Rheanna O’Neil Bellomo

Afternoon tea in NYC is for those who fancy a scone or crumpet alongside a piping hot kettle of tea as a midday pick-me-up. It may be old hat to chase the yawns away with iced coffee and hot java at the best coffee shops in NYC, but the luxury of tea o’clock serves the same function while making you feel like royalty. From hotel restaurants to proper teahouses, here’s where to go for the best afternoon tea NYC’s got to offer. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

Feeling a little peckish at 3am? Whether you’re coming home from a karaoke sesh that stretched into the morning, getting hungry after a night of cocktails at one of NYC’s best bars or fighting off some jet lag, there are plenty of 24-hour spots to grab a bite in New York City. While you’ll find classic greasy-spoon fare at some of the best diners in NYC, you’ll also find spicy, soothing Korean hangover soup (in case that’s something you might need…) and the best pastrami in NYC piled high and waiting for you any time of the day or night. While the 24/7 spots in NYC may be dwindling, there are still plenty to be found for all the night owls and early risers in the city that never sleeps.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

Boxers are boring, socks are stuffy and with more of us working from home, neckties are not all that useful. So what are you going to get him for Christmas this year? We’ve got you covered. The best Christmas gifts for him are unique, fun and useful. We’ve rounded up NYC-themed gifts to rep the city, one-of-a-kind gifts from NYC makers and experiential gifts for the adventurous dudes in your life. Don’t miss the best holiday markets in NYC either, where you can browse hundreds of gifts of all kinds. Gift cards are a great option too, so check out the best NYC restaurants and see what they have to offer. Read on for some more unique gift ideas for him that will surely please. Surely the guy in your life has a passion or strong interest that will help you pinpoint the perfect gift. Cocktail enthusiast? How about a DIY infusion kit. Fashion conscious? A lovely watch might be just the thing. Bookworm? There’s a book of the month club for that. Sometimes you just need a good list of things to get your brain firing. You’re sure to find something here to get him for Christmas. Then once you’re done shopping you can focus on getting into the holiday spirit, whether it’s Christmas caroling, holiday lights, or ice skating. RECOMMENDED: The full holiday gift guide

Some people equate tourist-trap restaurants to overrated hypebeasts, but this crop of crowd-pleasing eateries is here to disprove that notion. Sure, out-of-towners may show up at Katz’s looking to recreate that infamous When Harry Met Sally moment, but that doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best New York delis of all time. From the city’s best steakhouses to trendy bakeries to classic New York pizza, here are the tourist-baiting restaurants that are good enough for us locals. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

Got sweets on the brain? When cupcake delivery won't cut it, New York's best bakeries will satisfy any cookie craving—and then some—by delivering everything from crunchy chocolate chip to fudgy double chocolate chunk to gooey edible cookie dough. After all, cookies are arguably the best dessert of all time. So what are you waiting for? Start ordering from these sweet shops for the best cookie delivery in NYC.  RECOMMENDED: See the full list of best restaurants in NYC

It’s summer in New York, which not only means beachy days and balmy nights but the return of NYC Restaurant Week. The twice-a-year culinary blowout offers $26 two-course lunches and $42 three-course dinners between July 23 and August 17 at more than 380 restaurants throughout NYC, including fine dining destinations, Michelin-starred restaurants, and some of the city’s best Italian restaurants and steakhouses. These are top spots in Manhattan where you should snag a reservation ASAP for NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2018. For more information (menu items are subject to change), check out the full list of participants for NYC Restaurant Week.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

What better way is there to celebrate some of the best restaurants in Brooklyn than by eating your way through them during NYC Restaurant Week® Summer 2018? Between July 23 and August 17, you can enjoy a three-course lunch ($26) and dinner ($42) at top-notch eateries across the borough, from hotel restaurants in Williamsburg to a hidden gem in Carroll Gardens serving the best brunch in Brooklyn. Here are reservation-worthy Brooklyn restaurants you’ll want to book during NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2018. For more information (menu items are subject to change), check out the full list of participants for NYC Restaurant Week.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

