🚕 Eleven Madison Park Brings Back Meat After Five Vegan Years

Good Morning NY!

Today, we’re highlighting some major shifts and fresh additions across NYC’s restaurant scene.

From a world-renowned fine dining spot reintroducing meat to beloved neighborhood favorites saying goodbye, the city’s culinary landscape is buzzing.

We’ll also spotlight exciting expansions and new openings that are bringing bold flavors to Midtown and beyond.

Plus, there’s a look ahead at one of NYC’s most anticipated food festivals making a triumphant return.

Stick around for all the updates shaping the city’s dining scene right now.

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Eleven Madison Park Brings Back Meat After Five Vegan Years

Eleven Madison Park is making a major menu shift after nearly five years as a fully vegan restaurant.

Chef Daniel Humm announced that the acclaimed fine dining spot will reintroduce meat and seafood options starting October 14.

The move follows challenges with reduced private event bookings, lower wine sales, and criticism that the all-vegan menu may have been too limiting for some diners.

The updated $365 tasting menu will still be primarily plant-based but will allow guests to add select animal proteins.

Fully vegan options will remain for those who prefer them.

This marks a significant pivot for one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, which shocked the industry in 2021 by going entirely vegan.

It remains to be seen how this change will impact its reputation and customer base moving forward.

Farewell to a West Village Classic

After 52 years of serving comfort food and community, Elephant & Castle in the West Village will close its doors on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Opened in 1973 by Dr. George Schwarz, the cozy neighborhood spot became a go-to for brunch favorites like eggs Benedict, omelets, crepes, and burgers.

Its warm, unfussy vibe drew locals, artists, and visitors alike, creating a loyal following over the decades.

The restaurant’s Dublin outpost, which opened in 1989, will continue to operate.

Following Schwarz’s passing in 2016, chef Gary Kuschnereit and longtime manager Bonnie Jenkins kept the tradition alive.

Jenkins says financial challenges made it impossible to keep the doors open any longer.

Fans have been sharing emotional tributes online, remembering countless Sunday brunches, late lunches, and neighborhood gatherings.

This closure marks the end of an era for Greenwich Avenue dining.

Jollibee Doubles Down in Midtown with New Location

The beloved Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee is adding another feather to its NYC cap.

A brand-new location is set to open at 14 East 42nd Street, between Madison and Fifth Avenues, in August 2025.

This marks Jollibee’s third Manhattan outpost, joining its popular branches in Hell’s Kitchen and Times Square.

Known for its juicy fried chicken, sweet-style spaghetti, hearty sandwiches, and iconic peach mango pies, Jollibee has built a devoted following among locals and visitors alike.

The expansion underscores the brand’s growing influence in the heart of the city’s dining scene.

With the new Midtown spot, grabbing a taste of the Philippines just got even easier for commuters, office workers, and tourists.

Fans can expect the same bold flavors and cheerful atmosphere that have made Jollibee a global comfort food favorite.

Soho’s MAMO Restaurant Heads to Midtown’s Lipstick Building

The iconic Lipstick Building at 885 Third Avenue is about to welcome a fresh culinary destination.

Soho-based Italian restaurant MAMO will replace the now-closed Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, which had a 15-year run in the space.

MAMO will occupy approximately 7,000 square feet across two levels, with 5,000 square feet on the ground floor and 2,000 square feet below.

The restaurant is expected to open in early 2026, bringing elevated yet approachable Italian dining to Midtown.

SL Green, the building’s owner, has invested in a $16 million lobby renovation and secured other tenants, including Memorial Sloan-Kettering and a Daniel Boulud coffee bar.

Leasing agents say MAMO aligns perfectly with the vision of revitalizing the building and energizing the surrounding neighborhood.

The new location promises to make the Lipstick Building a go-to spot for both office workers and food lovers alike.

One Bite Pizza Festival Returns Bigger Than Ever

The One Bite Pizza Festival, founded by Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy, has become a must-visit culinary event in New York City.

The inaugural festival took place on September 23, 2023, at Maimonides Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn, featuring over 35 pizzerias, including Frank Pepe, Sally’s Apizza, and Lucali.

More than 5,000 attendees sampled pizzas chosen by Portnoy, who gained fame with his popular “One Bite” pizza review series.

The festival also featured live musical performances and a live presentation of Portnoy’s pizza reviews.

The 2024 festival returned on September 14 at Randall’s Island, expanding to two sold-out sessions and welcoming 10,000 attendees.

All proceeds were donated to Al Santillo, owner of Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza, which had burned down earlier in the year.

A GoFundMe started by Portnoy raised over $32,000 to help with rebuilding efforts.

The next One Bite Pizza Festival is scheduled for September 13, 2025, promising another epic pizza celebration.

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