Some meals sell themselves.

And sometimes it helps to offer a 50-foot-long bar to kick things off. Loosen up your belts… it’s time for some Wildwood Barbeque. Brought to you by restaurateur Steve Hanson (Primehouse, Dos Caminos) and “Big Lou” Elrose (formerly of Hill Country), Wildwood is a carnivore’s paradise perfectly calibrated for Manhattanites.

Whether you’re in the mood for tender Slow Smoked Brisket, a stacked Barbeque Burger, or Spicy Molasses Chicken Wings, you can find something on the extensive menu (view it here) to satisfy your craving. Pace yourself and indulge in sides like buttery mashed potatoes, and desserts such as the decadent 8 Layer Chocolate Fudge Cake, or the Bourbon Banana ‘Nilla Wafer Sundae.

Polish off your meal with with a refreshing Mint Julep or go with the Tequila Sunbolt, a curious mix of white tequila, red pepper water, and limeade.

So much for that Spring diet.


Wildwood Barbeque opens for dinner on Thursday (4/22) at 5 p.m. Lunch service begins next week.


Wildwood Barbeque
225 Park Avenue South (near 18th Street)
Tel: (212) 533-2500
brguestrestaurants.com

And it’s even more appetizing with the addition of Bar Q, the new Asian-style barbecue and raw bar nestled in the West Village.

Brought to you by the the talented Chef Anita Lo (Anissa, Rickshaw Dumpling Bar), Bar Q is an elegant, modern Asian restaurant with all the right touches. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by friendly service and warm white interiors. Settle down in the main dining room with a Shiso Julep, a refreshing blend of Maker’s Mark, fresh shiso, and lime juice. As for the barbecue, the menu (view the menu) is solid meets exotic: try the Grilled Shortrib, Seoul Style with Scallion Pancakes, perfectly grilled shortribs with a spicy Korean marinade, or the Stuffed Spareribs with Lemongrass BBQ, Peanut, and Thai Basil.

Desserts are a nice touch.

So is the outdoor dining area.


Bar Q
308–310 Bleecker Street (near Grove Street)
Tel: (212) 206-7817
barqrestaurant.com (website coming soon)

Everyone likes a predictably good sequel.

You know the players, you know the directors, and you like the plot. And so it’s a pleasure to present to you Ago Restaurant, the next hot Manhattan eatery from the all-star team of executive chef/partner Agostino Sciandri and Robert De Niro. Best known for its authentic Tuscan-style Italian fare, Ago first opened in West Hollywood ten years ago to impressive reviews and a loyal celebrity clientèle.

A decade of fine dining experience later, Ago New York has arrived. Located in De Niro’s new Greenwich Hotel, Ago boasts interiors featuring a gorgeous stone fireplace and a ceiling made of 90,000 wine-bottle corks, yet it’s the food that stars.

Start with a signature appetizer, like the Carpaccio di Manzo e Regianno, paper-thin slices of carpaccio with baby artichokes and Parmesan cheese, Burrata con Fagiolini, made-in-Italy, creamy mozzarella with green beans and extra virgin olive oil, or a simple, perfect pizza. Unwind with a Peach Martini and indulge in the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a Certified Angus Beef 22 oz. T-bone steak with rosemary potatoes cooked in a wood-burning oven.

Dinner here is first-rate.

So is the dolci.


Ago opens for dinner to the public today (4/1).


Ago Restaurant
377 Greenwich Street (at North Moore Street)
Tel: (212) 925-3797
agorestaurant.com

You know, a pack of noodles, a flavor packet, and presto, instant gratification.

Well, it’s time to rethink your favorite Japanese comfort food: introducing Ippudo, the new, posh Japanese ramen import that’s more brasserie than budget. Ippudo is a chain but what a chain it is… each restaurant boasts attractive interiors, lots of premium sake, and world-famous ramen. To understand the beauty of Ippudo’s ramen (yes, it is a thing of beauty), imagine the way a fine whisky is blended with batches from different years. Ippudo’s chefs make their broths through a similar, artisanal process, cooking pork bones for more than fifteen hours, then mixing it with a blend of broth from three different stages.

