🚕 Jean-Georges Crosses the River with ABC Kitchens in Brooklyn

Good Morning NY!

This week brings a feast of bold openings and culinary milestones across the city.

Jean-Georges expands his empire to Brooklyn with a stunning new ABC Kitchens in DUMBO.

A Bushwick pizzeria revives NYC’s coal-oven heritage with fire-kissed perfection.

Santo Taco lands in Greenwich Village, serving its signature trompo and shrimp tacos with a smoky twist.

Din Tai Fung brings its world-famous soup dumplings to Brooklyn for the first time.

And on the Upper West Side, a French fine-dining gem is redefining elegance and excellence in every course.

From timeless techniques to modern creativity, NYC’s dining scene is serving its best this week.

Jean-Georges Brings ABC Kitchens to Brooklyn

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has officially opened ABC Kitchens in Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood.

This marks his first New York City restaurant outside Manhattan.

The new location combines elements from his three existing ABC concepts: ABC Kitchen, ABC Cocina, and ABCV.

The menu offers a diverse range of dishes including dosas, crab toast, and empanadas, alongside seasonal, vegetable-forward additions.

Executive chef Ayaka Guido leads the kitchen with desserts prepared tableside by pastry chef Eliana Aponte.

The restaurant’s design was created by longtime collaborator Lois Freedman, blending modern elements with antique pieces from various markets and her personal collection.

The space balances elegance and informality, with casually dressed staff and interactive features such as a vegetable display table and a pizza oven.

Following recent openings in London and the French Riviera, Jean-Georges plans to expand ABC Kitchens to Houston and Miami.

ABC Kitchens Brooklyn promises a unique, immersive dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

Brooklyn’s Lucky Charlie Revives NYC’s Historic Coal-Oven Pizza Tradition

Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood just gained a pizza spot that’s making waves across the city.

Lucky Charlie, co-owned by pizza expert Nino Coniglio, features a coal-fired oven dating back to 1890.

The oven was rediscovered in 2002 by the building’s landlord, Charlie Verde, during renovations.

Instead of selling the property, Verde chose to restore the oven, preserving a rare piece of culinary history.

This vintage coal oven has 63 heat zones and can bake pizzas in just five minutes, producing a flavor modern ovens can’t replicate.

The menu highlights high-quality ingredients, including fiori di latte, DOP San Marzano tomatoes, Sicilian oregano, imported pecorino, and a finishing drizzle of Sicilian extra virgin olive oil.

Despite strict emissions regulations, Lucky Charlie has maintained this historic cooking method, keeping the tradition of coal-fired pizza alive.

Food enthusiasts and locals are flocking to experience the unique char and authentic taste of this iconic oven.

This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with New York City’s pizza heritage.

Santo Taco Brings Its Flavor to Greenwich Village

Santo Taco, the beloved Nolita taqueria, has officially opened its second location in Greenwich Village.

The new spot is located at 94 University Place, near East 12th Street, and welcomed diners on October 18.

This 1,400-square-foot space offers a more spacious dining experience than the original, with communal tables, counter seating, and cozy banquettes.

Guests can enjoy a variety of corn tortilla tacos, including the signature steak trompo sliced fresh from the spit.

A new shrimp taco featuring salsa macha has also been added to the menu, delighting seafood lovers.

The restaurant pairs its tacos with refreshing margaritas, micheladas, and aguas frescas, some enhanced with mezcal.

Santiago Perez, a co-founder of the acclaimed NYC restaurant Cosme, brings his expertise and vision to this new location.

Greenwich Village diners now have a go-to spot for high-quality, flavorful tacos in a vibrant setting.

Din Tai Fung Brings Its Legendary Soup Dumplings to Brooklyn

Brooklyn food lovers are in for a treat as Din Tai Fung, the world‑famous Taiwanese dumpling chain, is opening its first location in the borough.

The new restaurant will be located on the ground floor of The Brook at 567 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn.

Spanning 20,000 square feet, the space promises a full dining experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

This marks Din Tai Fung’s second New York City location, following the Manhattan debut in 2024.

The restaurant is celebrated for its meticulously crafted xiao long bao, as well as noodles, meats, and vegetable dishes.

Its expansion into Brooklyn highlights the neighborhood’s growing reputation as a must‑visit culinary destination.

Foodies can expect the same precise preparation and signature flavors that have earned Din Tai Fung international acclaim.

The Brooklyn opening will offer locals and tourists alike a chance to experience iconic soup dumplings without leaving the borough.

Essential by Christophe Sets a New Standard for French Dining in NYC

Essential by Christophe is being hailed as the best French restaurant to hit New York City in decades.

Located on the Upper West Side, the fine-dining spot is led by chef-owner Christophe Bellanca, who previously helmed Joël Robuchon USA and Le Cirque.

Since opening in late 2022, Bellanca has elevated Essential into a refined, world-class experience that merges French precision with modern creativity.

Dishes like Louisiana frog legs, foie-gras custard with king crab, and glazed squab highlight his meticulous style.

The tasting menu, priced between $175 and $255, offers an accessible alternative to Midtown’s ultra-luxury options.

With flawless service and understated elegance, Essential by Christophe proves that the Upper West Side can rival downtown when it comes to fine French cuisine.

It’s not just another restaurant—it’s a milestone for New York’s dining scene.

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