Milos is currently offering an expansive menu for takeout as well, which has proven popular for those who are staying at home. Takeout favorites include fresh market fish, Greek spreads, Greek salad, lobster pasta, and baklava. On September 30th, New York City opened indoor dining at 25% capacity, and Milos has reopened indoors at both New York locations: 55th Street in Midtown and also at Hudson Yards. Of course, the restaurant is taking every safety precaution and enforcing social distancing.

Clockwise from top left: The kitchen at Milos; delicious desserts; be sure to try some of the restaurant’s specialty cocktails; Milos has two location in New York, the first at 125 West 55th Street (pictured here) and the second at Hudson Yards.

COTE / 212.401.7986

THIS MICHELIN-STARRED Korean steakhouse in Flatiron is known for its lively ambience (perfect for groups!), creative cock- tails, and high-quality beef, which guests cook themselves on table- top smokeless grills. The restaurant has an outdoor setup, and is currently taking reservations for indoor dining, which is open at lim- ited capacity as of September 30th. In addition to Cote’s standard takeout and delivery services (which include pre-made cocktails in 500ML bottles), it also has an online butcher shop so New York- ers can order grill-at-home steak kits. Beyond New York, it also launched a national service via Goldbelly, so the unique experience can be enjoyed all over the county. The packages—perfect as a gift or for hosting a dinner party—serve up to six people and include not only USDA meats, but everything needed to mimic the restau- rant’s amazing meals like seasoning, pickled vegetables, sauces, and even salt. And not to be missed are the grilling and pairing tips from Executive Chef David Sim packed in each box.

Clockwise from top left: Diners in COTE’s outdoor setup over the summer; a waitress holding a tray of Frosé cocktails; a Goldbelly delivery package; meat ready to cook on a tabletop smokeless grill; COTE’s dining room, pre-pandemic, which is now open.

PRIMOLA / 212.758.1775

IT’S GOT the right look, and its food is delicious. Primola is adored by locals and it is easy to see why. With its delicious menu, great selections of wine, and clubby feel, it’s a spot you can happily visit a few times a week. The pastas at Primola are all special, and we highly recommend the veal dishes, especially the chop with stuffed black truffles. (Also noteworthy: Risotto Verde Con Asparagi, Pollo Al Balsamico E Rosmarino, and Bistecca Fiorentina.) They even offer seasonal wild game as a special. Over the summer, the outdoor space at Primola—located on Second Avenue between 65th and 64th Streets—was decorated tastefully, allowing for a wonderful dining experience, which Primola is continuing. The restaurant, however, is now open at a limited capacity indoors. If you haven’t already, be sure to stop in and give it a try.

From above: The outdoor dining experience at Primola is highly enjoyable; a selection of wine; Primola is located at 1226 2nd Avenue in Manhattan.

SETTE MEZZO / 212.472.0400

SETTE MEZZO’S food is simply delicious. The restaurant has a loyal following and great service, always catering to diner’s needs and food preferences. While Sette Mezzo does offer take out, over the spring the restaurant set up a beautiful outdoor space, covered by a tent, on Lexington Avenue that is both safe and inviting. It’s a pleasure to sit outside and enjoy lunch or a sunset dinner. The restaurant is now allowing limited capacity indoors, but the tented area will also remain open, and heat lamps help provide warmth on cooler nights. The calamari here is heavenly, as are the great selections of pastas, main courses, and specials. Just make sure you save room for coffee and dessert!

Sette Mezzo is located at 969 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan and offers a wonderful outdoor dining experience with excellent service. Sette Mezzo is allowing limited capacity indoors as of September 30th, but the tented area will also remain open—and heat lamps help provide warmth on cooler nights.

LE BILBOQUET/ 212.751.3036

NEW YORKERS love Le Bilboquet. It’s always been such a social spot, where diners have a blast talking to their neighbors over delicious cocktails and dishes. (Be sure to try their famous

Moule Frites and the signature Le Poulet Cajun.)

At Le Bilboquet, spirits are always high. When the restaurant temporary closed to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in New York City, they helped raise money for employees—including cooks, servers, busers, runners, porters, Maitre Ds and bartenders. But Le Bilboquet has been offering outdoor dining for quite some time and has just opened at a limited capacity as of September 30th. Make your reservations and get ready for a fun-packed night. Or hop on their website to order takeout and chic merchandise.

Karen Klopp and Jack Lynch enjoy the outdoor dining experinece at Le Bilboquet, located at 20 East 60th Street in Manhattan. Le Bilboquet has been offering outdoor dining since the spring and is open at a limited capacity as of the end of September, following state and city safety procedures. Visit lebilboquetny.com to order takeout and view menus. Don’t forget to try Le Bilboquet’s famous Cajun Chicken and pommes frites (inset).

From left: The Mark’s Michelin-star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten created a special “All Day” Menu for The Mark Hotel Terrace, The Mark Hotel Patio, room service, curbside pickup, and delivery by Caviar; there is even a special Doggie Menu for guests who

travel with their furry friends; inside The Mark Hotel.

THE MARK / 212.744.4300

AT A TIME when New York is slowly returning to the new normal, with everybody keen on getting back in the thick of things after Labor Day, The Mark Hotel—who was the first luxury hotel to proudly reopen its doors on June 15—has been hard at work to create a safe a fun space for outdoor dining. (Indoor dining will also open at limited capacity.) The Mark was honored twice by Travel + Leisure, who named it the number one “city hotel” in the U.S., highlighting The Mark as not only the safest place to stay, but also the very best hotel in the city. As for seasonal recipes, The Mark’s Michelin-star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten created an “All Day” Menu for The Mark Hotel Terrace, The Mark Hotel Patio, room service, curbside pickup, and delivery by Caviar. There is even a special Doggie Menu for guests who travel with their furry friends. We hope your pups get a chance to try! u

Slim Aarons An Everlasting Presence

BY ELIZABETH MEIGHER

WHEN LAURA HAWK first met photographer Slim Aarons during their initial interview, he was exactly as she will always remember him: “upbeat, self-satisfied, and wearing a boyish grin.” The pair would go on to work together for over a decade. As Laura told the Wall Street Journal: “By the end of the ’80s, Slim and I had logged more than 400,000 miles of travel, exploring some of the most dazzling enclaves of exclusivity in the world and reporting on the people, particularly the women, who frequented them—from Babe Paley, Marilyn Monroe and Marlene Dietrich to Jacqueline Kennedy, C.Z. Guest and the Duchess of Windsor.” Slim knew, “he’d have a better chance of being ushered into their worlds if he wasn’t trailing a throng of assistants carrying bags and equipment. His streamlined method of operation was to carry a stainless-steel briefcase with one camera—first a Leica, later a Nikon—plus a backup body, a couple of lenses and a light meter. Nothing more...” Be sure to catch “Slim Aarons The High Life” currently available on Amazon Prime, with a cameo appearance by Quest’s Publisher and CEO, Chris Meigher.