The result is a great bowl of ramen with a light aroma that complements the soup’s roasted Berkshire pork, cabbage, and scallions.

Just don’t rush the experience.


Ippudo opens on Monday (3/31).


Ippudo
65 Fourth Avenue (near 10th Street)
Tel: (212) 388-0088
ippudo.com/ny


Photo: Daniel Krieger

Don’t be.

It’s already too late. Yes, opening week reservations are booked. And the gates that guard the interiors are shut tight. But here’s what you need to know about…

GETTING IN. You won’t see it on their website but reservations can be scored at reservations.momofuku.com (assuming the site does not crash). Have your credit card handy to reserve a spot. Fill out your login credentials and then wait to pick an opening spot. Be patient. Very patient (this is, after all, the only way to get a table). Then it’s time for…

DINING IN. Ever wondered what Shaved Foie Gras with Riesling Jelly, Lychee, and Pine Nuts tastes like? How about Fried Short Ribs with Grilled Scallion, Pickled Daikon, and Pickled Mustard Seeds? Expect the unexpected at Ko. Chang notes that Ko is “a cook’s restaurant” with every tool available.

Reward yourself with dessert too, like Fried Apple Pie with Sour Ice Cream and Toasted Miso and Pineapple Sorbet with Candied Pineapples.


Momofuku Ko opens to the public tomorrow (3/12).


Momofuku Ko
163 First Avenue (near 10th Street)
reservations.momofuku.com


Photo: Don Lee

You’re welcome.



Show her a potent expression of your fondness with the world’s sexiest fragrance, Tom Ford’s Black Orchid Voile de Fleur. With notes of black truffle, honeysuckle, and sandalwood, how can you go wrong? From $45.

Tom Ford’s Black Orchid Voile de Fleur, available at Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Indulge her with a Tiffany Hearts Pendant made of platinum and .86 carats. $4,000.

Tiffany, 727 Fifth Avenue (near 56th Street), (212) 755-8000, and Tiffany Wall Street, 37 Wall Street (between William & Nassau Streets), (212) 514-8015, tiffany.com

What’s better than a box of fine chocolates and a few short stories? Both. La Maison Du Chocolate’s Book of Love offers six new flavors (passion fruit, anyone?) smartly packaged to look like a book. From $38.

La Maison du Chocolat, 30 Rockefeller Plaza (at 49th Street), (212) 265-9404, and 1018 Madison Avenue (at 78th Street), (212) 744-7117, lamaisonduchocolat.com/en

There are strawberries. And then there are luscious, perfect strawberries imported from Japan’s Kyushu Island. Get yours, for a limited time, at Butterfield Market. $45 for a box of seven to twelve.

Butterfield Market, 1114 Lexington Avenue (near 78th Street), (212) 288-7800, butterfieldmarket.com

Give her a heart of gold. Literally. With Love Rocks NY’s Heart Pendant made of 14k gold and 22 micro pave diamonds. $600.

Love Rocks NY, available online at loverocksny.com.

Free drinks. A kissing booth. What else is there to say? Hit Blue Owl tomorrow night for Hendrick’s Gin’s A Night for Unusual Romance. RSVP first, at info@blueowlnyc.com. Tomorrow (2/14), from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Blue Owl, 196 Second Avenue (at 12th Street), (212) 505-2583, blueowlnyc.com

Make a delicious decision on cupcakes for your sweetie at Magnolia Bakery. Only $2.75 each.

