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New York is undeniably one of the most fascinating cities in the world and one of the most gourmet, energizing day and night, summer and winter and which makes you hungry at every street corner, not only for its iconic hot dog carts and other food trucks with specialties of all kinds (such as tacos, empeñadas, sharwarma or even Korean bbq…), the City that never sleeps is full of world-renowned restaurants, passionate chefs, unique and typical small addresses for all tastes and budgets, which make it a unique and lively city. Even if Covid has drastically damaged this essential sector of the city, it is recovering step by step and knows perfectly how to renew itself, according to trends and habits, not only with the return of New Yorkers to restaurants, but also, with borders reopening, tourists. After all these uncertain months and the travel ban, the desire is greater than ever to discover (or re-discover) the « Big Apple » in all its fascinating delicacies…

• What could be more emblematic than a New York steakhouse to start a gastronomic stay :

Gallaghers Steakhouse is one of the few authentic and vibrant addresses in Times Square, wonderfully old school, full of charm, which gives you a good reason to come and dine in this lively and bubbling district.

Gallaghers is known for its famous and best USDA prime dry-aged beef, staged and proudly displayed, like works of art or jewels in a window meat-locker. The establishment created in full prohibition in 1927 by Helen Gallagher (a former dancer of the prestigious review Ziegfeld) was one of the first speakeasy where Wall Street magna, illegal gamblers, famous sportsmen and Broadway stars met. 1933 saw the end of the prohibition of alcohol and Gallaghers was transformed into a steakhouse (the very first on Broadway) the one where the first cut ever of « New York Strip » steak was served.

All meats are fired over signature hickory logs, which gives a flavor and a unique texture to the meat (Gallaghers is one of the only steakhouse in NY that can still use this process). What could be better than starting with the great Steakhouse Classics : a perfectly shaken Dry Martini with olives, some heavenly fresh Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail served with a small pot of horseradish on the side to boost the sauce at your leisure, a mouthwatering thick slice of Pork belly sweet and spicy glazed, a crunchy and refreshing Wedge Salad seasoned with Roquefort cheese and small bits of crispy bacon. The Porterhouse is indeed a must and a top, but the Tomahawk is the new “darling”. Sides are, for our excitement, of shareable size, such as Mac & Cheese, Spinach with cream or Sautéed Mushrooms, the Potato is far from being forgotten, whether Mashed, Baked, Fries or Hash Brown.

The desserts are as they should, colossal and gourmet like the Key Lime Pie, the New York Cheesecake or the Chocolate Layer Cake.

The staff easily assumes its old-fashioned style, which is a pleasure to watch : white jackets, cutting trolley, ballets of waiters twirling between tables. The clientele is also a showcase on its own and mixes in fusion: curious tourists, regular New Yorkers, either discreet or shiny, artists or stars… all this little world rubs together in all obviousness and casualness. Steakhouses are a bit like the chic and gourmet Parisian brasseries where you play shoulder to shoulder in the boosted atmosphere that one love so much.

The iconic Gallaghers is a New York institution that has kept all its fiber and identity. A lively address that takes you to the vibrant and unforgettable New York between yesterday and today.

Gallaghers Steakhouse – 228 West 52nd Street – New York, NY 10019 | Phone: 212-586-5000.

• For a stylish and a marvelous New York cocktail: :

In the heart of the splendid and dramatic Grand Central Station In New-York is a unique cocktail bar that is chic and discreet, an address that its fans would like to keep secret: The Campbell. As soon as you arrive, you are projected into the golden age of the New York railroad. Financier and millionaire John W. Campbell (Director of the New York Central Railroad’s) made this place his prestigious office which he fitted out in a grand Renaissance style and with first-rate works of art. After his death in 1957, the place first became the office of the main signalman of the station, then used as a storage room for transit police weapons, as jail and finally a CBS studio later.

