🚕 The Yacht Club Opens at Starrett-Lehigh

Good Morning NY!

Today, we’re serving up a mix of exciting news from across the city’s vibrant food and dining scene.

From the return of a beloved citywide restaurant event to a stunning new seafood hotspot with jaw-dropping views, there’s plenty to explore.

We’ll also dig into some important shifts affecting delivery workers and unpack the latest moves in NYC’s political spotlight.

And finally, we’ll say farewell to a longtime neighborhood favorite closing its doors after decades.

Stay tuned as we bring you the freshest updates and stories that every NYC foodie should know.

Summer Sizzle: NYC Restaurant Week 2025 Serves Up Tasty Deals

NYC Restaurant Week returns from July 21 to August 17, promising mouthwatering dining adventures across the city.

Reservations open on July 15, giving you a chance to snag tables at some of NYC’s hottest spots.

Restaurants will offer prix fixe menus priced at $30, $45, or $60 for lunch, brunch, or dinner.

This season’s lineup includes favorites like The Noortwyck, Momoya SoHo, Philippe Chow, and The Palm.

You’ll find everything from casual bites to fine dining experiences in all five boroughs.

It’s the perfect excuse to try new flavors or revisit beloved classics without breaking the bank.

NYC Restaurant Week first launched in 1992 and remains a highlight for foodies eager to explore the city’s diverse dining scene.

Check out the full list of participating restaurants to start planning your culinary journey.

The Yacht Club Sets Sail at Starrett-Lehigh with Seafood and Skyline Views

A massive new seafood and nightlife spot called The Yacht Club has officially opened on the 10th floor of Chelsea’s Starrett-Lehigh Building.

Spanning 20,000 square feet, it features indoor and outdoor areas with sweeping views of the Hudson River.

The space includes a 125-seat restaurant and several bars operated by CREW, the hospitality group behind Grand Banks.

Guests can enter through a dedicated entrance on 12th Avenue, leading into a broader 50,000-square-foot amenity complex.

Beyond dining, the venue offers rooftop terraces and flexible event spaces designed for parties, meetings, and even podcasts.

Office tenants in the building receive priority access to these new amenities.

The Starrett-Lehigh Building, purchased by RXR Realty in 2011 for $920 million, has undergone significant modernization in recent years.

It’s also home to high-profile tenants like Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and Marcus Samuelsson’s Hav + Mar.

NYC Eyes Higher Pay for Grocery Delivery Workers Amid Cost Concerns

The New York City Council is preparing to vote on new laws that would raise wages for grocery delivery workers to at least $21.44 per hour.

This would bring their pay in line with restaurant delivery drivers working for apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash.

Under the proposals, workers must also be paid within seven days of each pay period’s end.

Customers would be prompted to tip at least 10% before placing their orders.

Companies would also have to pay workers for all time logged into the app, not just for active deliveries.

Instacart argues these changes could raise grocery delivery costs by as much as 46% and reduce worker flexibility.

Some New Yorkers support the move, saying it offers hope and fair compensation.

Others worry it could lead to higher grocery prices and fees for consumers.

NYC Mayoral Race Heats Up as Opponents Try to Slow Zohran Mamdani

After Zohran Mamdani’s strong Democratic primary win, other candidates are pushing for unity to stop his momentum.

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is encouraging challengers to rally behind a single non-socialist candidate for the November election.

Cuomo hopes this strategy will prevent vote-splitting and increase chances of beating Mamdani.

Mayor Eric Adams has rejected Cuomo’s plan, criticizing Cuomo’s past and defending his own record.

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa also declined to join the pledge, saying he has the only major party nomination.

Sliwa insists he offers a clear path to victory without dropping out.

The mayoral race remains dynamic as candidates jockey for position ahead of November.

Voters will be watching closely as alliances and strategies continue to evolve.

End of an Era: Hector’s Cafe & Diner Closes After 76 Years

Hector’s Cafe & Diner in the Meatpacking District is closing its doors on July 18, 2025.

The family-run diner has been a neighborhood staple for 76 years.

Owner Nick Kapelonis and his family have operated it for 45 of those years.

The closure comes despite a lease running through 2033.

The decision was influenced by the loss of local butchers and the neighborhood’s shift toward luxury retail and upscale dining.

The COVID-19 pandemic also had a lasting impact on their business.

Hector’s was one of the last affordable eateries in an area known for gentrification.

The diner has appeared in iconic films and TV shows like “Law & Order” and “Taxi Driver.”

While the family plans to take a break, they have not ruled out opening another restaurant in the future.

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