Magnolia Bakery, 401 Bleecker Street (at 11th Street), (212) 462-2572, and 200 Columbus Avenue (at 69th Street), (212) 724-8101, magnoliacupcakes.com

Fiamma’s three-starrred chef, Fabio Trabocchi, will be offering a luxurious tasting menu to scintillate all of your senses. Dishes include Grilled Scallops with Fennel Sauce, Roasted Lobster with Ginger and Grilled Kobe with nepitella salt and Manni extra virgin olive oil. The special tasting menu will be available tomorrow for $150 per person.

Fiamma, 206 Spring Street (near Sullivan Street), (212) 653-0100, fiammarestaurant.com

A sure path to a romantic evening: Lock in your love at Visconti Ristorante. The tale begins in Rome where a young man symbolically wraps a lock and chain around a light post to profess his adoration for his lady. Visconti has their version and some hearty modern Tuscan cuisine to go with it.

Visconti, 39 East 58th Street (off Madison Avenue), (212) 758-8600, viscontiristorante.com

He prefers Wagyu sirloin steak. She prefers sushi and sashimi. Satiate both at Megu’s six-course Valentine’s Day Set Dinner. $125 per person.

Megu New York, 62 Thomas Street (near West Broadway), (212) 964-7777, and Megu Midtown, 845 UN Plaza (at 47th Street), (212) 964-7777, megunyc.com

Prepare for an impossibly romantic evening at The Carlyle Restaurant. Indulge in a special three-course Valentine’s Day prix-fixe dinner menu with choices like Casserole of Langoustine, Dover Sole, Diver Scallop and Sea Urchin, and one-of-a-kind desserts. Plus they’ll throw in a complimentary half bottle of dessert wine. $125 per person.

The Carlyle Restaurant, 35 East 76th Street (at Madison Avenue), (212) 744-1600, thecarlyle.com/dine

You gotta love Amalia’s special V-Day menu crafted with well-known and little-known aphrodisiacs. Choose from oysters on the half shell, Black Truffle Gnocchi, Roast Quail with Rose Petals, and Pomegranate-Glazed Duck For Two.

Amalia, 204 West 55th Street (near Broadway), (212) 245-1234, amalia-nyc.com

Fig & Olive’s very special V-Day menu includes bubbly (1/2 bottle of Veuve), Grilled Lobster Tail for starters, Lamb Sirloin or Pan Seared Grouper for mains, and Pink Champagne Sorbet. $120 per couple.

Fig & Olive, 420 West 13th Street (near Washington Street), (212) 924-1200, figandolive.com

And if all else fails, there’s always the Anti-Valentine’s Day Ball at The New York Helmsley Hotel. $45 gets you an open bar from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and food. Tomorrow (2/14), 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations/tickets, call (212) 405-4222.

The New York Helmsley Hotel, 212 East 42nd Street (between Second & Third Avenues), (212) 405-4222, newyorkhelmsley.com

Sometimes history repeats itself.

And sometimes it gets more refined… like at Mia Dona, the just opened “New Italian” comfort food restaurant from Donatella Arpaia and Chef Michael Psilakis. With a nod to the well-loved and original Dona, the team behind Anthos is cooking up more of the same dishes that have earned them rave reviews.

Get comfortable in the blond wood setting (slightly Momofuku-ish) and then it’s time to indulge in starters (view the menu) like Crispy Fried Rabbit with salt & vinegar fingerling chips and delicious Gnudi made of sheep’s milk ricotta in a truffle butter sauce. For mains, try the heartier signatures like tender Braised Veal Breast with escarole and cannellini beans, Braised Beef Ribs with smoked mozzarella polenta and tomato, and Roasted Chicken with Tuscan artichokes and piccata sauce.

Leave room for Maple Panna Cotta, a deeply satisfying finish of maple walnut ice cream with candied walnut crumbs.

Then again there’s the Gianduja Semifreddo, a decadent dark chocolate sauce on hazelnut brittle.