Cupcakes have long jockeyed with macarons, ice cream and pastry hybrids like the Cronut for the throne of best dessert in New York. But even when they're not the viral confection of the moment, we still crave single-serving cupcakes crowned with all kinds of decadent frosting and sweet garnishes. As soon as one of those craving hits, you can order some of the best cupcakes in NYC for delivery to your door. RECOMMENDED: The best bakeries in NYC

Bar hopping is easy in the East Village, where drinkeries run the gamut from buttoned-up cocktail lounges and swank speakeasies to rowdy pubs and gritty dive bars. But when you want to settle in and watch a game, you need a locale with quality brews and even better bar food, plus space to sprawl out and maybe even go wild with your fellow fans. So the next time your team's playing, head to one of the best sports bars in the East Village. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in NYC

Sure, the plethora of cocktail clubs and dive bars have made the bar-studded East Village a hub for boozing 20-somethings for decades. But the lively downtown nabe is also loaded with top-notch vino dens for all different types of wine drinkers, from serious swirl-and-sniffers to fun-loving bottle poppers. When you want a quality glass, sip your way through the best wine bars in the East Village.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in NYC

In Greenwich Village, there is so much more than cheap bars and karaoke dens that cater to the NYU crowd. You'll also find sophisticated wine bars, first-rate cocktail haunts, and cozy beer bars in the city's bohemian and beatnik hub. When you want to toss a few back in good company, head to one of the best bars in Greenwich Village. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in NYC

Planning the perfect day at Coney Island—one of the best beaches in NYC—is one of our favorite things to do in the summer. And, of all the colorful things to do at the beachy Brooklyn destination, eating tops the list. From world-famous hot dogs to New York pizza icons and funky dives, these are the best bars and restaurants in Coney Island that you should scope out on the boardwalk and beyond. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Coney Island in NY

This expansive food hall is home to a clam bar, fast-causal café, craft beer pub, and rooftop wine bar—all inside a landmark Spanish revival building on the boardwalk. Run by the same hospitality groups behind the culinary programs at Yankee Stadium and restaurants like David Burke Kitchen, the massive eatery sits adjacent to the 5,000-seat Ford Ampitheather, making it an ideal pit-stop before a live show, or refuel after a full day on the beach.

If you're looking for an elegant seaside experience that rivals a day in the Hamptons, step aboard Grand Banks, the historic schooner turned oyster bar docked at Tribeca Piers. The waitstaff runs like a well-groomed crew, delivering top-notch naughtical plates (raw oysters, soft shell crab) like clockwork to the throng of tables on deck. If you'd prefer to simply sip and watch the sunset, two brass-tapped bars flank the bow and mizzen-mast, offering prime seating even without reservations. Though docked at amenity-rich Pier 25, the Sherman Zwicker sits just enough below deck for an out-to-sea feel, but with the glittering World Trade Center and spotlighted Statue of Liberty still in sight.  

It’s a scene straight out of Midnight in Paris—or maybe Back to the Future—all golden-age yearning and space-time shuffling. This dapper Gramercy lounge, from Raines Law Room operators Alberto Benenati and Yves Jadot, is a railroad space divided into period-piece quarters, including a tufted Victorian parlor and an ashtray-dotted hooch den worthy of Don Draper. Spend an hour at this luxe oasis and you’ll completely lose track of time—no DeLorean required. ORDER THIS: The cocktail menu, created by Raines’ booze maven Meaghan Dorman, features tried-and-true classics (Gibson, Paloma) and house creations like the Hero of Little Venice, an elevated rum-spiked root-beer float capped with fluffy egg whites and a sprinkling of nutmeg. The well-balanced Whiskey Business highlights rye’s spicy bite with smoky ancho chile, tempered with bright lemon, while the baking-spice backbeat of the lime-and-hibiscus Santa Rosa—garnished flamboyantly with mint sprigs and a cherry—imparts a bitter, earthy finish. GOOD FOR: Feeding your nostalgic whims. The era hopping begins with black-leather club chairs and vintage glamour shots in the meticulous mid-20th-century room, flowing back into a Gatsby-esque display of decadence—crystal curtains veil banquettes, and art deco splashes everything from the gold-striped floor to the glittering tin ceiling; beyond that, a rococo, gold-leaf-kissed salon that would make Marie Antoinette swoon. Fittingly, the tunes run the gamut of Parisian accordion riffs, big

