The Resy Lineup: A Vietnamese Pop-Up, Pizza and Wine, Next-Level Italian and More
Welcome to the Resy Lineup, your regular dose of recommendations on what to eat, drink, and see — updated on a weekly basis.
In this edition: A natural wine and sourdough pizza extraordinaire, seafood al fresco, and Frenchette’s coolest pop-up.
Week of April 19
The Restaurant Rec
The Clam, because if there’s one thing warm weather and blue skies call for, it’s al fresco seafood. And this West Village staple delivers, with an array of clam-filled dishes (fried in sliders, twirled in spaghetti, studded in dips), oysters for days, and Old Bay fries for good measure. Book it outdoors and in.
The Drink Proposal
A perfect bottle of wine that the lovely staff at Leo will help you pick out, to go with all your pizza needs. Pro tip: Always start with the Caesar, and always end with their daily-changing soft serve. Reservations here.
The Event Invite
The only way to view the season finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Live, at a bar, and in good, socially-distanced company, which, here, means the Graham’s resident queen, your host, and live performer: Sassy Frass. Save your spot here for Friday, April 23, starting at 8 p.m
The Splurge
A dinner at one of LIC’s most exquisite fine dining affairs, Il Falco. Trust, chef-owner Bolivar Perez was the former Il Mulino chef for 25 years, and he’s brought his mastery of Italian cuisine with him — look no further than the seasonal capellini (a.k.a. angel hair pasta). Right this way.
The Stay-At-Home Move
Stunning Vietnamese fare at New York’s favorite French-ish bistro. Come again? Ha’s Đậc Biệt is popping-up at Frenchette on Sundays and Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m., and if you haven’t had their savory pies and incredible lemongrass roast chicken, you’re missing out. Place your orders here, you’ve got until early May to try them out!
From The Tipline
Mark your calendars, set a Notify, go: Cosme reopens next Wednesday, April 28, with a redesigned space and new menu items. You know what to do.
Week of April 12
The Restaurant Rec
Ernesto’s, because the riveting food at this corner spot will make you feel like you’re somewhere along the Basque coast. Plus, it’s been freshly reviewed by the Times, so bring friends — you will want to eat your way through most of the menu — and know that the oozing tortilla is non-negotiable. Book al fresco or indoors here.
The Drink Proposal
A different kind of happy hour, involving dumplings? Yes, please. Kings Co. Imperial is offering $1 dumplings and discounted drinks all week long from 5 to 7 p.m. in Manhattan only. Brooklynites, wipe your tears over a Sichuan spritz in the private garden. Or make the trek.
The Event Invite
Do you have what it takes to pétanque? Industry City’s Carreau Club is putting together a “casually competitive” league, where you’ll be throwing down boules every Tuesday night from May 2 to June 8. The membership is $40 and includes discounted food and drinks, as well as free court time for you and five of your closest friends. Sign up here.
The Splurge
Pita and a burlesque show. That’s right, the Underground Cabaret is partnering up with the Dekalb Market for a socially distanced event, featuring burlesque performers, aerialists, and a three-course dinner courtesy of Miznon’s very own Eyal Shani. Book your tickets here ($135) — the show runs every Thursday and Saturday until the end of May.
The Stay-At-Home Move
The exceptional taco kits from Sobre Masa (Saturdays are for beef barbacoa and Sundays for carnitas), a Mexican café bent on bringing a slice of Oaxaca to Williamsburg. You’re going to want to book these in advance, as kits tend to sell out rather quickly.
From The Tipline
Gage & Tollner has finally reopened! The Resys are out for this storied landmark that’s been 17 years in the making. Set a Notify now.
Week of April 5
The Restaurant Rec
Dhamaka, because if you haven’t tried the Adda and Rahi team’s latest concept, what are you waiting for? The restaurant recently opened al fresco dining, it’s topped this month’s Hit List, and if you’re wondering what to expect (other than unapologetic Indian food), we’ve got a deep dive on what you’ll want to order. Ready to book now? Right this way.
The Drink Proposal
The Douglas Fir-Banks cocktail at Rule of Thirds, a savvy mix of sesame sochu, gin, vetiver, peach, Douglas fir, and lime with umeboshi “paint” on the glass to lick before you sip. To be enjoyed at this Greenpoint izakaya’s private backyard with a couple of binchotan grilled skewers — we like the lamb tongue and maitake mushroom.
The Event Invite
Spring has come and Baby Brasa is packing on the events! There’s burlesque on Tuesdays, Brazilian night on Thursdays, salsa night on Saturdays, and pet socials on Sundays. Take your pick.
The Splurge
Soogil’s $85 five-course tasting, for dine-in or takeout. Pay special attention to the nurungji gras course, a harmonious blend of crispy rice, chile-sautéed foie gras, and sweet soy sauce, which encapsulates the restaurant’s Korean–French focus, and just happens to be chef Soogil Lim’s favorite dish on the menu. Try it in person or at home.
The Stay-At-Home Move
Sushi will forever be one of the best takeout options in existence, so when the craving comes, look no further than Bondi Sushi Bar. Their boxed maki sets are made for a quick lunch in the park, so find yourself a sunny bench and order pronto. Pro tip: If you’re picking up in Nolita, Elizabeth Street Garden’s the move.