It was a spectacular restoration of nearly 2M Dollars, between 1999 and 2007, which transformed « Campbell Apartment » into a trendy and unique bar, managed by Gerber Group (specialized in the management of refined and gourmet cocktail bars between New York, Washington and Atlanta). As soon as you climb the stairs, you understand that The Campbell is a special place that takes you, during a perfect cocktail time, to the New York of the Vanderbilts, the Astors and the Rockefellers…

The Campbell 15 Vanderbilt Avenue (between 42nd and 43rd Street) – New-York, NY 10017 917-209-3440.

• The Monte-Carlo Hospitality Group and Michelin Star Chef Antonio Salvatore set to conquer America :

The chef, associate and partner of the Monegasque group – who already owns and manages two prestigious establishments in the Principality – the institution – Rampoldi (which celebrated 75th anniversary) and La Table d’Antonio Salvatore (the immersive Table du Chef) – recently opened two restaurants in the heart of New York : Casa Limone and Atlantic Grill.

Located a few steps away from the emblematic Rockefeller Center and the mythical 5th Avenue, Casa Limone is an address that brings you directly to the chef’s southern Italy and makes you experience all its flavors and delicacies in great authenticity right in the heart of Manhattan. The decoration is elegant, contemporary and the tableware is inspired by cultural and popular heritage: between busts, vases and colored plates in Caltagirone ceramics, lava stone tiles and tables, and a casually parked Vespa at the entrance… the whole thing is so reminiscent of steep alleys and narrow streets of a Sicilian village.

The elegant bar located on the ground floor is the ideal place for a convivial and alive Aperitivo with a Negroni or a Spritz. On the second and flowery floor, like a typical village square, it is all the childhood cuisine of Michelin star chef Antonio who will delight your taste buds with this enchanted air of an appetizing Dolce vita. The wonderful aromas are those of a crispy Napoletana Pizza from the wood oven or the Calzone, which delivers all its generosity. It all starts with a fluffy and very airy Focaccia, which goes well with thin slices of Mortadella and Green Olives with delicate flesh… you are in a few bites in the heart of a magnificent Piazza in Napoli. The Vitello Tonnato, perfectly cooked is creamy with its tuna sauce, the lightly breaded Fried Calamari be pecked at will with its tartar sauce.

The Timballo alla Trapanese is an appetizer of absolute delicacy, almost indecent and addictive, the aubergine cooked in the oven, is stuffed with fine Anelli pasta and salami in a crisp tomato sauce enhanced with a delicious provolone cream. To follow the Octopus alla Luciana, (a recipe from Naples), is a tasty octopus stew in a slightly spicy sauce, Taggiasca olives and green peppers. The Ruotta di Carro, these perfectly al dente little pastas shaped like wagon wheels, are subtly accompanied by capers, anchovies and ricotta. As for the Casa Limone Ravioli, they are a full delight with ricotta, guanciale and porcini mushrooms.

If you are still brave with this generous score, like an after sunday meal at La Nonna’s house, the desserts are sharable with passion, such as the Gianduja cake, the Tiramisu or the Profiteroles with pistachio, salted butter caramel.

You will be welcomed with distinction, attention and professionalism by the entire team. Casa Limone is the passionately Italian address in New York in all its Truth.

Casa Limone NY – 20 East 49th St, New York, NY 10017 – +1 (646) 370-6282.

Atlantic Grill, the second address of chef Antonio Salvatore and the MCHG group, is located in the heart of the highly prized cultural district of Lincoln Center.

This New York institution, a true temple of fish and seafood, has been completely revamped and revitalized by the chef and the MCHG, giving it a new sunny identity from the beautiful Mediterranean (read full article).

Atlantic Grill, to be experienced for a romantic dinner or with friends, is a fascinating journey through the fantastic culinary facets of New York with a Mediterranean spirit and is made to live a moment of deliciously accomplished gastronomic freedom. It is in an elegant and chic atmosphere that you will discover all the virtuosity of the chef Antonio Salvatore in America.

Atlantic Grill – 50 W 65th Street, New York, NY, 10023 – (212)362–7800.