At this sly, effortlessly cool '70s-styled cocktail den, bartenders torch cocoa butter atop the frothy, rum-and-whole egg Disco Inferno; stir a pisco-tinged concotion and red wine ice cubes into a glowing, off-menu lava lamp tipple; and pour sips of wine directly into patrons' mouths from traditonal Spanish porrons. Retro funk beats and amber lighting might at first remind you of your grandparents' basement—as do the wood paneling, beaded curtains, and cheese ball appetizers—but the quaffs and the service are far from out of style.

This sky-high bar atop the Pod 39 hotel offers prime views of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings but it's the ivy-clad brick archways, glowy string lights, and Mexican tile-topped tables that create this watering hole's vibrant piazza feel. April Bloomfield's formidable Salvation Taco dispatches inventive tortillas (short rib in coconut curry, chicken tinga) from the first-floor restaurant while the bar slings frozen margaritas, agave-leaning craft cocktails, and imported beers.    

Inspired by 1960s Los Angeles, this California cool café in SoHo boasts a flavor-packed, health-driven menu that won’t leave you feeling guilty or lethargic. That said, the plates—named for neighborhoods and institutions around L.A.—don’t follow any strict nutritional rules, but rather a general ethos of wellness lead by owner and Golden State native Camilla Marcus. The healthful additions from the open kitchen are smart and subtle, like buckwheat in vanilla crème-fraîche–topped Malibu waffles, a pair of Echo Tacos loaded with potato-pepper hash and crisp romaine, and, of course, a chia pudding tinged with coconut and decorated with toasted almonds and fresh raspberries. If nothing else, the donation from every purchase to the poverty-fighting Robin Hood Foundation will leave you feeling pretty damn full.

The unassuming storefront seems at first to live up to its name, but step beyond the grab-and-go counter through stone archways to a sprawling, though enclosed, back patio where the flourishing outdoors are brought inside. Replete hanging planters cascading greenery overhead, floor-to-ceiling windows and a skylight drenching the reclaimed wood tables with sunlight, the French country restaurant feels more like a greenhouse than a dining room. Outdoor eaters will love the year-round availability and whimsical allure of glowing string lights, rustic brick walls, and charming menu of dainty tea cakes and fresh, flaky croissants.

Offering arguably the most dazzling panoramic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline, this cocktail club with floor-to-ceilling windows is perched atop the Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. The unique, eye-level perspective definitely draws a crowd, as does the extensive champagne docket and craft cocktails made with offbeat elixirs like wormwood and bison grass by Albert Trummer (Apothéke). If you can snag one, settle into one of the sleek leather couches to watch the sweeping, 180-degree sunset. 

Too often, a New York beer hall means a vast room overpopulated with rowdy, brew-slamming bros and a staff who, understandably, can’t keep up with the demand for pints and pretzels. Narrowing that craft-beer concept into a small-scale operation, this Harlem tavern cherry-picks the best parts of biergarten-ing without all the red-faced fuss, serving craft beers and bourbon in an easygoing, lodgelike space, decked out in flea-market finds like mountain-landscape paintings, hunter-green wainscoting and even a taxidermy boar. It’s an outdoorsy, all-American spot that almost feels like summer camp—this time with good booze. ORDER THIS: Pints hop across the country, from local drafts like Blue Point Lager ($6) and Ommegang Witte ($6) to Midwestern options like Bell’s Two Hearted IPA out of Michigan ($7) and Colorado’s Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout ($8). Not a hops-head? Bourbon flights ($25–$30) are quaintly served in vintage muffin tins—just pick any three on the list, ranging from woodsy Knob Creek Smoked Maple to small-batch Elijah Craig 12-year. Or venture to the wide-ranging cocktails ($12), like a hickory-smoked Campfire Manhattan laced with maple-infused bourbon and bobbing with house-made beef jerky, and a jalapeño-cranberry Dante’s Punch ramped up with tequila and a fiery chile-salt rim. For lighter sips, the Garden Party, a tart-and-tangy vodka refresher, is muddled with basil and lime, while the Messy Lady whirls together herbal elderflower liquor with bright juniper-forwar

