Cecilia Chiang. Intrepid and astute until the end at 100 years old. Chinese refugee landed in San Francisco to become owner of the Mandarin in 1962 on Polk Street, then moved to its landmark spot in Ghirardelli Square. Her independent view of what Chinese food should be steered her away from Chinatown’s chop suey mush to other neighborhoods of Fog City. Cecilia’s food was subtle, fragrant, vibrant and sauces sublime. She was recently featured on Padma Lakshmi’s Taste of the Nation and at her seasoned age, Cecilia was sharp, witty… Read more End of the Mandarin →
Great news. Today the City ruled that outdoor dining will be permanent. Through all seasons. The innovative solutions will continue to be a challenge in the cold weather. But. It’s great that restaurateurs can have the opportunity to try to survive through the winter since indoor tables and bar seats will be limited at best for many months to come.
On September 30, 25% indoor capacity will be allowed. Outdoor dining can continue as well. But you can’t sit at or drink at a bar even if it’s in the restaurant. Gramercy Tavern has reopened. So. 1 out of our favorite 3 Taverns. We’ll take it.
NYC’s restaurants cannot open for indoor dining until at least next Spring. Outdoor seating has brought some activity for owners. But. Come winter that’ll even cease. How can any business survive this environment? Sad. Until the Taverns open again, there are no signs of neighborhood life returning to Manhattan. Oxbow. Gramercy. On-the-Green.
Restaurants are getting special permits to have sidewalk and curbside spaces for safe-distanced outside dining. Even scaffolding didn’t deter Patsy’s. Well done, all. Photo by Gwen H.
Too depressing. Oxbow Tavern gave up the ghost. Hoping for a new bistro with outside seating. Soon. Please.
Bloomberg is reporting that New York’s City Council has approved a plan to block some streets and/or lanes for expanded outdoor dining starting in July! Yay!
March 6, 2020. Birthday dinner in my favorite booth with my two favorite guys at our traditional mainstay Gramercy Tavern. Danny Meyer has since announced that he would not be re-opening this or any of his fine dining restaurants until there is a vaccine for Covid19. His hallmark focus on service and ambience cannot be achieved with mask-wearing, socially distanced chefs, sommeliers & waitstaff. So. Maybe that was a last supper for some time to come.
Quests de Cuisine 