• Do we still have to introduce the most New York of French chefs, Jean-Georges Vongerichten :

Trained by the greatest Chefs of French Gastronomy (Paul Haeberlin, Louis Outhier and Paul Bocuse), fondly called « Jean-Georges » by New Yorkers, Jean Georges Vongerichten has been shaking up the city’s gastronomic scene (with chefs Daniel Boulud and Eric Ripert) for nearly 40 years, with European cuisine influenced by Asia (which he acquired particulary at the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok for five years). Michelin Star Chef and multi awarded, he oversees forty establishments around the world, including a dozen in New York with the two-Michelin-stars : Jean-Georges. One of his latest address is The Fulton, located in the completely refurbished South Street Port area at Pier 17.

The Fulton is a very beautiful address for fish and seafood, the establishment located at Pier 17 in the historic district of Seaport (in full revival and gentrification) has one of the most beautiful views of New York, facing the mythical and almost unreal Brooklyn bridge. The kitchen resonates with seafood plates crafted with precision and enthusiasm. It’s a perfect homage to the old and iconic Fulton Fish Market in New York (opened in 1822 and closed in 2005). Chef Jean-Georges and his executive chef Noah Poses offer Mediterranean dishes perfectly iodized with freshness and liveliness, enhanced by twists and ingredients influenced by Asia in perfect balance. To begin with, sharable starters are dashing, such as the finely breaded Calamari which are enhanced with Indian flavors of Carrot-Ginger Pickles and refreshed with arugula, the slightly Crispy Shrimps are energized with iodine from Bottarga and a Champagne-Lemon Aioli. The Long-Island Fluke Sashimi is dressed in a creamy Habanero chili vinaigrette, the mint leaves bring a fresh and well-seen touch. The Warm Octopus and Fresh Mozzarella, lemon zest make a remarkable triplet. As for the Florida Red Snapper, it is prepared as a Ceviche with a tartness of red fruits, sweetness of the apple and revived with Finger Lime : perfect in every way.

Main courses also are a beautiful reference to the delights of the marine world, such as Swordfish Milanese, with an ultra fine, crispy and gourmet breading, the fish remains soft and perfectly cooked, butternut squash, passion fruit and candied ginger are an amazing pair. The Diver Scallops seared with precision are wonderfully impregnated with the Ponzu broth, roasted pumpkin seeds give a crispy rhythm and the Spaghetti Squash perfectly comforts. The Saffron Seafood Rice in a Shellfish and Herbs Broth is like a great Paella influenced by a matching exoticism.

For desserts, the Crunchy Coconut in a chocolate shell is perfectly crunched with coconut passion. The Chocolate Peanut Cake, Caramel Peanuts and Roasted Banana Ice Cream is a direct way to heaven.

The decoration calls on the universe and vibes of Jules Vernes’ book « 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea » between hand-painted murals, Cap Horn legends stories, sea monsters, shadows and lights, warmth and modernity.

The Fulton is a brilliant gourmet and refined address, vibrating with a true New York identity. A real reconnection with the city’s maritime past.

The Fulton – 89 South St, New York, NY 10038 | (212) 838-1200.

• For a trendy cocktail before The Fulton:

The Little Shop is a truly charming speakeasy cocktail bar, easy to access as no password is needed, just a reservation. Located in the neighborhood of historic South Street Seaport it is hidden behind a convenient store.

This « boutique-bar », is a little gem for delicious, delicate and creative cocktails perfectly handcrafted with style in an ultra trendy cosy baroque decor, like the Carrot (mezcal | carrot | coriander agave | nutmeg dust) or Miso (gin | white miso | soda | kinako salt rim). The very friendly staff is trendy as expected.

The Little Shop is the ideal address to start with a stylish drink before dining in this gentrifying neighborhood.

The Little Shop – 252 Front Street – New-York, 10038 NY.

• Located in the charming arty and gourmet neighborhood of West Village in New York :

Mary’s Fish Camp seduces with its ultra fresh seafood cuisine. Aficionados wait from noon to ensure a place in this tasty neighborhood little gem that does not take reservations.

