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The Indoor and Outdoor Dining Scene in Chelsea

The Indoor and Outdoor Dining Scene in Chelsea

It's time to celebrate! NYC dining is BACK and better than it's been in quite some time.

Dining throughout the Boroughs may not exactly be what we're used to. But, the new normal, as it were, at least looks vaguely familiar. And that's a real comfort going forward.

Recently, Mayor Bill DeBlasio gave the green light for restaurants to reopen for indoor dining at 25% capacity. There is even a chance that the capacity COULD be increased sometime during the Winter.

But, that will be dependent on numerous factors including any potential resurgence of the coronavirus. NYC indoor dining is a work in progress, to be sure.

In addition to the return of limited indoor dining, the Mayor also announced that the cities' outdoor dining program will now become permanent. It had previously been set to expire on Halloween night, October 31st. That would have been a real bummer.

The NYC Open Streets program, which designated dozens of blocks to shut down to car traffic, so that restaurants could set up outdoor dining areas on sidewalks and the street itself has also been extended.

With Old Man Winter fast approaching, to make your dining experience as comfy as possible, restaurant owners will be adding heat lamps to their "sidewalk cafes".

In some instances, you will actually be able to dine inside a transparent, plastic tent-like enclosure, which will protect you from the elements, be it rain, snow, or cold temps.

That sounds kind of romantic as well as practical. Talk about cozy!

Aplez.com will be touring the city's diverse neighborhoods in order to keep you up to speed as to what's happening at local restaurants in terms of menu changes, happy hour and brunch.

But, as far as Covid-19 protocols and reservations go, please check directly with the restaurant's website or email or call them.

A foodie destination which is also home to the famed Chelsea Market and the Food Network, there is no better place to start our tour than the quaint neighborhood of Chelsea.

The Grey Dog - Chelsea

The very definition of a friendly, neighborhood hang-out, The Grey Dog has one of the cutest and coziest outdoor dining enclaves in the city.

And, now, with the return of indoor dining to the city that never sleeps, you will once again be able to enjoy the restaurant's artistic, one-of-a-kind ambiance.

The original Grey Dog started off as a hip cafe on Carmine Street in the West Village. Founded by two brothers who also happened to be artists, The Grey Dog quickly became a destination spot for hungry locals.

By the way, if you're wondering, the owner's Dave and Pete, christened their new venture in honor of their pet dog!

Decades later, what started off as a risky proposition, (neither Dave nor Pete had any restaurant experience), has now become something of a brand name.

The Grey Dog has locations in Chelsea, Nolita, the Flatiron neighborhood and, of course, the West Village.

 

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"A home for dreamers and doers", as the owners like to say, The Grey Dog's menu focuses on food that is homestyle in every sense of the word.

The portions are big and the kitchen emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients. This is food that truly warms your heart.

One item that you surely won't want to miss out on is the signature Grey Dog Club sandwich. A fresh sourdough roll is piled high with chunks of juicy roasted chicken, a slice of cheddar cheese, heritage bacon was done just right as well as tomatoes and greens.

The bread is slathered with both honey mustard and herb mayo. Oh, how good is that?

In the mood for a mac and cheese fix? The kitchen here offers an outstanding version of this comfort dish with four different kinds of cheese.

The Impossible Burger consists of two patties, cheddar, caramelized onions, pickled zucchini, lettuce and mayo on a brioche bun.

You'll also fall in love with the Avocado and Hummus Grain bowl. Healthy and satisfying, this bowl holds a veritable explosion of flavor; everything from Farro and sweet potatoes to broccolini, roasted cauliflower and salsa, for that extra kick.

Contact Info

242 West 16th Street

New York, N.Y. 10011

(212) 229-2345

www.thegreydog.com

Hours :

Monday to Sunday 9 AM to 9 PM

Lasagna - Chelsea

Whether you choose to sit outdoors, warmed by heated lamps during the winter months, or venture into Lasagna's chic dining room, your meal will certainly be one to remember.

There are more than a dozen tempting versions of Lasagna available on the menu, from meat-lovers' and seafood specialties to vegetarian.

But, amazing as this Italian comfort staple is, Lasagna offers a wide variety of dishes. In fact, the kitchen here is becoming almost as well known for its succulent chicken dishes that are expertly prepared, blending traditional recipes with innovative style and flair.

Choose from Chicken Parm, Marsala, Piccata, Milanese, or Cacciatore. You can't go wrong. Each dish is made to order and is accompanied by a side of their fabulous garlic bread and your choice of roasted potato, vegetable of the day, or pasta with marinara sauce.

That having been said, the lasagna on offer is incredible. You'll definitely want to come back again and again, to try them all.

Pro tip: If you are dining here with the family order several different lasagnas and sample a bite or two of each.

The enticements are endless with the menu featuring such diverse selections as meatball lasagna, grilled eggplant, shrimp and scallop stuffed lasagna in either a marinara or fra Diavolo sauce as well as ground lamb in a delightful pink sauce.

