Your Weekly Indulgence highlights the most luxurious dishes New York has to offer. Use the hashtag #ywidowntown and tag us @downtownmagnyc on Instagram to let us know how you’re indulging!
There’s no way you haven’t walked by Olio e Piú, which stands out with its green facade covered in vines on the corner of Sixth and Greenwich Avenues. The authentic trattoria features the cooking of corporate executive chef Dominick Pepe and new executive chef Pedro Cruz and focuses on vibrant Italian flavors. Another great reason to visit is the recently introduced breakfast service that includes eggs Benedict with prosciutto and an omelette with Parma ham.
On a menu filled with pizza, pasta, and beautifully cooked proteins, it’s hard to pick something that isn’t indulgent (okay, they have salad, too). The Fettuccine con Astice Diavolo pairs half of a perfectly cooked lobster with homemade pasta, a spicy tomato sauce, and tons of fresh basil. There’s nothing like a lobster coming to the table in its shell, and pairing that with fresh pasta elevates it even more. The spicy tomato sauce features whole cherry tomatoes bursting with brightness to keep the dish from being too heavy. Be sure to add Olio e Piú to your list for the next time you’re craving pasta!
Photo by Cali Zimmerman
Olio e Piú 3 Greenwich Avenue Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
The world-famous New York City Fourth of July Fireworks show comes once a year, and there’s no better view than from a Circle Line cruise. Get the best seats in town for the fireworks and other New York City sights and landmarks, plus a boatload of on-board amenities to enjoy throughout the evening. The three-hour cruise includes stunning views of Downtown and Midtown Manhattan, One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty. Tickets on sale now at circleline.com; standard tickets for adults from $229, including snacks, beer and wine, a DJ spinning hits, and air-conditioned indoor seating through the evening. Premier tickets for adults from $279 offers full bar, buffet, DJ and more.
Groove to the rhythm of the sea with live bands on select dates this summer with Rockin’ the River Music and DJ cruises from Circle Line. Sip a drink, check out the NYC skyline, and rock out to the sounds of DJ Boris on May 4, ZoSo “The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience” on June 27, Wanted DOA – America’s Truly Authentic Bon Jovi Tribute on July 26, Classic Stones Live: The Greatest Rock and Roll Tribute in the World on August 29, and many more. Tickets on sale now at circleline.com. Tickets starting at $35 for general admission; $65 for premier with access to VIP viewing area, two free cocktails and more.
Enjoy food, fun, and a show to celebrate America’s birthday onboard New York Water Taxi’s Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise. Declare independence from crowds on July 4th with front row seats to the world’s most spectacular fireworks display lighting up the New York skyline, with an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty plus a lip-smacking station buffet of hors d’oeuvres and entrees, as well as beer, wine, and soft drinks to quench your thirst through the night. Tickets on sale now at nywatertaxi.com; adults from $229, including food and beverages.
Experience the best of New York with hop-on, hop-off sightseeing on New York Water Taxi. Guests can cruise all day from four convenient stops in Manhattan and Brooklyn; exploring each destination at their own pace with the All-Day Access Pass. On board they will enjoy breathtaking views of New York City skyline and photo opportunities at iconic destinations in the city. Tickets starting at $37.
Move over, roller coasters. New York City’s only marine-based thrill ride attraction is back with The Beast, returning to the Hudson River on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Hang on tight, as twin Hamilton jets kick it up to 1400 BHP-horsepower, thrusting The Beast over the water at up to 45 miles per hour. Tickets on sale now at beastnyc.com. Adults, $30; children (at least 40-inches or 102 centimeters tall), $25. Departs every hour on the hour from 10am-6pm from Pier 83 at West 42ndStreet at West Side Highway; arrive 30 minutes before departure time.
Let the good times lobster roll! North River Lobster Company is back for summer, offering New England seafood and much more, as of April 18, 2019. The award-winning, kick-back-casual, floating lobster shack takes short cruises on the Hudson River, offering inspiring views and a menu of summertime favorites, including the new “Shelly,” New York City’s longest lobster roll measuring more than 28-inches; the Bacon Lobster Roll (bacon, lobster salad, lettuce & tomato); the Lower East Side Roll (lobster, scallion cream cheese, red onions, chives and “Everything” Seasoning); and for those looking for a more elevated take on the traditional roll they can enjoy the “Double Truffle” – a white truffle lobster served with a side truffle parmesan fries. The perfect outdoor venue to spend a summer Friday, weekend afternoon or warm evening, drinks are equally delicious with signature cocktails and buckets of beer. This season, North River Lobster Company has added a festive 64-ounce Fishbowl option, which is ideal for groups. North River Lobster Company offers a $25 season passes to entry all summer long, which are typically, $10 to board on a first-come, first served basis, departing from Pier 81 at West 41st Street and 12th Avenue.