Week of March 29
The Restaurant Rec
Van Đa, because this Vietnamese stunner is reopening April 1 for indoor and outdoor dining. On the menu? Vietnamese snacks and specialties from the country’s three major food regions — Saigon, Hue, and Hanoi — run by a female-led team with a Michelin Bib. Run don’t walk, and book here.
The Drink Proposal
A heady orange wine from Lola Taverna. Check out this month’s Wine Hit List for the lowdown on which bottles we have our eyes on, and be sure to snag a table outdoors — Lola’s al fresco setup is something else.
The Event Invite
It’s Easter this weekend, and a host of Resy restaurants are ready to serve you. Think Tuscan brunch and dinner at il Buco, traditional slow roasted lamb at Bellini, a three-course feast at Daniel, and more.
The Splurge
Several Danny Meyer restaurants are back in business! Make a Resy now for Marta, Blue Smoke at Battery Park, and Intersect by Lexus, which is currently spotlighting a menu from The Grey’s Mashama Bailey. For a splurge, consider the iconic dining room at Gramercy Tavern, where chef Mike Anthony has prepared a special $140 tasting menu. Available March 31 through April 4.
The Stay-At-Home Move
All the temaki at Nami Nori, because the restaurant’s takeout remains a chef standby (chefs Suzanne Cupps, James Kent, and Jack Logue all swear by them), thanks in no small part to ingenious packaging.
From The Tipline
Get booking: Frenchette is back for indoor and outdoor dining! You’re going to want to make that Resy now.
Week of March 22
The Restaurant Rec
Noreetuh, because the Michelin-recognized Hawaiian restaurant is ladling on the comfort. Food-wise, chef and co-owner Chung Chow has whipped up braised short rib musubi, Mochiko fried chicken dinners, kalua pork rice bowls, and katsu sandos, while on the beverage front, co-owner Jin Ahn’s beautifully curated wine list has the pairings to match. A musubi platter with Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve? Get it over here, indoors and out.
The Drink Proposal
The wines to go with Ruffian’s $30 vegetable-focused tasting menu, because the cozy natural wine bar has returned to the East Village’s patio scene. Prefer a bottle with à la carte plates to share? Discover which bottles piqued our interest, and save your outdoor table here.
The Event Invite
A Passover feast courtesy of Kubeh. The Middle Eastern favorite is dishing a $95 menu to celebrate the holiday this Saturday and Sunday — expect matzo ball soup, Syrian matzo shell kibbeh, your choice of main (brisket, market fish, braised cabbage, matzo chicken schnitzel), and a Seder plate full of symbolic foods. Reserve indoors or outdoors for March 27 and 28.
The Splurge
The seasonal carte blanche menu at Oxalis. The acclaimed Prospect Heights bistro is finally reopening March 24 and its exceptional $105 tasting is coming back for indoor dining only. Fret not, Oxalis’ courtyard is back too, and that’s where à la carte dining is happening. Book either here.
The Stay-At-Home Move
Noodles that travel very well. Introducing Noodle Edition, a Little Alley x MáLà Project venture that offers a glimpse at some of China’s essential regional noodles, like dan dan noodles from Chongqing, sizzling sesame noodles from Wuhan, and scallion and shrimp noodles from Shanghai. Order here for pickup and delivery.
Essential Reading
What it’s like to be an Asian American restaurant owner right now, as told by restaurant operator Lydia Chang.
From The Tipline
Spring is underway, and the openings are gaining momentum on New on Resy. Of note this week: Balthazar officially reopens its doors on March 24, and there are tables available.
Week of March 8
The Restaurant Rec
Dirt Candy, because have you met Amanda Cohen? What the chef-owner dreams at this wildly inventive vegetarian institution surprises in more ways than one, whether you drop by for the sandwiches and lunch in the sun (we love the beet Reuben), or for the week’s tantalizing (and themed!) prix fixe menu. Book away — the weather’s warm this week.
The Drink Proposal
The Waterlily cocktail during “Vinyl Hour” at Leland Eating and Drinking House in Prospect Heights, because what better way to spend an afternoon than spinning records with a drink in hand? Vinyl Hour is on Wednesday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m.
The Event Invite
For its second pop-up dinner (on Sunday, March 14), Red Paper Clip is welcoming a chef with a serious resumé. After honing his chops at Gramercy Tavern and Marea in New York, and Rich Table and Quince in San Francisco, chef Raphael Khutorsky is introducing Sanguine. On the ticket: sweet potato tonkatsu, sweetbreads, duck breast, and more. Try it indoors or outdoors.
The Splurge
A proper feast to ring in the Iranian New Year at Sofreh, because Nasim Alikhani restyles the dishes of her childhood to delicious effect, and the chef-owner is preparing a special family-style prix fixe to celebrate Nowruz this Saturday, March 13. Save your spot.
The Stay-At-Home Move
Quite possibly one of the best takeout experiences in Manhattan: the Jamaica in a Box meal kit from Miss Lily’s. Featuring: the restaurant’s notorious jerk chicken with bottled sauces and chutneys (complete with baking rack, cooking brush, and a video tutorial), rice and peas, banana pudding, your choice of booze (or none), and a playlist to tie it all. Reserve it here.
From The Tipline
It’s International Women’s Day, so go out and support these acclaimed women-owned and operated restaurants today, this week, and beyond.