You can also indulge in anything but a basic hearty slice of tomato and cheese lasagna.

One of the restaurant's most popular items, though, is the primavera-style lasagna. They've raided just about every farm in the Hudson valley for this one! Stuffed between layers of flat, ribbon-edged noodles you'll find a harvest of veggies including zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms and red and green peppers.

To celebrate the continuation of outdoor dining, Lasagna has some very nice promotions in store for you.

 

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Stop by for Margarita Mondays. From 4 until 9 PM you can score a Margarita for just $5; flavored or regular, salt or no salt. It's entirely up to you.

They also have an inviting Saturday and Sunday brunch deal. For the extremely reasonable sum of $21.95, you get an entree plus a choice of Mimosa, Bloody mary, Screwdriver, or Bellini.

Really thirsty or just need to unwind a little? Add $15 and make your brunch beverage bottomless.

The new and improved brunch menu features delectable dishes that range from a smoked salmon scramble and Italian sausage frittata to a just in time for fall cinnamon challah French toast with roasted walnuts and warm apples.

Contact Info :

196 8th Avenue

New York, N.Y. 10011

(212) 242-4551

www.lasagnarestaurantchelsea.com

Hours

Monday to Sunday 12 to 10 PM

Seamore's - Chelsea

The young and dynamic founders of Seamore's, Michael Chernow and Jay Wainwright, cannot wait to welcome you back to their bright and airy dining room replete with floor to ceiling windows and a playful beach/fish shack vibe.

Putting the LOCAL back into seafood dining in a healthy, sustainable and fun way, Seamore's is all about the magic of an endless Summer no matter what the weather may be.

Bringing Montauk to your doorstep, the team at Seamore's sources only fish whose stocks are stable or growing and are harvested in an environmentally conscious manner.

Proudly serving over thirty different kinds of fish, the menu reflects whatever

is available that day. So, there is always something new for you to try. No way will you get bored eating here.

Unlike the stuffiness that one sometimes encounters at many Manhattan seafood establishments, Seamore's is low-key but classy. It's the perfect place for date night, a family lunch or dinner, or even a business meeting.

Under the supervision of Michael Chernow, the chefs incorporate a bevy of intriguing yet approachable ingredients when it comes to preparing your fish.

Appetizers include East Coast oysters, tuna poke and crispy squid dressed in lemon and citrus aioli.

As far as mains go, you totally should look into the one of a kind seafood curry. This dish is a flavorful mix of PEI mussels, shrimp, white fish, brown rice, red curry, a hint of mint and lime juice.

The grilled shrimp has a welcome and distinctly Mexican taste to it, with salsa matcha, avocado, lime crema and a side of fresh-made corn tortillas.

The Fish and Chips plate is bountiful with house-made tartar sauce, malt vinegar and pickled veggies.

 

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Delicious and healthy is the day boat scallops dish accompanied by brown rice fusilli pasta dressed with ripe tomatoes and garlic.

All sandwiches are served with coleslaw and a choice of field greens, sweet potato fries, or shoestring fries.

The Maine lobster roll is, without doubt, one of the best in NYC with just the right amount of mayo, celery and Old bay seasoning.

Seamore's also has something that they call The REEL DEAL. Get it?

Seriously, though, you have got to look into this. Great value for your money.

Every Reel Deal option gives you cauliflower mash, a cucumber, corn and tomato salad and a side of asparagus and mushrooms. Plus sauce on the side including Miso brown butter, a fragrant lemongrass aji or charred scallions.

Here are your selections :

The Daily Landing (fish of the day) $25

Blackened Shrimp $26

Seared Sesame Tuna $29

Montauk Scallops $29

The only way that you could improve on your dining experience at Seamore's is if you pair your fish with one of their sexy cocktails.

Try the refreshing Frose'; a thirst-quenching blend of Rose', pineapple juice, pomegranate and a twist of lemon.

New Amsterdam gin, mango juice, a splash of lemon and a mint sprig garnish

are the ingredients that make the Hook, Line and Sinker a cut above your usual cocktail.

Walk The Plank, a drink that is creating quite a buzz in mixology circles consists of premium Moskovskaya vodka, St. Germain, basil and lime juice.

During the height of the pandemic, Seamore's offered special chef kits that enabled their customers to re-create at home some of the restaurant's fave signature dishes.

This feature proved to be so popular with SEamore's fans that they are continuing it. Each kit contains quality cuts of fish along with proprietary recipes straight from the kitchen.

With simple step-by-step instructions, anyone can do this. You will never again feel intimidated by cooking fish in your apartment's kitchen. Just be ready to have compliments showered your way!

Contact Info :

161 8th Avenue

New York, N.Y. 10011

(212) 597-9222

www.seamores.com

Hours :

Monday to Sunday 12 to 9 PM

Motel Morris - Chelsea

Don't hesitate to make your reservations! Long-time customers cannot wait to revisit the way-cool retro interior of this restaurant that calls to mind a hip motel lobby from the Mad Men era. Not to mention the delicious food that awaits you.