Getting maced in the East Village might sound like a New York nightmare, but not at Greg Boehm and Nico de Soto’s cocktail club (named after the nutmeglike spice, not the eye-burning pepper spray). The barmen (Boilermaker and Experimental Cocktail Club, respectively) center the booze menu on international flavors from their collective time abroad, with each cocktail titled for a spice used in it. Those imported seasonings are showcased in mason jars around the spice-market–inspired space, and also turn up in the bar snacks from Maharlika chef Miguel Trinidad. The goods here are bold, sure, but with just enough temperance to leave you wanting more. ORDER THIS: Don’t shy from the namesake coup ($13), a tangy-sweet candied-beet number that’s misted with earthy mace at the table. The soft green-colored Grass ($13), laced with white-tea–infused shochu and grass cordial, is served in a Japanese teacup and hints at summertime, as does the hay-fat–washed cognac Chamomile ($16), cut with zesty lemon and a bit of bubbly. The vodka-based Cardamom ($13) pairs pistachio with nutty cold-brew coffee and just enough of the baking spice to warm up the froth-topped mug. GOOD FOR: Heating up your next date. The exotic menu means you’ll have to be a bit daring, sipping strange spices such as Filipino pandan and Indian ambrette. The cozy, golden-glowy space is virtually made for close encounters, sparsely decorated with a zinc-topped bar and tiny two-top tables that give you just enough room for

With 30 years and 13 restaurants under his belt, Danny Meyer has built one of the most recognizable gastro empires in New York. The latest project to join his ranks, a partnership with Blue Smoke lieutenants Mark Maynard-Parisi and Jean-Paul Bourgeois, is a Southern-twanged cocktail lounge that puts the restaurateur onto the drinks scene for the first time in his decades-long career. The sleek Chelsea drinkery is decked out with homey touches (the back game room is filled with retro boards including Life and Yahtzee) and a rustic, reclaimed-wood bar helmed by Nicholas Bennett (Booker and Dax), turning out first-rate down-home sips that don’t mimic the real deal but instead redefine ’em. ORDER THIS: Stiff drinks ($14) like a house-bottled whiskey-and-cola, cracked open and poured tableside. Kissed with herbal amaro, it’s potent enough to sip slowly throughout the night. Equally hefty are the orange-spiced rye-Cardamaro Flagg Day and the supremely smoky Gun Metal Blue, just barely splashed with curaçao and peach brandy. Bennett’s New York Sour gets a welcome froth from sudsy egg white, while his riff on the Hurricane, dubbed the Storm’s Brewin’, whirls the grenadine-rum pairing with apple, lemon and passion fruit. GOOD FOR: Laidback Gothamites and homesick down-South transplants. The cozy country vibes come courtesy of lived-in leather booths, vintage ceramic plates scrolled with grandma-style florals and even a “porch” stage for bluegrass and jazz musicians. But the rural touc

In the realm of spirits, cider is the overlooked wallflower; not as crowd-pleasing as beer or as effortlessly cool as the cocktail. But now the underrated sip gets its due at this glowing pocket-sized den on Orchard Street, offering a dozen drafts and nearly 100 bottles of the apple elixir. The brainchild of Jennifer Lim and Ben Sandler, the husband-and-wife team behind suds hub Queens Kickshaw, this fruit-forward bar will turn those cider snubbers into seekers. ORDER THIS: Cider-splashed cocktails. The namesake punch ($36), served in a fish-shaped “glug jug,” is fun for a group, but the sweet apple juice and muddled strawberries at times overtake the bourbon and birch beer. Opt instead for the softer gin-spiked Slack Ma Girdle ($14), which bolsters delicate dandelion with tangy lime and bubbly IPA. The draft Jersey Cocktail ($12) mimics a manhattan with caramelly apple brandy, dry hard cider and a generous dose of bitters. Not up for a mixed drink? Try a boilermaker, like woodsy French cider and a shot of honey-licked El Dorado rum ($12). GOOD FOR: Delving deep into the appley stuff. The cider repertoire runs deep, and the bar’s waitstaff excels at filtering the extensive list, drawing out wine-like tasting notes and coming up quick with recommendations to suit your fancy. A recent request for a dry yet refreshing option prompted the Casta–on Sidra ($6), a hazy, sun-yellow glass that finishes oaky. The brut Christian Drouin ($8) drinks a touch smoother, offering more promine