Let the good times lobster roll! North River Lobster Company is back for summer, offering New England seafood and much more, as of April 18, 2019. The award-winning, kick-back-casual, floating lobster shack takes short cruises on the Hudson River, offering inspiring views and a menu of summertime favorites, including the new “Shelly,” New York City’s longest lobster roll measuring more than 28-inches; the Bacon Lobster Roll (bacon, lobster salad, lettuce & tomato); the Lower East Side Roll (lobster, scallion cream cheese, red onions, chives and “Everything” Seasoning); and for those looking for a more elevated take on the traditional roll they can enjoy the “Double Truffle” – a white truffle lobster served with a side truffle parmesan fries. The perfect outdoor venue to spend a summer Friday, weekend afternoon or warm evening, drinks are equally delicious with signature cocktails and buckets of beer. This season, North River Lobster Company has added a festive 64-ounce Fishbowl option, which is ideal for groups. North River Lobster Company offers a $25 season passes to entry all summer long, which are typically, $10 to board on a first-come, first served basis, departing from Pier 81 at West 41st Street and 12th Avenue.
This Fourth of July, North River Lobster Company is offering a cruise party up the East River. A DJ will be spinning all night as guests sail along the harbor and dine on a summer buffet dinner featuring lobster, along with an open bar. The cruise stops near the Brooklyn Bridge for fantastic views of the New York City fireworks show. Tickets on sale now at northriverlobsterco.com. Tickets start at $338.92 for Buffet, Individual Lobster and Standard Open Bar, departing from Pier 81 at West 41st Street and 12th Avenue.
Spring weather has officially arrived, and North River Lobster Company is ready! Beginning April 18, 2019, enjoy a taste of New England on the Hudson River aboard New York City’s only floating lobster shack, which is located on Pier 81 at West 41st Street. Back for its sixth season, the seasonal outdoor dining venue invites New Yorkers and out-of-towners for quintessential seafood fare paired with refreshing cocktails and beers in a laid-back, casual atmosphere aboard a three-story yacht.
If you need a reason other than lobster on a boat to visit, check out the “Shelly,” New York City’s longest lobster roll. A giant, 28–inch long potato roll is stuffed with Northern Atlantic lobster, Old Bay mayo, celery, lemon zest, and lettuce for an amped up classic. Other takes on the standard include the double truffle roll, which comes with truffle parmesan fries, and the bacon lobster roll.
For your refreshment needs, North River Lobster Company has exciting signature cocktails that come in single sized glasses, 24-ounce keepsake illuminated lighthouse cups, or 64-ounce sharable fishbowls. Popular flavors include the Watermelon Mule with fresh fruit and Thai basil, Frosé with strawberry and elderflower, and flavored margaritas including classic and blood orange. Groups can also offer the warm weather version of a ski-shot with the #shipfaced oar-shot.
For more information on North River Lobster Company or to purchase a Boarding Pass, visit northriverlobsterco.com or call 212-630-8831. Patrons must purchase an individual Boarding Pass ($10), which is valid for sailings throughout the day, online or in-person at the box office at Pier 81. Season Passes ($25) are also available, which allows individuals to board as many times as they want throughout the season. Reservations are accepted for groups of 15 or more by visiting northriverlobsterco.com/large-groups.
Start the year off right with Downtown’s New Year’s Day dining guide. We know you won’t want to cook on New Year’s Day, so we’ve selected some of our favorite places for you to roll out of bed (probably a little later than usual) and chow down at on your day off.
This all day cafe is one of the cutest spots in Nolita and if it’s not already in your regular rotation add it quick! Epistrophy will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on New Year’s Day, but make sure to stop by for everything from poached eggs with creamy potenta and pancakes to cacio e pepe and hanger steak. Need some booze to get your through the day? You can’t go wrong with their spicy cucumber margarita or any of their spritzes.
Nothing screams day off like dining on fried rice, Taiwanese sausage and chicken wings. If St. Mark’s Place is in your neighborhood, you can make a reservation for dinner at 886 on Resy.
If giving up carbs isn’t one of your resolutions (or if you need one last day of indulgence) head to Aunt Jake’s in Little Italy or Greenwich Village. All diners on New Year’s Day will receive a free brunch cocktail with the purchase or any entrée from 11 AM to 4 PM, so get ready to toast to avocado toast.