Mia Dona
206 East 58th Street (off Third Avenue)
Tel: (212) 750-8170
miadona.com

Fortunately we’ve compiled a short list of fine Chinese restaurants and their respective festivities for the Year of the Rat. Whether you’re in the mood for scallion pancakes or suckling pig, we’ve got you covered like soy sauce.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

WAKIYA. Ian Schrager’s little haute spot will be sporting a special 7-course menu featuring Swallow’s Nest Soup, a Chinese delicacy and rumored aphrodisiac. Pair it with a Y-4706 Martini (to commemorate Chinese New Year 4706), a mix of ginger brandy, pomegranate juice and lychee liquor topped with Pop Rocks candy on the rim, and you’re set. From $175 per person. Available thru Feb 9th.

Wakiya (at the Gramercy Park Hotel), 2 Lexington Avenue (21st Street), (212) 995-1330,
gramercyparkhotel.com/restaurant

CHINATOWN BRASSERIE. Manhattan’s finest dim sum palace has prepared a new dim sum menu featuring Suckling Pig with Pancakes & Plum-Hoisin Sauce, Gold Coin Shrimp & Scallops Sauteed with fresh bamboo shoots and beancurd skin, Prosperity Filet Mignon with Crispy fried Taro, and Peach Shaped Chestnut Buns. Best dim sum ever? You decide. $60 per person. Available thru February 10th and 2/15-17.

Chinatown Brasserie, 380 Lafayette Street (near Great Jones Street), (212) 533-7000, chinatownbrasserie.com

MONKEY BAR. Chef Chris Cheung is keeping it classic for Chinese New Year. Feast on Pan Fried Black Bass with Star Anise-braised Daikon Radish, Preserved Vinaigrette and Avocado Puree and Shrimp with Lobster sauce, served with wonton noodles. Thru February 13th.

Monkey Bar, 60 East 54th Street (near Madison Avenue), (212) 838-2600, theglaziergroup.com/restaurants/monkeybar

MR. K’s. Seven is your lucky number at Mr. K’s. Starting tomorrow, you can indulge in a special seven-course meal featuring Peking Duck, seared beef medallions, Yuling chicken, sesame-shrimp toast, and fresh pastries. $70 per person, two person minimum. Through 2/21.

Mr. K’s, 570 Lexington Avenue (at 51st Street), (212) 583-1668, mrksny.com

Whomever you’re routing for this Super Sunday, you’re going to need football party fuel. And with this year’s Super Bowl expected to be the most watched ever, scoring a great meal is essential.

Here are our gorging picks for game day:

This Sunday, it doesn’t get any bigger than Hill Country’s Super Bowl Bash. Starting with their usual lineup of superb barbecue (brisket, ribs), Beer Can Game Hen, and continuing with à la carte options like Kreuz Market Sausage Skewers (Regular or Jalapeño Cheese), Pit-Smoked Chicken Wings, and Chili Frito Pie. And don’t forget the Bourbon Pecan Pie!

Hill Country, 30 West 26th Street (near Sixth Avenue), (212) 255-4544, hillcountryny.com

Momofuku? Yes, even Momofuku is getting in the game with their Super Bowl Bo Ssäm Special. It’s a pretty good deal too: $30 per head gets you bo ssäm (whole roasted pork shoulder) with rice, bibb lettuce, Momofuku chicken wings, kewpie cole slaw, pickles, and assorted desserts. Call ahead to order at (212) 254-3500 x 109. Delivery available.

Momofuku Noodle Bar, 171 First Avenue (near 11th Street), (212) 777-7773, momofuku.com

Keep it spicy with the Los Dados Football Playoff Package. $20 per person (4-person minimum) gets you a choice of two starters: deconstructed BBQ Beef Mini Tacos (with queso fresco, handmade corn tortillas, & pico de gallo), Guacamole with chips & salsa, Organic Greens with lime vinaigrette & pickled vegetables, Tamales (chicken, black bean, pork or sweet), choice of two taco fillings, beans and rice, tacos and tortillas, and pico de gallo on the side.

