If you can make it there, you’ll make it an-y-where. It’s up to you…to decide where to have lunch. Over the past year or so, Gildshire has fallen in love with New York City. From New York Fashion Week to the New York International Auto Show to the New York Open Tennis Tournament, we have been where the action has taken place. But, chasing Lev Radin and his magic picture-taking machine has left us with a gnawing emptiness where lunch should be. Late spring and New York City are a couple in love looking for an outdoor eatery. Where will we find the best in mid-day repast? Let’s try one of these places. We’ve separated them into “where to go,” and “what to have.”
Where to Go: Hudson Clearwater in the West Village: The outdoor patio in the back (pictured left) calls our name on a warm spring day. It has that certain kitschy vibe that fairly shouts, “West Village!” What to Have: House-made fresh linguine for you. Seared Long Island duck breast for me.
Where to Go: Jones Wood Foundry in the Upper East Side: If you are of British extraction you have already been here…more than once. If you don’t get misty-eyed over the Union Jack (prominently pictured on the wall to the right) you should introduce yourself to this place. What to Have: Bangers and mash with caramelized onion gravy for you. A bacon-wrapped tuna loin served with potato puree for me.
Where to Go: Claro in Brooklyn: Here is another backyard patio that says, “Welcome to springtime in the Apple.” Mexican food is on the bill of fare, but that doesn’t mean chewy tacos and bland enchiladas. This is Mexican from the Oaxacan region of Mexico. What to Have: Mole Negro (short rib, charred spring onions & potatoes) for me. Mole Rojo (heritage pork cheek, apple & dandelion salad) for you.
Mister Dips in Brooklyn: If you haven’t embraced your inner food truck foodie yet then this is the time. Mister Dips sits on the property of the William Vale Hotel. Have your mid-day meal on the green and grassy knolls in front of the truck. From there you can people watch the Brooklynites or take in Manhattan’s incomparable skyline. What to Have: Griddled burger, fries, and an old-fashioned root beer float for you. The Big Kahuna burger with Hawaii 5-0 (a sweeter teriyaki flavored) sauce and fries for me. I’ll have the pineapple-coconut sundae, with cherry-vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Habana Outpost in Brooklyn: This is lunchtime in New York kicked up a notch! The bright colors of the patio umbrellas say that the fiesta is on! What to Have: Grilled Mexican corn topped with cojita cheese, mayo and chili powder for me. I’ll have a strawberry daiquiri. A Cubano and a margarita for you.
Win Son in Brooklyn: While this place is short on whiz-bang aesthetics it is long on reputation and authenticity to its Taiwanese roots. That’s why reservations are recommended, even for lunch. When you get there choose outdoor seating. What to Have: A beef roll (that’s a New York grass-fed beef shank, with a scallion pancake, long pepper, and egg) for me. Danzi noodles ( heritage pork and South Carolina shrimp in a superior broth) for you.
Celestine in DUMBO: This spot Down Under the Manhattan Beach Overpass has been a tourist and movie location spot for years. Now, it’s home to one of NYC’s trendiest restaurants. Celestine mixes Northern Africa, the Mediterranean coastline, and the Middle East into its delightful cuisine. What to Have: The grilled porgy with gold nugget potatoes, spring garlic and radishes for me. The harissa-seasoned Za’atar Fried Chicken Sandwich with kohlrabi served on focaccia for you.
Are you hungry yet? Yeah, we thought so. You know there’s something about New York City all year round. There’s something extra-special about New York City in the spring. But, combine this town in this season with memorable lunches and treasured lunch companions and…let’s go!