Is there anything better than an egg sandwich? Egg Shop in Nolita has perfected them, and if you head in on New Year’s Day you’ll get half-off Bloody Marys and Mimosas plus a can’t miss deal: a Bloody Mary and Pepper Boy Sandwich (MAPLE CURED PEPPER BACON) for $20.
Thinking burgers and beer are the best ways to start the year? Clinton Hall agrees. All of their locations, including the original FiDi outpost, will be offering their award winning double smashed burger and a Gigawatt beer for only $20.19.
Head to Lafayette Street for some cheesy, lobster filled goodness. Get a free Bloody Mary with an order of Ed’s Lobster Bar’s famous lobster mac and cheese or lobster roll all day.
Not enough lobster for you? Two words: Lobster Poutine. Pair cheesy, lobster topped fries with a Bloody Mary for only $25. Flex Mussels, whose downtown location is on 13th and 7th, is also offering $1 oysters from 5–7 PM, talk about happy hour!
Kick off the New Year in the West Village at Downtown favorite Bagatelle! They will be hosting a banging brunch party from 1:00–6:00 PM with family style dishes and music pumping all day long. For reservations email nyerestervations@bistrotbagatelle.com or call 212.488.2110.
Il Mulino New York, the trendy Italian eatery with locations New York, Miami and Las Vegas, is now bringing more of its fare to Downtown with a new location in TriBeCa. Their current Downtown location is on West 3rd Street in SoHo. The trendy upscale restaurant is known for their exemplary steaks, seafood, cocktails and other Italian dishes.
Downtown recently had the pleasure of visiting Il Mulino Prime in SoHo to enjoy food and drinks, which were served up as a modern twist on Italian cuisine. Their caring and attentive staff provided excellent service.
“I’ve enjoyed Trattoria Il Mulino and felt that adding to their restaurant group may hinder the quality and expertise, but my first thought could not be further from the truth,” said Downtown’s CEO and Publisher Grace A. Capobianco.
“Attending the dinner at the SoHo Il Mulino Prime location, a delightful awakening was yet to come. The decor at first sight is elegant but not overstated, modern yet trendy and keeping a warm feel for its SoHo digs. The staff alone could be the models for our next fashion editorial,” she said.
The restaurant offers a wide variety of foods, from fish, pasta and steak — including some truly delicious desserts. The Branzino, scallops and lobster were some absolute favorites, the zucchini blossoms, charcuterie, spaghetti with red sauce and steak were also truly delectable.
“Once the dishes reached our tastebuds, I must admit, each item during our tasting was unique and flavorful, keeping with the same Il Mulino New York quality that I know and love from Trattoria Il Mulino,” said Capobianco.
Top tip: Leave room for dessert! While being contently full after the bulk of the meal, we made room for a sweet dessert consisting of fig gelato, flourless chocolate cake and cheesecake.
And don’t forget the cocktails. Il Mulino Prime has an extensive cocktail menu, and you’re sure to find one to fit your tastebuds. Offering tried-and-true such as the Cosmopolitan and the Hemingway Dry Martini, its bartenders are serving them to perfection. A favorite of ours was the “To Have or Have Not” cocktail made with grapefruit liquor, cucumber, pomegranate syrup, lemon and Prosecco. Light, refreshing, fruity and the perfect drink for summer.
“The highlight of my evening was meeting Executive Chef Michele Mazza, a talented, handsome man with a strong presence and one who makes sure Il Mulino Prime sets high standards each and every day,” noted Capobianco.
Check out more of what Il Mulino has to offer on their website.
What’s summer without delicious seafood? If you are craving something savory, seasoned and cooked to perfection, why not sit down to the finest dishes that the ocean has to offer? The temperature is up in Downtown Manhattan and it’s time to break out the lobster bibs and cool down with a cocktail (or two!). But forget the search for that perfect seafood dish, just stop by Dylan Prime’s Clambake for all your summer favorites!
Every Saturday and Sunday from June 21- August 31, enjoy 1 1/2 lb. of delicious lobster, mussels, clams, corn-on-the-cob, and boiled potatoes-all for $45 a person. Not a fan of seafood? No worries! Dylan Prime always has the most tender and juicy steaks available, along with a variety of other dishes. And if you can’t stay for dinner, just stop by for a glass of wine and the many cheeses available. Every palate is sure to be satisfied with the long yet luxurious menu at Dylan Prime, located on 62 Laight Street.
Also, be sure not to miss Dylan Prime’s Oyster Happy Hour! (4-7 on weekdays and 4-6 on weekends), and check out Dylan Prime on Facebook for updates and more information about exciting promotions this summer at Dylan Prime.