Los Dados, 73 Gansevoort Street (near Washington Street), (646) 810-7290, losdadosmexican.com

A Super’ party calls for super guacamole. Get yours delivered with Rosa Mexicano’s Guac to Go Kit featuring guac’ for 5 (or 10, 15, or 20), homemade tortilla chops, multiple jars of Rosa Mexicano salsas, and fresh corn tortillas. $36.95 to $109.95.

Rosa Mexicano, 9 East 18th Street (near Fifth Avenue), (212) 533-3350, 61 Columbus Avenue (at 62nd Street), (212) 977-7700, and 1063 First Avenue (at 58th Street), (212) 753-7407, rosamexicano.com

Midtowners can count on David Burke at Bloomingdale’s for Super’ catering. Choose from signatures like David Burke’s Famous “CheeseBurker” Sliders, Burke In The Box Thin Crust Pizzas, Jack Cheese Meatloaf Sliders, Asian Spiced Shrimp Cocktails, Corn Flake Crusted & Stuffed Fried Chicken, Sam Adams Braised Shortribs, The Kobe Dog Platter, and Heidi’s Touchdown Cookies.

David Burke at Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Avenue (at 59th Street), (212) 705-3800, davidburke.com/bloomingdales

Graffiti is celebrating their first Valentine’s Day with an 8-Course Aphrodisiac Tasting Menu. That means you start with Pop Rock Oysters, main with Fig and Honey Pork, and end with Kamasutra Chocolate. And at $80 per couple (that’s just $40 per person), it may be the best deal in town.

Graffiti Food & Wine Bar, 224 East 10th Street (between First & Second Avenues), (212) 677-0695, graffitinyc.com

Lobster bisque soup. New Zealand lamb chops. Molten chocolate cake. Bar Martignetti’s $50 per person, multi-course Valentine’s Day meal is easy on the eyes and on the wallet.

Bar Martignetti, 406 Broome Street (at Centre Street), (212) 680-5600, barmartignetti.com

Sure they have awesome fish tacos but Mercadito is so much more. And for V-Day, $60 per person gets you a five-course tasting menu (raw oysters, ceviches, botanas) with margaritas. Yes, with margaritas.

Mercadito, 179 Avenue B (at 11th Street), (212) 529-6490, and Mercadito Grove, 100 7th Avenue South (at Grove Street), (212) 647-0830, mercaditony.com

Hop over to Rayuela where Valentine’s Day begins with a Cava toast, Sopa Amarillo, and your choice of prix-fixe options, including Ribeye a la Parrilla, Bacalao Colorao, Cordero Amoroso, and Paella Para Dos. $75 per person. For reservations, please contact Event Coordinator, Rachel Japko at (212) 253-8840 or rayuela.events@gmail.com.

Rayuela, 165 Allen Street (at Stanton Street), (212) 253-8840, rayuelanyc.com

Suba is going to be special on V-Day. Starting with choices like Atun Crudo (raw Bluefin tuna) or Terrina de Faisan (pheasant and bacon terrine with candied hazelnuts), and Waygu Flatiron steak or Cochino Glaseado en Sidra (apple cider glazed pork). Four-course dinner goes for $95 per person.

Suba, 109 Ludlow Street (between Rivington & Delancey Streets), (212) 982-5714, subanyc.com

Treat someone special to Mandarin Oriental, New York’s Champagne Tasting Menu in the 35th floor Lobby Lounge featuring views of Central Park and the spectacular Manhattan skyline. Decadent caviar, smoked salmon rosettes, and velvety Foie Gras terrines are paired with fine Champagnes. Three-course Champagne Tasting Menu, $195 for two people. For reservations, please call Cleiser Calcines at (212) 805-8234 or email ccalcines@mohg.com.

Mandarin Oriental New York, 80 Columbus Circle, 35th Floor Lobby Lounge, (212) 805-8800, mandarinoriental.com/newyork