When the hot and humid weather hits and the dog days of Summer are at their peak.
A heavy meal is most certainly NOT what most of us are craving. Instead of hearty stews and steaming casserole dishes, our thoughts turn to light but flavorful tapas and appetizers, creative salads, veggie-driven, lightly-sauced pastas and, of course, an ice-cold glass of beer, wine or an innovative, refreshing cocktail. The Lower East Side has long been known as a haven for foodies, so it's no surprise that most of the chefs here adjust their menus to suit the seasons. These uber-talented chefs craft their menus with a diverse array of fresh ingredients to suit the time of year, with an emphasis on a bounty of veggies, herbs and whatever else their local farmers, butchers, fishmongers and other purveyors provide them with. Not to mention fruit-forward cocktails! After all, Sangria is the unofficial drink of Summer. And there's nothing that mixologists like better, during the warmer months, than utilizing botanicals and herbs in their magical potions. A great idea, whether you're on a date or with family or friends, would be to share a few appetizers and a bottle of wine or indulge in non-alcoholic beverages, if you're so disposed.
Taverna Di Bacco - Lower East Side
Having opened the restaurant in 2011, chef Maurizio Crescenzo has beguiled his customers' palates with a lighter-than-expected approach to traditional Italian cooking. Chef Maurizio's culinary philosophy works especially well when the thermometer hits the high 80s and foodies want something on their plate other than heavy red sauce and cheese-laden classics. The chef grew up in the small town of Sarno, which is located in the beautiful Campania region of Southern Italy. After attending culinary school in Naples and working his way up in the kitchen of several outstanding Italian restaurants, Maurizio decided that it was time to follow in the footsteps of thousands of his countrymen and women and try his luck in New York City. Here, the young chef succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. In 1997, only a year after setting foot in America, Signor Crescenzo launched Grand Trattoria in the West Village. This much-loved restaurant had a hugely successful run through April of 2015. As if all that wasn't enough, the chef also appeared on the Food Network's hit show CHOPPED and actually won the competition for that episode, earning the right to call himself a "Chopped Champion ".
Taverna Di Bacco has a cozy, charming atmosphere, the highlight of which is the romantic "secret garden" which is located in the hidden backyard of the restaurant. You owe it to yourself and your date for the evening to snag a reservation here. One of the best ways to chase away the cares of your day, as well as the August heat, is to sip a refreshing glass of Italian wine or a chilled cocktail. The bar offers several options that will quench your thirst no matter how hot it may be. We're talking about elixirs like Clover Club, a blend of gin, raspberry juice, lemon juice, with an egg white thrown in for good measure. If you're an adventurous drinker, then you'll appreciate Golden Opportunity, which has a base of Prosecco and pear brandy together with Applejack, ginger, elderflower and lemon juice. You can also opt for the simple but delightful pleasures of a Bellini, made with luscious peach juice and Prosecco.
Lighter fare abounds on Chef Maurizio's Antipasti and Insalata portion of the menu. His Contadina Salad brings together so many varied yet inviting flavors such as baby spinach, sliced juicy apples, shaved onions, toasted walnuts and smoked Caciacavallo cheese. Then there is the fabulous Polipo Salad, which consists of a tender grilled octopus, potatoes, capers and lemon wedges. Not in the mood for grilled meat? The divine Steak Tartare is a great alternative with chilled grass-fed hand-chopped beef, a quail egg, an assortment of tasty herbs and toasted crostini. You may also wish to look into the Burrata plate with roasted butternut squash, hazelnuts and a touch of honey. The entree section of the menu features two signature dishes, both of which are ideal for Summertime dining. His Braised Lamb Shank is not at all as heavy on the tummy as it sounds. The mouth-watering fall-off-the-bone shank of lamb is dressed with aromatic herbs and cooked in a red wine reduction instead of the usual lamb gravy. It is accompanied by a Parmesan-dusted Risotto. Chef's Organic Breast of Chicken is served on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, Brie cheese and raclette.
