Headliner
Verano
Though the new seasonal attraction in Hudson Yards takes the Spanish word for summer as its name, the plan is for it to be open well into November. (Climate change might blur the lines between seasons.) It’s operated by Rhubarb Hospitality Group, the English company that also runs Peak, the restaurant on the 101st floor at 30 Hudson Yards. This outdoor addition is in the public gardens, perfect for a close-up view of the Vessel and vistas across the Hudson at sunset, and seating on colorful serape-striped benches is tented to provide weatherproofing. An Airstream-style trailer serves as the bar. Casual Mexican fare — guacamole and chips, esquites, ceviche, Baja shrimp tacos and chicken al pastor tacos with pineapple mezcal salsa — dominates the menu. Pineapple carpaccio and churros are all you need for dessert. Margaritas come classic, spicy or frozen, and there are micheladas and palomas to drink along with beers and a brief assortment of European wines.
350 Eleventh Avenue (West 33rd Street), verano-nyc.com.
Opening
Guest
The chef, Giorgio Ceciarelli, whose family hails from Rome describes his menu here as “chaos.” He might be on target, considering creations like pistachio brigadeiro latte (a latte flavored like the Brazilian confection), bombolone (a doughnut with cherry and chocolate), maritozzi (cream-filled sweet buns) and pizzettes topped with seared Wagyu or fried chicken. His new restaurant is open only from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for breakfast and brunch for now, with plans to expand to dinner service. Mr. Ceciarelli began his culinary career in New Jersey, then went on to work at Pasquale Jones in Manhattan, then back to New Jersey to open La Lupa in Manalapan, N.J. For this new Manhattan restaurant, elegantly done with marble-topped tables, he has brought Nayely Castillo on board as chef de cuisine and Aurora Torrado as pastry chef.
643 Broadway (Bleecker Street), 212-461-0130, guestnewyork.com.
Tsubame
Jay Zheng, a native of China who made his way to the Midwest and then to Kōyō in Astoria, Queens, where his specialty was kaiseki-inspired tasting menus, is now opening this 10-seat counter restaurant with gilded touches and a progression of eight courses ($225) showcasing various techniques and ingredients. Included are two rice courses, one of which comprises eight bites of nigiri. (Tuesday)
11 Park Place (Church Street), 929-614-5998.
Layla
Tapas like crab toast with tomato, grilled squid with chorizo, and stracciatella with marinated squash, are designed to accompany cocktails like Negronis, martinis and spritzes at this new spot for bites and drinks, including natural wines from small producers.
352 Bedford Avenue (South Third Street), Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 347-384-2322, laylabarnyc.com.