The room is simply and warmly decorated and comes even more alive when the steaming and promising plates arrive. The Clam Chowder has the perfect creaminess with this good taste of bacon and swings with the savory clams, the Fried Oysters and Clams are crispy with perfection and keep their own identity, the Deviled Eggs are devilishly crisp and smoky with the Salmon from the Faroe Islands and can be enjoyed in a single bite, the Prawns vibrate with Garlic chips and fresh Chili, the essential Lobster Roll pampered himself with passion in a smooth and buttery brioche, the Caribbean Red Snapper Pozole avocado, coriander and dried corn kernels transports you with enthusiasm directly to the Mexican shores… and the Rhode Island Littleneck Clams w/ Udon, Baby Bok Choy, Scallions & Ancho-Chili Garlic Broth, delights with its spicy marine flavors. For an exhilarating end, the Sundae is the hit.

The friendly and discreet staff is perfectly efficient. Mary’s Fish Camp is an address to keep seriously in your notebook to live like a gourmet New Yorker.

Mary’s Fish Camp – 64 Charles St., New York, 10014.

• The Mexican jungle in the heart of Soho :

Gitano – Garden of Love is one of the most unusual and incredible addresses in New York. This establishment, open from May to October, transforms a vacant lot into an ultra trendy and extravagantly New Yorky place with an incredible and lush tropical garden that takes you into the flamboyant and festive vibes of Tulum. It’s no less than 30 coconut palms planted on more than 24,000 square feet surrounding a reflecting pool and meditation labyrinth, two large wooden pergolas where a mezcal bar, a lounge and a restaurant stand.

It’s a real immersion in the jungle of Tulum in bohemian-chic style, that you will experience for lunch or dinner, and enjoy tasty and lively contemporary Mexican cuisine accompanied by a perfect Mezcal Spicy Margarita. The made-to-order Guacamole is adorned with spectacular and perfectly crisp homemade Corn Totopos chips and raw vegetables.

The Mexican Chorizo ​​con Queso is a kind of Oaxaca cheese fondue, which covers the thin slices of chorizo ​​reinforced with the habanero pepper, Flour Tortillas are deliciously dipped in this gourmet mixture that « heats » the taste buds. To soften the heat, the freshness of the Aguachile (« spicy water », the equivalent of ceviche in Mexico) is perfectly indicated, it consists of prawns marinated in lime, apples and cucumber, walnuts fresh coconut, all served in a dashing mezcal-jalapeño mix. The Wagyu Albondigas, small meat-balls of Wagyu and Bison soaked up in a slightly smoky Chipotle peppers sauce topped with fresh cheese and coriander, are tremendous. The Truffle Tlayuda (a kind of large tortilla-corn pancake) on a peanut Mole base and topped, like a pizza, with Chihuahua cheese, black truffles, Huitlacoche (corn charcoal, considered as the Mexican truffle) and of the very aromatic Epazote (herb used by the Aztecs and the Mayas) is shared in a perfect addiction.

To follow, the Zarandeados Shrimp Skewers, marinated in a comforting Ancho pepper sauce (dried poblano pepper) and tomatoes, then grilled, are totally enjoyable with avocado and red cabbage. The Carne Asada (the meat is marinated in lime and spices, seared quickly on the barbecue and finally kept slowly on the fire for an extra tender texture and aroma), is served with the « playful » little peppers -Shishito- (sometimes hot, sometimes mild). Chipotle Potatoes, soft and crunchy with a slamming tequila-chipotle mayonnaise are the perfect side to meat. The Cochinita Pibil is undoubtedly the dish of the great tradition of Yucatan (the marinated pork with multiple spices « Achiote » and Seville oranges juice is wrapped in banana leaves, then cooked slowly in a pit), here it is baked for 12 hours and served with pickled red onions with tasty tacos.

To end in sweetness, the traditional Churros, which Mexicans love and dip greedily in a steaming cup of hot cocoa, are here accompanied by two sauces: chocolate-jalapeño and caramel, smoked agave and mezcal.
For brunch, weekends, lunch, dinner or simply a drink, Gitano Garden of Love is like a mirage of a festive and tropical oasis in the urban jungle of New York.

Gitano – Garden of Love – open may to october – Hudson Square NYC.