Location & Hours:
175 Ludlow Street
New York N.Y. 10002
(212) 477-0077
tavernadibacco.com
Hours:
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday to Saturday: 1:30 PM to 11 PM
Sunday: 1:30 PM to 10 PM
Loring Place - Lower East Side
A celebration of all things New York, Loring Place was founded by chef Dan Kluger, a seasoned veteran who has, in the past, helmed kitchens for none other than the legendary restaurateur Danny Meyer. The restaurant is named after the street in the Bronx (1905 Loring Place ), where Dan's father, Arthur, grew up. Chef Dan's menu highlights market-driven dishes made with ingredients, mostly, but not exclusively from, the Union Square Greenmarket. He's been shopping there for more than twenty years and has gotten to know all of the farmers and vendors who sell their products and produce at the Greenmarket. The chef sums up his cooking philosophy this way: " I have always been in love with the city's ever-changing seasons and the bounty of the Greenmarket, walking from stand to stand, exploring, putting my hands on 3 or 4 different ingredients and using that as an inspiration to create a great dish. "
Located inside a building that dates back to 1848, Loring Place's ambiance is warm and inviting. The surroundings are " urban-rustic " with a stunning palette of wood, gray-stained oak floors, original brick walls finished in white, as well as creative pops of color throughout the premises. You will absolutely revel in your surroundings. Much of the cooking takes place over an open fire, thanks to the kitchen's side-by-side wood-burning grill and wood-fired oven. The burning wood creates an intoxicating and distinctive aroma that weaves its way throughout the dining area.
There are plenty of lite bites to choose from, with Chef Dan's menu emphasizing small, tapas-style plates and salads! The Wood-Grilled Broccoli Salad contains chunks of seared broccoli, sweet, refreshing orange segments, mint and pistachios. The Grilled Corn Salad mixes freshly shucked corn with blistered shishitos and Manchego cheese, while Chef's Roasted beet salad consists of perfectly cooked beets, toasted cashews, ginger, Mandarin Oranges and sunchokes.
The Zucchini Fries are outrageous, as is the lemon & Parmesan dressing that accompanies them. What's better for Summertime eating than pairing up a freshly-made personal pizza with a cold beer or glass of wine? Not much, we'll venture to say, especially when Chef Dan Kluger is your pizzaiola. Choose from his Zucchini Pie with a tomato compote and Sopressata or get your pizza Grandma-Style with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.
As far as entrees go, again, the words light and delicious rule the night! The Roasted Sea Bass is accompanied by a bevy of Summer beans, almonds and a delightful peach and tomato salsa. The Roasted Cauliflower Steak comes with squash, grilled tomatoes and a delectable tahini dressing. Toast your companion with one of the bar's wonderful cocktails, such as the Rum & Strawberry with Ten To One White Rum, a strawberry cordial and lime juice. The ingredients for the Rosemary Spritz are Neversink gin, a lemon cordial, cardamaro and a splash of Prosecco. The Paloma is a heady mix of La Gritona Reposado Tequila, a grapefruit cordial and soda water.
Location & Hours:
21 West 8th Street
New York, N.Y. 10011
(212) 388-1831
loringplacenyc.com
Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Saturday: 11 AM to 10 PM
Sunday: 11 AM to 8:30 PM
Dudley's - Lower East Side
Serving the LES community since 2012, Dudley's is a quintessential Australian neighborhood corner pub and bistro. There's no pretension here; just great food and drink, as well as warm and friendly service. However, don't look for any of that stereotypical Crocodile Dundee "put another shrimp on the barbie" type food, either. Expect elevated pub fare with a healthy and light twist, innovative craft cocktails and imported, natural Australian wines.
Their "Wish You Were Here "Happy Hour takes place Monday through Friday from 4:30 PM until 6:30 PM. Draft beers are available for only five dollars, a glass of house wine will run you a mere ten bucks, while select cocktails come in at just twelve dollars. And, don't forget to ask about the Cocktail of the Month. You're sure to be pleased. Starters, as they say in good old Australia (that's appetizers to us Yankees), include a slightly spicy Shrimp Toast made with grilled shrimp, Calabrian chili butter, pea leaves and sourdough bread. The Whipped Ricotta Flatbread is drizzled with honey, olive oil and black pepper. Other starters include Salt & Pepper Calamari, an Olive and Halloumi Cheese plate and a marvelous Crispy Rice Salad with a bed of arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, pickled shallots and a fried egg. Dudley's Chopped Salad is off the charts and whether you are a vegetarian or not, you will fall in love with this bowl of broccolini, edamame, cabbage, chickpeas, herbs and avocado covered in a unique chickpea dressing.
