There’s so much mediocre - and worse - food in Times Square that it’s cause to celebrate when a pro who elevates popular taste - namely, Trattoria dell’Arte and Bond 45 owner Shelly Fireman - takes the plunge.
Brooklyn Deli Times Square gets a sandwich upgrade with the arrival of Shelly Fireman’s Brooklyn Deli. Hushed, elegant Jōji is tucked into an underground alcove at the bottom of the tower, just steps from the trains at Grand Central. Boulud, who runs the great Le Pavillon on the tower’s second floor, will lend operational support and management guidance.
Chef George Ruan is crafting a menu that he describes as “combining elements of the traditional while also being daring and unexpected.” The omakase tasting starts at $375. 14, Jōji completes SL Green Realty’s campaign to make its One Vanderbilt skyscraper the culinary capital of East Midtown. (There’s also an eight-seat dining room, but the counter’s the place to be.) Opening on Sept. Only in New York could Daniel Boulud, a sushi master from Masa and a mighty real estate company join forces to create a 10-seat omakase restaurant. Jōji Peace and tranquility (and omakase sushi) await at this hideaway on the lower level of One Vanderbilt. From omakase sushi served in a hushed atmosphere steps from the trains at Grand Central, to out-of-the-ordinary Thai food in Williamsburg, a potential hotspot for the historic (and historically beleaguered) Hotel Martinique, and yes, even a restaurant in Times Square, here’s what’s coming next - or at least, here are six of the restaurants I’m most looking forward to trying.