• In trendy Tribeca :

Macao Trading Co is a special place in Tribeca that takes you to the sulphurous and mysterious Macao of the 1930s. Between brothels and opium dens, between clandestine cabaret and restaurant for underworld mafiosos…. The atmosphere is subdued between shadow and lights of “ Red Lanterns “ … one imagines a secret room in the back for illegal gamblers, prostitutes on the hunt and adventurers ready for anything.

We come to Macao Trading Co not only for its exotic and decadent atmosphere but for its cocktails which are handcrafted to perfection, with a rare yet subtle enhancement, such as the No Mames (reposado tequila, honey, lime, grapefruit , allspice dram) or the Ciao Rizo (chipotle infused blanco tequila, lime, lemongrass, cilantro). Whether they are creations or classics, they arrive with a unique personality and delicacy. The menu offers vibrant Eurasian cuisine influenced by Macao: between China and Portugal, such as the Shrimp and Cebettes or Chicken / Pork Belly Steamed Dumplings who stirs up the taste buds and are eaten like treats. The Mushroom-Truffle, Gruyère-Parmesan Croquettes are so reminiscent of the irresistible Bolinhos or Pastéis de Bacalhau, as in Lisbon.

Dishes to share such as Charred Octopus is crispy and soft with Salsa Verde, pine nuts and black vinegar bring the sweet and sour taste. Char Siu Bbq Baby Back Ribs and toasted garlic brings the flavor and smell so typical of Macau streets with Hoisin sauce, Honey, Soy and Five Spices and are tasted in frenzy with your fingers. As for the Macanese Lobster Noodles, they are absolutely irreverent with pleasures in the mouth of a lobster numbed in gourmandise with Beurre Blanc and revived in harmony by chili. The Bacon and Shrimp Fried Rice excites the nimble chopsticks.

At Macao Trading Co, let yourself go in this heady atmosphere with confidence to escape with the exotic and gourmet scents.

Macao Trading Co – 311 Church Street (between Walker & Lispenard) NYC, 10013 NY – 212.431.8642. 

• Brooklyn :

Cecconi’s Dumbo seems straight out of a movie set with the decor of an elegant and authentic Italian restaurant : a well-kept secret where one would not be surprised to see large tables of Family reunions with Italian businessmen perfectly feared and dressed in dark sharp suits… the historic district of Dumbo in Brooklyn (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is also a filming location where images intersect in the memories of moviegoers. Cecconis, created in London in 1978 by Enzo Cecconi, the former and youngest director of the legendary and luxurious Hotel Cipriani in Venice, has been part of the Soho group Private Club since 2014, which has developed Cecconnis internationally while keeping the authentic Italian food and the style of the beginning.

The New York address is a warm, intimate, cozy place where it’s good to comfort yourself with a creative and perfectly handcrafted cocktail, like the Dumbo Fashion (Rosaluna Mezcal, Amaro Montenegro, Allspice Dram, agave, xocolalt mole) or the Giallo Negroni (Casamigos blanco, Manzanilla sherry, Lo-fi dry vermouth, Suze, cardamom) a perfect match on snowy days, the terrace, in summer, offers a unique and splendid view of the skyline, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

The Pizzas to share, cooked in the traditional wood-burning oven, are crispy and moist for a fabulous tasty pleasure, like the Spicy Salami and Mushrooms. For Pastas, the Bucatini Cacio e Pepe and Black Truffle are sumptuous of delicacies and the Spaghetti with Maine Lobster does not leave the taste buds indifferent. The Tiramisu is colossal and perfectly in tradition and Profiteroles & sea salt caramel gelato will pleased any buffs.

Cecconi’s Dumbo is a beautiful address to experience the spectacular view with perfect italian flavors and gourmandise.

Cecconi’s Dumbo – 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 – 1-718-650-3900.

After almost two years of frustration without being able to cross the American borders, the desire is even greater to return to New York for a weekend, a week or during a complete road trip, for a special occasion or just to please and relive this unique and thrilling feeling that this city offers. Recently, three regular airlines connect Nice to New York directly from April to October : The Statue of Liberty has never been that close to La Promenade des Anglais.