Springing

Emily Asks:

“Lower Manhattan around 6:30/7pm — preferably within short walking distance of Broaday and Grand St.. Pretty flexible about cuisine (not feeling like Chinese, Thai or Vietnamese though). What i do want is a place to enjoy the beautiful weather. Outdoors, rooftop, giant open windows/doors or just a nice view. Also, would prefer not to break the bank on this one. Just want something fun, easy and extremely delicious. Since I am in the hospitality industry, I can be kind of tough on service, so someplace where service doesn’t suck would be good too!”

My first suggestion I actually stumbled back across yesterday when I noticed the outdoor seating at Kitchen Club, on Prince and Mott. It’s a great French/Japanese with some really creative and delicious dumplings alongside some slightly more French-leaning entrees. The staff is incredibly friendly - I’m sure a big part of why it’s become a neighborhood go-to in NoLita for so long.

There are a couple of tables outside at Bistro Les Amis, on Thompson and Spring St. It’s a well-priced French bistro with some very good food and nice service. Although the outdoor seating can be a little hectic with all of the street traffic in SoHo, Thompson st. still manages to preserve a good amount of its sweetness while you eat. There are some very nice salads and fresh seafood - all wonderful Spring-y foods.

Lastly, one of my favorite pizza places is just up the street on Thompson and Houston. Arturo’s makes fantastic, classic pizzas from their coal oven and also has a few tables outside. Although I usually love to sit inside and listen to their live jazz along with my pie, it is hard to argue with a 90°+ day. I love the classic pie along with some broccoli rabbe on the side… definitely your cheapest option here.

Enjoy the weather!