Whether you’re a weekend golfer, a recreational rookie or a seasoned regular at Miami Beach Golf Club, the latest addition to bustling Brickell will inspire you to chip and putt your heart out—or maybe even score a hole-in-one.   On Friday, June 27, The Tips Golf, an innovative new indoor golf lounge, will debut at the AC Hotel Miami Brickell with lavish flair. Merging state-of-the-art technology with luxury hospitality, the bi-level complex welcomes both casual and competitive golfers to practice, play, and socialize.  RECOMMENDED: Here's your first look at Puttery Miami, adults-only mini golf in Wynwood There’s a sophisticated yet comfortable vibe to the sprawling 3,6000-square-foot lounge, awash in verdant greens and wood paneling, with supple, caramel leather seating and floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views of downtown Miami. From the menu, expect modern twists on clubhouse classics, like the Caribbean Transfusion (vodka, grape juice, ginger ale), chimichurri steak tacos, barbecue chicken flatbread, and a particularly playful “bucket of balls” brimming with sugared donut holes. Photograph: Courtesy The Tips GolfThe Tips Golf Guests can sidle up to an intimate, 10-seat bar or flock to one of the play bays with enough room for five or more golfers. While the scene is quite luxe, no snooty country-club rules will kill the vibe; with no formal dress code in effect, athletic attire is totally fine.  Hourly rates vary during peak ($90/hour) and off-peak ($65/hour)

When planning a weekend getaway to break from the Gotham grind or taking one the best day trips from New York City, the ultimate goal is exploring a path less traveled. More often than not, a visit to a place not on the cover of a big travel magazine feels as though we’ve discovered a secret.  This year, one of New York’s most treasured spots ranked in the top 20 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of most underrated destinations in America: the Catskills.  That’s right, New York’s much-loved mountain belt is considered a hidden gem for skiing, hiking and small-town Americana vibes. Quaint villages along the Hudson, like Bethel and namesake Catskill, offer painterly landscapes and community-minded activities, including the infinitely iconic Woodstock music festival.  Since the 1960s, Catskills summer resorts have thrived among the rugged terrain, with tons of trendy vacation rental properties (think: woody A-frame cabins, midcentury motor lodges, even modern casinos) cropping up in recent years, giving roadtrippers countless lodging opportunities.  Along with U.S. News’ editorial input, the ranking publication factored in traveler reviews, expert opinions, crowd control, cultural experiences, dining scenes, and much more while hand-picking destinations to highlight. Consider it a bucket list for the wanderlust among us who’d rather traverse mountainous trails than stand in line at theme parks or stroll charming small towns in lieu of chaotic cities.  More nearby locales of not

One of the most memorable things to do during summer in New York is catch the red-hot, sprawling West Indian Day Carnival, which draws two million people to Brooklyn for a Caribbean carnival done Gotham-style.  But if, like us, you can’t wait until August for a colorful Calypso spectacle, suit up for some serious fun in Times Square next week. On Tuesday, June 10, New Yorkers can kick off Caribbean American Heritage Month with “A Caribbean Fête in Times Square” hosted by TSQ Live and Brooklyn-based cultural organization I Am CaribBEING.  From 5pm to 7pm, the famed Broadway plaza—between 45th and 46th Streets—will transform into a massive lime (a.k.a. party) celebrating the treasured culture of Caribbean countries like Barbados, Bahamas, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, among others. The bash is free, but you must RSVP to secure your spot.  Designed as a joyful declaration of "global culture that is here to stay and play," the party includes live sets by songwriter-DJ Private Ryan, so you can groove to the tropical tunes of soca, dancehall, reggae, and more. “Caribbean American Heritage Month deserves its rightful space in the spotlight,” says I Am CariBEING founder Shelley Worrell. “This event is more than just music, it’s a testament to the strength and power of our heritage, and it is with great pride that we bring the joy of the Caribbean to one of the world’s most iconic locations.” “This event promises to be a sonic celebration of a region whose in

