Restaurateurs reopened with increased safety measures and fresh outdoor dining concepts. They faced many challenges, but the community of people who make up our industry are incredibly resilient, supportive and knowledgeable and made it through these tough times.
Here’s a sampling of outdoor dining in NYC Summer 2020.
Scarpetta’s Outdoor Garden Cafe presented by Whispering Angel
NoMad, Manhattan
Open seven days a week, Scarpetta’s Outdoor Garden Cafe is an Instagrammable haven. The outdoor space has been transformed into a verdant venue featuring a floral archway, orange trees, bistro lights, and pink umbrellas. Mediterranean inspired dining was brought to NYC with a special Aperitivo series available nightly from 4PM – 5:30PM, featuring a Cichetti menu with signature cocktails and wines by the glass.
Whispering Angel created exclusive 375ML bottles in a 6-pack available only at Scarpetta. The dinner menu featured classics including the Spaghetti Tomato Basil, Short Rib Bone Marrow Agnolotti and Lobster Tagliolini. Diners looking to cool off from the summer heat enjoyed The Sgroppino, a refreshing cocktail featuring a scoop of vodka infused lemon sorbet in prosecco and served in a hollowed lemon.
Leuca
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Inspired by Southern Italy, guests enjoyed house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas and rustic dishes from Chef Andrew Carmellini’s NoHo Hospitality Group. They dined in the heart of Williamsburg with outdoor seating located in The William Vale’s plaza, featuring bistro lights, vibrant seating and umbrellas. Leuca also reintroduced brunch with notable dishes including Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with toasted pine nut butter; Hanger Steak Vesuvius with sunny side up eggs, salsa rossa and crispy potatoes; and the OG wood fired pizza with pepperoni, ‘Nduja, and Fresno Chili.
Time Out Market New York
Dumbo, Brooklyn
Located along the Dumbo waterfront, Time Out Market New York expanded its outdoor seating to over 10,000 square feet of space for guests to dine, drink and soak up iconic Manhattan skyline views. Hosting a variety of spaces to choose from including the 5th floor rooftop terrace or along the riverside, plus local eateries-Ivy Stark’s Mexology concept, Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, Bessou, Jacob’s Pickles and more. A new Time Out Market app is available for contactless ordering for guests who wish to eat in, take out or share a picnic with friends at the Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The Fat Radish / The Orchard Townhouse
Chelsea, Manhattan
The LES kitchen that helped popularize a vegetable-driven vision that is common on menus today officially closed its doors in August due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, as the restaurant was to celebrate its 10-year anniversary this October, the team wanted to give everyone the chance to give a proper goodbye. That’s why they will be hosting a four-month long pop-up at its sister restaurant, The Orchard Townhouse, which soft-opened before Covid-19 hit. The pop-up will continue throughout the end of October, and is equipped with a take-out window and beautiful backyard seating area.
Classic menu favorites from the past decade, like Kale Caesar Salad, Seared Tuna and Watermelon with Gochujang and Fried Oysters with Cucumbers and Buttermilk Dressing, will be served alongside cocktails from famed bartender Naren Young (Dante, Saxon + Parole, La Esquina, and Pegu Club).
The downtown favorite started with a simple concept: home away from home. The British founders Phil Winser and Ben Towill wanted a comfortable and homey space during their visits to New York, and aimed to extend this welcoming environment to neighbors and New Yorkers of all stripes. They created a rustic space reminiscent of London’s Covent Market. The fare was elevated home cooking, with offerings driven by sustainability and seasonality. Local New Yorker, Natalie Freihon joined the Fat Radish team as owner and managing member in 2017 to help expand the brand to new markets and spearhead the 2021 official opening of The Fat Radish’s sister restaurant, The Orchard Townhouse (which had its official opening postponed due to the pandemic).
