This week, the first of November, we will be dealing with the outcome of a major election and will have just witnessed another New York City marathon. Also, we say “ciao” to Mezzaluna and hello again to the 100-year-old Russian Tea Room.
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Mezzaluna is Gone
Beloved 42-year-old Italian eatery, Mezzaluna, has made its last Bolognese sauce. One of the reasons for the closing of the Upper East Side spot comes due to the rising costs of running a restaurant in New York City.
Lou Yau Kee Comes to the Time Out Market
Hainanese restaurant Lou Yau Kee Chicken Rice is the latest addition to the Time Out Market near Union Square. In addition to classic Singaporean Chicken Rice, the menu also has chef Alan Choong’s Lemon Fried Chicken Rice and slow-cooked Shredded Chicken Congee.
The Russian Team Room Turns 100
Late last month, the Russian Tea Room celebrated its 100th anniversary—an almost-unheard-of achievement in the breakneck world of the New York City dining landscape. In honor of the feat, the restaurant is offering a $145 afternoon tea and celebration-worthy Champagne and caviar starting at $325.
Musaafer’s Diwali Sweet Box
Musaafer has debuted the Diwali Sweet Box complete with Hazelnut Motichoor Truffles, Mawa Tarts (with salted caramel and pecan pudding), and Pistachio Barfi, among other sweet treats. The box costs $45 and will be available for pick up through November 8. Order yours here at the Tribeca location.
Niku X Goes a la Carte
Niku X is a wagyu-centric spot on W. 35th Street known for the beefy unlimited tasting menu. But now the restaurant is going to answer that age-old question: where’s the beef? It’s on an a la carte menu. Diners can now have the freedom of choice when selecting the various cuts of wagyu at Niku X, or go all out and try the the chef-curated samples of three steaks, starting at $128.
Atoboy Teams up with Katz’s
The innovative Korean restaurant, Atoboy, has been celebrating its 10th anniversary the last few months by doing a series of fun collaborations. The final pact is a good one: if New York Jewish delis and elevated Korean restaurants had a baby, it would look a lot like the Pastrami Naengchae, the edible love-child of Atoboy and famed Katz’s Delicatessen.
Inspired by naengchae, a Korean chilled vegetable dish, the Pastrami Naengchae is a reimagined version with Katz’s pastrami. In addition, the dish includes glass noodles, pickles, rye croutons, and a tangy mustard dressing. Pastrami Naengchae is available at Atoboy until the end of November.
Noury’s New Omakase
The SoHo izakaya and sake bar, Noury, is offering a new Sunday omakase beginning on November 8. Chef Joji Miwa will lead diners through a 10-piece omakase (plus dessert). The omakase costs $95 with an additional sake pairing for $55. The restaurant has only four counter seats and two seatings per night, so make your reservations soon.
Rockefeller Center Has Gone Bananas
Popular banana bread brand Gone Bananas Bread has just made its New York City brick-and-mortar debut at Rockefeller Center. The banana bread outlet, founded in Los Angeles, will serve classic banana bread as well as other variations, including OG Choc Chip and Cinnabanana. There will be a Bryant Park location opening soon. The Rockefeller Center outlet will be there through January 2027.
Tamarind’s Diwali Feast
Twenty-five-year-old Indian restaurant, Tamarind Tribeca is putting on a feast for Diwali. From November 6 to 8, guests at Tamarind can indulge in a 15-course feast that includes meat and vegetarian formats. Some of the menu highlights include Mater Kachori (pastries filled with dal, green peas, coriander, and ghee) and Malai Shrimp, among many other dishes. The set menu costs $101. Make a reservation here.
Tuesdays at Wainwright’s Tavern
The cozy Upper East Side spot, Wainwright’s Tavern, has recently begun a fun Tuesday night program called “Tuesday’s at the Tavern.” Every Tuesday there will be a new set menu offering that will be both festive and seasonal. A few upcoming examples: November 3, election night, will be Fried Chicken (that includes gravy and biscuits with a Budweiser to drink) for $45 per person.
On November 10, diners can enjoy Mussels and Frites plus a glass of white wine for $30 per person. On Tuesday, November 17, the restaurant hosts its Fall Farm Stand Dinner, complete with a lentil and roasted-squash salad, a pork chop or pan-roasted salmon for an entree, and tarte tatin for dessert. The cost is $65 per person.