Temps are peaking, the sun sets well past 8pm and outdoor dining has returned—despite what the calendar says, it's officially summer in New York and there’s no better way to celebrate than stretching out in the grass for an al fresco film. And just in time, Brooklyn Bridge Park will revive its popular "Movies With a View" screenings next month, as part of its larger 15th anniversary programming calendar packed with more than 50 free and low-cost events. This year’s theme for the "Movies with a View" summer series is "Women in Hollywood," with movies made by and starring famous leading ladies like Judy Garland, Sigourney Weaver, Meryl Streep and more. Ranging from Rachel Sennot’s uproarious comedy Bottoms to the empowering historical drama Hidden Figures starring Taraji P. Henson, the free screenings—which will be held every Thursday in July and August at Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn—draws crowds comparable to Bryant Park’s summertime showings, so it’s best to arrive early. The lawn opens at 6 p.m., with opening credits rolling at sunset; however, spots are on a first-come, first served basis.  Remember that chairs are not allowed, but you can always pack a picnic blanket or personal-sized, stadium-style cushions (without legs or hard feet) to get cozy during your favorite flick.  “We reimagined this waterfront for the public and today we’re proud to welcome millions of visitors to make memories, enjoy the arts, and experience summer like nowhere else in the city,” said President o

Acclaimed Hulu series The Bear continues to put spotlight on Chicago and its iconic Italian beef sandwich, catapulting our culinary scene to new heights and creating lots of copycats. But Chicagoans know there’s nothing better than the real deal — which is why we’re thankful for Windy City native Jeff Mauro, and his latest creation for Stefani's Bottega Italiana at Time Out Market Chicago.  The new Mauro Beef Sandwich layers slow-roasted, thin-sliced prime beef with hot peppers and tangy giardiniera relish, served with gravy. Find it at Stefani’s, which opened at Time Out Market in the West Loop back in February. The Italian icon typically slings Roman-style pizzas, pastas, and schiacciata sandwiches, but we have a feeling this big, beefy number might just outdo its predecessors. Born and raised in Oak Park, chef Jeff Mauro is considered the Sandwich King on Food Network’s The Kitchen, and for good reason. For years, Mauro has been on a mission to make the best version of the beloved Chicago-style Italian beef. Only now has he finally achieved his goal with what he calls “the best Italian beef for purchase,” featuring Turano bread, gravy, and an original recipe for giardiniera. (Pro tip from chef: Don’t say the “a” at the end of giardiniera when you order.)  Photograph: Keni RosalesBeef sandwich at Stefani's Bottega Italiana at Time Out Market Chicago. “It’s the greatest beef that you will ever taste,” Mauro told WBBM. “And I guarantee that. It’s USDA choice or prime whole

Time Out Market Chicago, home to some of the city’s best restaurants, welcomes yet another stellar concept from chef Jorge Kauam. This month, the creator of German-American Gutenburg and chocolate pop-up JK Chocolates adds a new outpost of his modern, wellness-focused Vitasana to the healthy options inside Time Out Market.  At Vitasana, chef Kauam works alongside nutritionist wife Adriana Freytez, bringing bold and sometimes surprising flavors (like apple-celery tajín) to a holistic menu of what they call “craveable clean eating.” The duo’s nutrient-dense, often probiotic-rich plates include house-made ferments (cabbage slaw, pickled onions) and from-scratch dressings (confit garlic tahini, mango-habanero) that cater to all diets, including vegan, keto, and gluten-free options. “At Vitasana, we’re creating dishes where gut-healthy meets deeply satisfying,” Freytez says. “We believe eating well shouldn’t mean sacrificing taste.”  Photograph: Keni RosalesVitasana at Time Out Market Chicago Photograph: Keni RosalesVitasana at Time Out Market Chicago With twists on classics like a truffle Caesar salad loaded with pepperoncini, Vitasana could quickly become one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Chicago. But you can also expect to see slow-roasted meats on the menu, including a Persian brisket bowl studded with carrots, peaches, kalamata feta, dolloped with eggplant cream and drizzled in sumac sauce; as well as curried lamb meatballs over a bed of brown rice and arugula, la

