Simon and the Whale
“Simon and the Whale provides the comfort and warmth of a childhood spent seaside or in a bed and breakfast town – whether you grew up by the sea or wish you had, this restaurant proves it can transport one meal at a time.”
There’s something about the American coast that evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia — something about growing up in a sleepy New England town meant for whale watching and harvesting the day’s catch. Imagine smoke, fog, cliffs, light houses and the crash of waves — this very something is what seafood menu dreams are made on.
Enter Simon and the Whale, the not-so-sleepy and charming “neighborhood bar” located within the popular Freehand New York hotel in the Flatiron District. Parts quaint, parts warmth, fully New York and oh-so-sophisticated, this restaurant and bar is, perhaps, restaurateur Gabriel Stulman’s answer to dining somewhere that feels very close to home.
Upon arrival, the restaurant feels very warm, dimly lit, the perfect place for reflection or a boozy night cap. The 76-seat restaurant space which features dark and moody wood-paneling, green tufted upholstery and brass light fixtures has a high-end feel, but is both warm and welcoming. Additionally, while the menu seems Mediterranean (which we also love), a closer look throws that notion out the window.
For starters, a must at Simon and the Whale is to try the restaurant’s trademark black bread (made of pumpernickel) served with taramasalata and smoked mussels served simply with wheat crackers (mmm). Or, if you’re like me and can’t wait til after dinner for dessert, order the sweet potato crostini to satisfy any sweet tooth craving. As far as entrees go, there’s more than one haunting meal. Try the ricotta gnocchi, squid ink tagliatelle (ah, squid ink) and the wild striped bass served in a warm and tasty tomato broth (yes, please)! There’s absolutely no room for ordering error, as this menu is nothing but delicious comfort food for busy New Yorkers.
Hmm, with a beautiful interior and an unfussy menu, Simon and the Whale provides the comfort and warmth of a childhood spent seaside or in a bed and breakfast town – whether you grew up by the sea or wish you did, Simon and the Whale proves it can transport one warm meal at a time.
Black Tail
“Imagine yourself a socialite or debutante in 1920s Cuba escaping the dry laws of the United States, if even for a few hours, and rubbing elbows with both the military and literary elite… think daiquiris, Hemingway, pearls and cigars.”
Located in the Pier A Harbor House in New York’s Battery Park City and brought to you by the makers of Dead Rabbit, Grocery and Grog (also in Lower Manhattan), is Black Tail, a Cuban-esque restaurant and bar inspired by the days of Prohibition when privileged Americans would flee the United States and jet set to Cuba for the weekend in pursuit of drinking pleasures.
Enter the downstairs lobby of this venue and immediately transport to a speakeasy era when access was not always granted, but the promise of a good time was worth the gamble. Once vetted, ascend a stairwell lined with nostalgic black and white photographs evocative of Old Cuba and enter a welcoming main lounge filled with lively crowds and the sound of glasses clinking. Choose to wait for a table or sit at the bar for a more interactive experience (these bartenders can really shake a drink.) Enjoy the piano bar feels and let the leafy greens and rich, dark oak of the space begin to work their magic on you as you begin to ‘embrace the lush life.’ Imagine yourself a socialite or debutante in 1920s Cuba escaping the dry laws of the United States, if even for a few hours, and rubbing elbows with both the military and literary elite… think daiquiris, Hemingway, pearls and cigars. If you fancy a bit more privacy with your rat pack, sit in the cigar lounge (décor only; please see New York smoking laws) where you can chit chat the night away or think up the next big work of literature or revolution.
If décor is not your thing (hmm?), no worries, as there is plenty to drink and eat. Try the Pink Elephant! A bright elixir with hints of vanilla and bitters or become undone with the Handmade Woman a shy, yet robust cocktail infused with dandelion and chamomile. Whatever you do, try the Crispy Cuban Fries because it’s not really Cuba until you’ve had some yucca or plantain (mmm, starchy vegetables.)
Yep, the team behind Dead Rabbit hits another one out of the ball park. This ‘American bar with a Cuban soul’ hits all the right marks with its ability to transport you to early mid-century Cuba with the convenience of never leaving New York or going through TSA and delivering tasty eats you can snack on all night long. For many reasons, it’s no surprise Black Tail was voted best new American bar in 2017 — it’s sister establishment Dead Rabbit has been voted Best Bar in the World multiple times. It’s only natural Black Tail would follow in its footsteps. Go pay both spots a visit; indulge in the leafy green décor at Black Tail and then try the early Irish-American experience in New York at Dead Rabbit. We promise, neither place will disappoint.
Serafina at The Time New York
“Located in the heart of Times Square at 224 West 49th Street is Serafina at The Time New York – a restaurant as chic as it is delicious.”
Located in the heart of Times Square at 224 West 49th Street is Serafina at The Time New York – a restaurant as chic as it is delicious. Conceived by long time friends Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato while lost at sea, this small chain restaurant with outposts throughout the globe is known for its colorful walls, unique design and vibrant ambiance, as well as for its extensive menu serving up an excellent variety of thin-crust pizzas and mouthwatering pastas from Northern Italy.
Whether you’re in New York City for a day, a month or a year, make sure to add this decadent, yet accessible restaurant to your itinerary. If you’re a local needing a break from the hustle and bustle of Times Square or just out of work, pop in for a drink and relax in the sexy, cool environment of the bar while watching the world go by from off the sidewalk. Located directly across the street from the Ambassador Theatre (re: Chicago the Musical) and next door to the Eugene O’Neill Theatre (re: The Book of Mormon), Serafina at The Time New York is the perfect option for a Broadway date night or for anyone looking to discover the Great White Way. If you’re planning on dinner before watching a show, make reservations as this location gets very busy with theater goers and diners prior to showtime. Otherwise, stop by after the curtains go up for a more relaxed and intimate dining experience.
Overall, Serafina at The Time New York is the perfect dining destination for both happenin’ and hungry locals, as well as out-of-towners looking for a Broadway kick. Serving up good eats with minimal fuss and in a beautiful setting, this staple eatery is the right combination of casual and cool + swank and sophistication. Bon appetit!