Mains include their signature Bronte Burger topped with a mound of baby spinach, sliced tomato, Swiss cheese and an addictive sweet chili sauce. The Aussie Chicken Roll isn't bad either. It's made with a chunk of real rotisserie chicken, topped with mayo, cole slaw and natural chicken jus. They have several totally fine desserts on the menu. But the one that you must order, especially in Summertime, is the Banoffee Sundae. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is topped with salted caramel, crumbled Graham crackers, sliced bananas and made-from-scratch pastry cream.
Cool down with cocktails that will shake and stir your senses like the Orchard & Broome. This homage to the neighborhood consists of mezcal, blood orange juice, agave, lime juice and rose wine. It tastes as good as it looks, by the way. Mint To Be is composed of a pour of gin, cucumber juice, lemon juice and, of course, that bright hint of mint. Sbagliato is a blend of sparkling wine, Aperitivo Select and sweet vermouth. It certainly has some Italian flair and the vermouth is what really sets the drink apart. At Dudley's, you'll find local craft and brand-name suds plus Aussie Lager from the Sydney Beer Company. Non-alcoholic refreshers range from young coconut juice, pineapple juice and mango to Australian ginger beer.
Location & Hours:
85 Orchard Street
New York, N.Y. 10002
(212) 925-7355
dudleysnyc.com
Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 12 AM
Essex - Lower East Side
There's a lot of history to be had within these trendy walls. Originally located inside the Essex Street Market for almost 25 years, the restaurant relocated in 2019 to the century-old Schapiro's Wine Shop building. The decor very effortlessly mixes the old with the new. Portions of the original building can still be seen throughout the restaurant. But the lighting and furniture are strictly contemporary. The vibe is lively and carefree. In addition to private party spaces, Essex boasts an amazing mezzanine dining area, complete with its own bar. The Executive Chef is Steffen Sander, who has worked at several Michelin-starred restaurants in the Big Apple. The chef has put together a menu that incorporates global influences with comfort food. When you leave these premises, you will be full but not have that obnoxious, heavy feeling in your tummy. Chef Steffen has a light hand in the kitchen, shall we say.
Essex's Happy Hour takes place Sunday through Friday, going from five to seven in the evening. A glass of sangria comes in at the unbelievable price of $7, while you can enjoy one of the house's signature cocktails for nine dollars or select wine for only eight bucks. Fresh and succulent East Coast Oysters are just $1.50 apiece and crispy shrimp wontons are priced quite fairly, at eleven dollars. The chef's celebrated Roasted Brussels Sprouts are only $9 at the bar during this most joyful of hours. The a la carte libation list has an elixir for everyone; it just depends on your taste and mood. One cocktail that almost everyone who comes to Essex agrees is "spot-on" would be the Mango Lava Lamp, whose ingredients are vodka, cranberry juice, peach Schnapps and mango juice. Another thirst-quencher is the Purple Rose Martini with Rum Plata, hibiscus syrup, a twist of lime and pineapple juice. The delicious ingredients in the Palomita are tequila, muddled mint, lime juice and grapefruit soda. Yes, it does sound a bit weird, but the flavor is right there.
When you meet your friends here after work, make plans to share some of Chef Steffen's delightful appetizers. The Campari Tomato & Cucumber salad is just what the doctor ordered to chase those Summertime blues away with cool, crisp gem lettuce, roasted red peppers, pickled onions, feta cheese and herb yogurt. The Artisanal Burrata is served with grilled asparagus, peas, daikon, sunflower seeds and a gotta-have-more-of-this yuzu dressing. Getting more than honorable mention is the Baby Spinach & Quinoa Salad with roasted delicata squash, toasted walnuts, black currants and salsa Verde. For a modest upcharge, you can add grilled tofu or an organic chicken breast to this salad. Two other appetizers worthy of note are the Seared Diver Scallops with leeks, Yukon Gold potato cream and a superb bacon vinaigrette. The Essex Veal meatballs are satisfying but much lighter than their beef counterparts, which you will find in most other restaurants. An outstanding entree is the Atlantic Salmon served with sauteed Swiss chard, radishes, berries and an incredible red beet mousseline. Chef Steffen's Herb-Roasted Chicken is dressed up to kill in a kale pesto sauce with onions, baby carrots and a yogurt puree.
