New Yorkers are now further spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to dine in the city. New establishments are powerhouse combos of well know names and new directions. The Tao Group has paired up with Chef Chris Santos; Mario Batali and Joe Bastinanich from B&B Hospitality group have opened another restaurant in Manhattan and Taavo Somer and Carlos Quirante have made a splash with a new-age French restaurant that’s in keeping with diners’ health conscious eating habits.
We predict these exciting collaborations to join your list of favorite restaurants in New York City.

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Vandal

Vandal is the newest and hottest creation from the team behind New York’s renowned Asian eatery, Tao, paired with Chef Chris Santos of Stanton Social and Beauty & Essex. From the moment you walk into this architectural masterpiece, your eyes are immediately drawn to the amazing art work which fills every inch of the space. The restaurant celebrates the art, architecture and food of street culture on a global scale, drawing influence from “New York to Vietnam to Barcelona and beyond”.
With a menu as diverse as its surroundings, Vandal is making its mark on ‘the scene’.

What to order

This bi-level space boasts an eclectic menu, serving up dishes categorized as small/medium/large featuring New York Hot Pretzels to Sticky Rice Dumplings to Argentinian Beef Empanadas to Vandal S’mores.

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La Sirena

Photo by: Kate Previte

This upscale Italian trattoria opens its doors last week in the Maritime Hotel in trendy Chelsea, and at the perfect time with the city buzzing for New York Fashion Week. The long awaited curtain raise on Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich’s (both of Del Posto, Casa Mono, The Spotted Pig) La Sirena, offers diners indoor or outdoor seating, along with semi-private and private options for more intimate affairs. Guests will be spoilt for beverage choice with the restaurant boasting an extensive cocktail list of over two dozen Italian-influenced concoctions which can be enjoyed at the 38-foot long white Caesarstone bar in the middle of the restaurant. While the restaurant is only serving dinner currently, we have a sneak peek at what to expect from the other courses.

What to Order

Breakfast dishes will include Amaretti Mascarpone Pancakes and Duck Egg with Polenta and Almond Pesto. For dinner, dishes will be elevated but playful like Beef Braciole “Old School” with Broccoli Rabe & Spicy Breadcrumbs; and Duck Mezzalune with 3 Minute Marinara.

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Le Turtle

Le Turtle opened its doors at the end of 2015 to the public revealing its unique menu of “French New Wave Health Food” in a chic setting. Taavo Somer (Freemans) and Carlos Quirante (The Smile) totally transformed this Lower East Side venue. The formerly ‘Antonio’s’ spot underwent a complete revamp to reflect the somewhat earthy, raw style of its vegetable-heavy menu. The décor takes the form of a modern retro layer, combined with waiters and waitresses uniformed in grey 80’s-style sweaters. Definitely a spot for those who enjoy hip, trendy venues as here you sink into  pink velvet wrap-around booths, to the sounds of French R&B and hip hop.

What to Order

The menu includes lobster with almond curd and Asian pear, and a braised oxtail with mirepoix, horseradish, and grilled batard. There’s also a kohlrabi bisque with lamb belly, and a broccoli rabe dish with fennel labne, watercress, and pickled cauliflower.