If you've never had the pleasure of dining at Morris Motel, then it's high time that you join in the fun.

Decorated with palettes of dark and aqua blue throughout with wood accents,

Motel Morris is both throwback and contemporary in feel.

Motel Morris is brought to you by the team behind that venerable Chelsea landmark, The Commons.

Chef Bill McDaniel has created a unique menu that blends International flavors with old-school diner classics. In addition to making everything run as smooth as silk, GM Jamie Steinberg curates the superb wine list. You are in good hands here.

If you want to get a head start on your weekend, this is the place for you. The kitchen offers a fantastic brunch on Friday, from 11 AM to 3:30 PM, in addition to Saturday and Sunday, from 10 AM until 3:30 PM.

Whatever you decide to get for your brunch entree, it is an absolute must that you order the pimento and cheese deviled eggs as a starter. You will NOT be disappointed.

The Huevos Rancheros has just the right amount of kick to it. This is a substantial plate with sunny-side-up eggs, a hefty portion of black beans, peppers, guajillo, cheddar, jalapenos and crema.

You'll also adore that Middle-Eastern favorite baked eggs shakshuka and the totally off the wall breakfast fried rice. This dish consists of kimchi, bacon, peas, garlic, a fried egg and sriracha.

Chef McDaniel is definitely giving you food that you can't get anywhere else. And, that is a major reason to take the time out of your day, (and money out of the old wallet), to eat out and support small business.

 

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Do yourself a HUGE favor and visit Motel Morris for both brunch and dinner. You'll be enthralled by the night-time specials and cocktails.

Chef McDaniel's roast chicken has the crispy skin that you're craving, yet the bird is moist and tender on the inside. The chicken is sided up with grilled squash, pickled onions, olives and a white bean puree that melts in your mouth.

The Mad Morris burger is topped with cheese, fried onions, pickled jalapenos, perfectly crispy bacon and an outrageous black garlic BBQ sauce. The sauce is so good, they should bottle it and sell it.

The bar's cocktail list is extensive and features something for every taste and mood. There are, however, a couple of must-try's.

With deceptively simple ingredients, Kitty O'Shea's is a clever blend of gin, Rosemary syrup, lemon juice and a nice pour of Prosecco.

A tribute to Autumn leaves and that brisk chill in the air, Sweater Weather mixes a shot of Bourbon with all-spice and grapefruit juice.

Contact Info

132 7th Avenue

New York, N.Y. 10011

(646) 880-4810

www.motelmorris.com

Hours :

Monday & Tuesday 4 to 9 PM

Wednesday 11 AM to 9 PM

Thursday & Friday 11 AM to 10 PM

Saturday 10 AM to 10 PM

Sunday 10 AM to 9 PM

Pepe Giallo - Chelsea

Open for table service, take-out and delivery, this charming Italian restaurant has been a neighborhood go-to since 1997.

Pepe Giallo has reinvented itself a time or two, since opening their doors, updating the decor as well as changing up the menu. But, the owners have always stayed true to their mission of serving authentic Italian food at affordable prices.

When you are out to impress on a first date, you can't do any better than Pepe Giallo.

The inside of the dining room is decorated with a wide variety of potted plants and candles light each table.

At the back of the restaurant is a cozy, semi-enclosed patio, which is heated during the colder months. And, of course, there is sidewalk cafe-style seating out front.

Pepe Giallo is all about great taste with none of the pretense you might find at similar establishments. Come over, get comfortable and enjoy!

Right now, to enhance your experience, the restaurant is offering a sensational happy hour Monday through Friday, from 4 until 6 PM.

 

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For between $8 and $ 12, you can enjoy a plate of mixed antipasto, fried calamari or Bruschetta, (tomato, basil, EVOO, sauteed mushrooms and Pecorino Romano cheese).

Refresh yourself with a glass of Lambrusco for only $8. Vini Della Spina, white or red, is available for just $5. If wine is not your thing, a mere $6 will get you a glass of Forst premium lager.

The kitchen takes exceptional pride in its food. Every dish is distinctive with its' very own personality. This is food that is meant to be savored.

Among their most popular dishes are the fluffy and light Gnocchi in a creamy Gorgonzola sauce, penne vodka with crisped pancetta, (Italian bacon), and the incredible

home-made fettuccine and Alfredo sauce with shrimp, mushrooms and asparagus.

Chicken lovers rejoice! You will find your culinary nirvana with Pepe Giallos'

delicious chicken over polenta, that is topped with Prosciutto, Sage and Fontina cheese.

Remember, though, to leave room for dessert.

Indulge your sweet tooth with creative dishes such as the Nutella Tiramisu

or the Torta Di Pera, which is a freshly baked pastry with a juicy pear inside, served warm together with a generous scoop of ice cream.

Contact Info

195 10th Avenue

New York, N.Y. 10001

(212) 242-6055

www.pepegiallo.com

Hours :

Take out and Delivery

Monday to Sunday 2 PM to 9:30 PM

Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Monday to Sunday 4 PM to 9:30 PM

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