“Champagne wishes, and caviar dreams”—New York City’s high-end culinary and nightlight scene is getting a much-needed refresher. Some of the swankiest spots opened this winter. In fact, there are more bars and restaurant openings than we can keep up with; here are the ones that stood out.
Caviar Kaspia
The iconic Parisian restaurant and boutique, Caviar Kaspia, just landed in New York City. The location of their choosing is upper east side’s The Mark Hotel, and they opened just in time for fashion week. Owners of the famous watering hired French interior decorator, Jacques Grange, who ensured the space reflected both Caviar Kaspia and The Mark. You can expect their classic blue tablecloths, emerald green mohair banquettes, wood paneled walls. The menu offers eight different types of farm-raised caviar from various parts of the world, including the United States, Bulgaria and Italy. We recommend ordering the baked potato with spoonfuls of caviar. This luxury partnership just makes sense as it creates a place of celebration and style for anyone looking for a unique dining experience in one of the world’s most famous cities. Caviar Kaspia’s history dates back to 1927, and the worldwide expansion continues. If you can’t make it to Paris, the New York location can help you see what you might be missing. Come here to celebrate a big event in your life or just to have a good time in a swanky restaurant.
Photos courtesy of Instagram @caviarkaspia
Caviar Kaspia at The Mark, 992 Madison Ave (corner 77th St), Upper East Side
Jac’s on Bond
The Authentic Hospitality team behind bars like midtown’s Pebble Bar has done it again, this time they set their sights on the famous Bond Street. Jac’s on Bond has taken over the space formerly occupied by The Smile. Before you get too sad about the closing of The Smile, you should know the newly revamped spot will be run by the same team, plus you can be sure the brick walls and fireplace remain. The subterranean space is housed inside a landmark townhouse built in 1831. Jac’s on Bond interior, done by Gachot design studio, aims to reflect an elegant but comfortable 90s minimalism that helps invite creativity and conversation. You can expect private corners for intimate conversations and a pool table for the more competitive types. With mixologist Trevor Easton Langer at the helm, original cocktails are the real draw. (as seen in the photo above, the Caprese Martini) Combine them with tavern-style small dishes, like meatball skewers and a little gem salad. Bring a date, or bring your stylish friends, this bar is quickly becoming the place to be on any night of the week.
Photo, left, by William Jess Laird, courtesy of Jac’s on Bond, right, via Instagram
Jac’s on Bond, 26 Bond St (betw Lafayette/Bowery), Nolita
The Mulberry Bar
It is time to get behind the velvet ropes again! There is no better time to open a cocktail bar than during fashion week. A-listers flock to New York City and help determine the new hottest places to party – The Mulberry being one of them. The new party spot has definitely set itself apart with glamorous interiors, and a guaranteed good time. The Mulberry is no ordinary bar, and that is in part due to the creativity of three partners: Phil Meynell, vice president of creative at TSX Entertainment; Leo Jacob, director of marketing for The Bowery Hotel and The Hotel Chelsea, and Justin Sievers, managing partner at Bar Primi. Their weekly DJ lineup alone is worthy of your visit. Located on yet another famous New York City street, this cocktail bar serves caviar (of course), delicious cocktails, soft lighting and cool murals. Bring friends who like to dance and stay up all night.
Photos courtesy The Mulberry Bar, via Resy
The Mulberry Bar, 240 Mulberry St (betw Broome/Grand St), lower level, Nolita
Casino
The tail end of the winter has us dreaming of a beach vacation, and you can easily imagine paradise at Casino, one of New York’s newest restaurants. The Italian eatery impressed us with their interior, done by Camilla Deterre’s (who also did Primo cocktail lounge), and by making white tablecloths trendy again. The interior evokes luxury on the French and Italian Riviera, combined with art deco details. What really stood out was their careful twist on rustic and traditional Italian dishes, featuring seafood and meat dishes like lobster Cioppino Casino, seafood casserole, clams casino, dry aged duck and 32 oz aged T-bone steak. For an additional treat, order the Nduja Bread. It is out-of-this-world. Pair it all with a cocktail or choose from a selection of French, Italian or Croatian wines. We recommend coming here for a good time with foodie friends who enjoy trendy places and luxury vacations. See our full review at this link.
Photo by Alex Staniloff
Casino, 171 East Broadway (betw Rutgers/Jefferson St), Two Bridges