Location & Hours:
124 Rivington Street
New York N.Y. 10002
(212) 533-9616
essexnyc.com
Hours:
Monday: 5 PM to 10 PM
Tuesday-Wednesday: 5 PM to 11 PM
Thursday: 5 PM to 1 AM
Friday: 5 PM to 2 AM
Saturday: 10 AM to 2 AM
Sunday: 10 AM to 11 PM
Excuse My French - Lower East Side
The team behind this eclectic, artsy and romantic restaurant is Mexico City-born owner Ricardo Valdez and French chef Johann Giraud. Together they have come up with something very special, indeed, for your drinking and dining pleasure. Ricardo, who also curates the cocktail and spirits program here, designed the interior to resemble a chic Parisian bistro from the 1920s. Think speakeasy with a Gallic vibe. Chef Giraud has created a tempting French tapas-style menu that will knock your socks off. The man knows how to make magic on a simple plate. The chef's philosophy? It's all about the ingredients. If they are not the best, your dish won't be either.
Excuse My French has one of, if not THE best, Happy Hours on the LES. You can enjoy their special offers Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 7 PM and Fridays from 5 till 6:30 PM. The perfect pairing for your palate and wallet is the Drink & Food Combo for only twenty dollars. Pick one item from their tapas menu like the Crunchy Tacos, Fig Toastine, or Beef Sliders and your perfect sip; either a glass of red or white wine, beer or selected cocktails. You should also take advantage of the 2 for 1 drink special. Double your fun without doubling your bar tab. There is a trio of options to choose from. Go basic with a glass of wine or get a little adventurous and try one of the bar's signature Royales. These sparkling sips are blended with natural botanicals like lavender, rose, orange blossom and hibiscus. The third option are well cocktails and the choices are practically endless: a gin or vodka Martini, daiquiri, gimlet, rum & coke or gin & tonic. You get the picture.
Summertime sipping is at its best with Marty's Summer Espresso, which mixes vodka and Licor 43 with French Press and Songbird coffee. The very Parisian Boulevardier consists of Broken Barrel rye, Campari and Dolin Rouge, while the whimsically-titled She's Guava Have It is made with Ketel One vodka, guava puree, lime juice and simple syrup.
Chef Giraud's enticing menu has variety without going all over the place. If you are ordering for two or a small group of friends, consider the cheese board. It comes in three sizes and features delicious offerings such as fromage d'affinois (imported French cow cheese), Swiss gruyere and garlic and herb comte. All cheese boards come with baguettes and appropriate condiments.
One of Monsieur Giraud's signature dishes for Summer is Salmon Rillettes. Very tasty, this dish is made with finely shredded salmon mixed up with mayonnaise (homemade, of course), crème fraîche, dill, chopped celery and chives. You also have to sample the Chimichurri Rice. Very pleasing to the palate, this masterpiece is composed of Basmati rice, coriander, tomatoes, jalapenos, cucumbers and garlic. Goat cheese provides a rather tart counterpoint to the arugula and diced melon in the chef's Watermelon Salad. A magnificent balsamic dressing pulls it all together, though. Crepe selections include Suzette, Nutella and a Lemon Creme Brulee. The Croque Monsieur sandwich is perfectly fine; however, you can get that at most of the French bistros in the city. Pro tip: opt for chef's Black Truffle Ravioli stuffed with comte cheese in a creamy bechamel sauce or the garlic Shrimp Skewer served with basil spaghetti squash.
Location & Hours:
96 Orchard Street
New York, N.Y. 10002
(212) 780-9600
excusemyfrench-nyc.com
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Thursday: 5 PM to 12 AM
Friday & Saturday: 5 PM to 1 AM
Sunday: 5 PM to 11 PM