More often than not, finding a quality grocery store in NYC can be a hassle, which is why many New Yorkers turn to reliable grocery delivery or even takeout for their dinner plans. But today, one grocery giant is flipping the script: After 25 years online, FreshDirect is stunning shoppers with a brick-and-mortar debut in New York. Today, the brand's very first physical location, called FreshDirect on Main, opens for in-person purchases in the heart of Southampton's East End Village. RECOMMENDED: Here are all the new things to do in the Hamptons this summer, including restaurants and spas Designed to mimic your favorite farmers market, the pop-up shop is stocked with curated collections of local products on wooden crates and pallets. Find farm-fresh produce, small-batch cheeses from nearby creameries, high-quality olive oils, and seasonal fruits and vegetables from regional farms like Wells Homestead Acres and Deer Run Farms. A dedicated coffee counter will sling local legend Jack's Stir Brew Coffee alongside FreshDirect’s baked breakfast items (think buttery, flaky croissants) and more specialty prepared foods.  Courtesy: FreshDirectFreshDirect On Main For today's grand opening, guests will receive a complimentary mini loaf of banana bread, while the first 100 customers will each receive a $100 gift card to use toward their next online purchase. Visitors of the new shop will also receive limited-edition Hamptons-inspired FreshDirect totes for all their future market runs.

With Memorial Day in the rear view, summer in Chicago has (unofficially) begun, kicking off international travel plans for millions of Americans and U.S. visitors. This year, however, federal budget cuts, economic uncertainty, and slew of immigration policy changes may hinder your vacation plans. In fact, recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirms longer wait times at numerous major airports, and—yep, you guessed it—O'Hare is one of the worst.  RECOMMENDED: Summer travel in Chicago will be record-breaking—here is what to expect According to a report published by Upgraded Points, our very own O'Hare International Airport (ORD) clocked one of the longest average immigration-line wait times at 31.7 minutes, extremely close behind Los Angeles (LAX) airport at 31.8 minutes. We definitely take the cake in causing chaos, though: Chicago's ORD creates the highest share of hour-plus delays (13.6-percent) of any airport in the country.  Despite significantly lower traffic, Nashville International (BNA) airport had the third worst performance nationwide, with waits at customs around 31.1 minutes on average. We guess there's still hope for over-trafficked O'Hare. (Or at least we can drown our sorrows at the best airport restaurants.) If you're looking to trim time at the airport, try other entry points: Palm Beach International (PBI) in Florida keeps visitors in line for a mere 3.5 minutes. Closer to home, Second City's Midway International Airport (MDW) ranked seventh

When the temps are just too damn hot, we turn to the best ice cream in Chicago for reprieve from the scorching sun and heavy humidity. There’s truly nothing like a cool cup or cone to quell the heat. And this summer in Chicago, one River North restaurant is graciously bringing back a sizzling seasonal special: $1 frozen yogurt Fridays. RECOMMENDED: Levain and Pretty Cool Ice Cream are debuting a new Cookies à la Mode collab this week Walk up to the window of Ēma Rotisserie (74 W Illinois Street)—a fast-casual offshoot of the Mediterranean sit-down restaurant Ēma— for cups of frozen Greek yogurt (delicately dressed in olive oil and sea salt) for just one dollar every Friday, now through August 29. With simple, quality ingredients, this could be the most iconic of cheap eats in Chicago. The delicious deal kicked off over Memorial Day Weekend, available only on Fridays from 11 am to 3 pm. This year, you can upgrade your sweet treat for another buck (totaling a whopping $2) and drench your cup of freshly churned fro-yo in house-made strawberry-rhubarb syrup, or pistachio sauce and crumbled cinnamon phyllo puff pastry. Sadly, supplies are limited to one per person. But if you’re feeling lucky, the restaurant group is also running a giveaway on Instagram for free frozen Greek yogurt all summer long, which runs through June 3, according to the restaurant website. Ēma first opened in 2016, helmed by former Intro chef C.J. Jacobson, serving Californian-tinged small plates and regional

