Simon & The Whale, The Dabney at Chefs Club, Soogil, Now on the Resy Hit List
2018 is beginning to heat up. Restaurateur Gabriel Stulman’s three-tiered project in Flatiron’s new Freehand Hotel is ready for visitors, Michelin-starred chef Jeremiah Langhorne is posted up at Chefs Club through March, and Soogil Kim is back on the map — this time running his own show. Read up and get out there: the New York Hit List awaits.
1/ Simon & The Whale, Studio, and George Washington Bar
Because Gabriel Stulman has not one but three hotly anticipated restaurants inside Gramercy’s new Freehand hotel. Simon & The Whale is a traditional restaurant with an eclectic, seafood-heavy menu; Studio is a Moroccan-inspired all-day spot with exceptional pastries; and George Washington Bar is a handsome locale with classic cocktails.// Gramercy. Book now at Simon & The Whale and Studio. (George Washington Bar accepts walk-ins only).
2/ The Dabney at Chefs Club
Because chef Jeremiah Langhorne, of Michelin-starred D.C. restaurant The Dabney, has taken up residency here through March. Signature dishes include fried chicken sandwiched between house-made sweet potato Parker House rolls; and seasonal, hearth-cooked fare. Seats are coveted but attainable, thanks to Chefs Club’s spacious dining room. // Nolita. Book now on Resy.
3/ Soogil
Because Soogil Kim earned this restaurant. After seven years at Daniel and four years at Hanjan, you could say he knows a bit about French and Korean cuisines. Here, he’s fusing the two. // East Village. Book now on Resy.
4/ Miznon
Because Miznon is one of the world’s best fast-casual success stories; and after expanding to Paris, Vienna, and Melbourne (via Tel Aviv), it has landed in New York’s own Chelsea Market. There’s a lot to enjoy: opt for at least one (ideally a few) of the pita sandwiches and chef Eyal Shani’s signature whole roasted head of baby cauliflower. // Chelsea. (646) 490-5871.
5/ MeMe Diner
Because everyone is talking about this lively comfort food restaurant in Prospect Heights, including food critic Hannah Goldfield, who, in her first standalone review for The New Yorker, deems it a “delicious, delightful place to be.” // Prospect Heights. (718) 636-2900.
6/ General Debs
Because Kevin Adey, the skilled pasta-maker behind Michelin-starred Italian mainstay, Faro, is now cooking — plot twist! — Sichuan noodles. The restaurant, which is lovingly named after Adey’s wife and restaurant partner, Debbie, brings traditional dan dan mian and mapo tofu to Bushwick. // Bushwick. Walk-ins only.
7/ Annicka
Because with its delightful atmosphere and concentration on farm-grown fare, Annicka is a welcome addition to Greenpoint. The restaurant aims to foster a healthy, nurturing culture and offer something for everyone (vegans and meat-lovers alike). Plus, as part of a statewide initiative — called Farm Brewery license — to cultivate local craft breweries, Annicka serves only New York-made beverages. // Greenpoint. Book now on Resy.
8/ King
Because this light-filled corner gem now offers lunch. With its elegant, countryside aesthetic and deliciously simple ever-changing menu, King is the ideal place to spend a midday meeting — over bowls of pasta, chicken paillard, and Valrohna chocolate-and-cream dessert, of course. // West Village. Book now on Resy.
9/ Otway
Because Otway is an inventive Clinton Hill beacon that boasts an excellent wine list and enticing specials. The weekday happy hour (Monday-Thursday) aptly called “le binge” features $8 glasses of wine, $5 pints of beer, and a $15 snack tasting (think oysters, onion rings, and caviar tarts). On weekends, enjoy a European-style lunch — cheese and sweets cart included. // Clinton Hill. Book now on Resy.
10/ The NoMad Bar
Because there are six more weeks of winter, according to the groundhog, and Daniel Humm’s Sunday night cheese fondue soothes the cold-weather blues. A multi-course menu inspired by the chef’s Swiss roots (accompanied by charcuterie, marble potatoes, and tarte tatin) is served once a week through the end of the month. // NoMad. Book now on Resy.