With Memorial Day in sight, summertime is officially on the horizon and international travel is once again top of mind for millions of Americans and visitors to the U.S. But this year’s federal budget cuts, economic uncertainty, and slew of changes to immigration policy may damper vacation plans. In fact, recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirms longer customs wait times at numerous major airports during the summer travel season, and—surprise!—LAX is the worst of all.  RECOMMENDED: You can finally take Metro to LAX more easily starting in June According to a new report published by Upgraded Points, our very own Los Angeles International (LAX) airport clocked the longest average immigration-line wait time of 31.8 minutes and delayed 12.8-percent of travelers for over an hour. Arguably worse but technically slotted second-to-last on the list, customs at Chicago's O’Hare International Airport (ORD) keeps travelers waiting an average of 31.7 minutes and creates the highest share of hour-plus delays (13.6-percent) in the country. Meanwhile, despite significantly lower traffic, Nashville International Airport (BNA) had the third worst performance, with waits averaging 31.1 minutes. Looking to trim your airport hours? Entry point Palm Beach International (PBI) in Florida keeps visitors in line for a mere 3.5 minutes. Closer to home, Orange County’s John Wayne Airport (SNA) averages a 6.4-minute wait, with the vast majority of its travelers (93.7%) waiting less th

Murray’s Cheese has been Manhattan's most famed, vast, and varied dairy purveyor since first opening its doors decades ago. At its charming Bleecker Street shop, bustling Grand Central outpost, or Long Island City locale, you can consult expert cheese mongers and try samples of proprietary cave-aged varieties prepared right here in town. (This is Antoni Porowski's favorite cheese shop for a reason, people!) And as one of the best cheese shops in New York City, Murray's has unsurprisingly made monumental plans for National Cheese Day. On Wednesday June 4, Chef Clare Malfitano will build the biggest ball of mozzarella in Manhattan for onlookers to see and, more importantly, taste! Expect a truly one-of-a-kind performance from inside a giant translucent bowl as she stretches and forms a massive, 80-pound ball by hand. Fromage festivities begin at 4pm, running until 7pm, or when the giant curd sculpture has been consumed. To prepare for this wild undertaking, Chef Malfitano trained with 25-pound balls of mozzarella and equipped new gadgetry for the epic task. She will hand cut 90 pounds of curd to later salt and bathe, then stretch using a giant paddle. With the help of additional cheese mongers, Malfitano will pull and shape the monstrous mozzarella into a luscious cloud of cheese. Once cooled in an ice bath, the enormous fresh cow's milk creation will be ready for slicing and snacking. Courtesy: Murray's CheeseChef Clare Malfitano of Murrary's Cheese "This mozzarella is trie

Finally, the sun will set after 8 pm for the next three months, so it's high time we head outdoors for cozy picnics, happy hour at outdoor bars, and open-air night markets.  By far one of the best things to do in spring in NYC is to break bread al fresco with friends. Once the weather warms, New Yorkers flock to their favorite sidewalk cafés and secret supper spots to soak up those rays.  And we're not alone. According to new research by OpenTable, outdoor dining reigns supreme during summer months in other metropolises, too, including Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. In fact, we're so committed to the en plein air experience that 34-percent of Americans would rather brave unexpected weather than forfeit their coveted open-air tables, per the study.  Due to such high demand, the reservation platform introduced its official outdoor dining guide to various cities across the nation. Here are the top picks for NYC, with OpenTable culling the list by analyzing over 10 million diner reviews and demand metrics, including a minimum number of reviews mentioning outdoor dining specifically: Cafe Cluny It took only a few word-of-mouth whispers to draw hordes to this Village bistro from Odeon owner Lynn Wagenknecht. Try rich and succulent favorites like falling-off-the-bone short ribs braised in veal stock and red wine, or squash ravioli doused in sweet sage and brown butter.  Cafe Luxembourg A true neighborhood bistro, this French-American stalwar