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Openings & Closings: Leyla, Arba, Elysian Fields, Island Burgers

February 27, 2019 | 5:12 PM - Updated on February 28, 2019 | 3:18 PM
in FOOD, NEWS, OPEN/CLOSED
19

A new Turkish restaurant called Leyla plans to open at 108 West 74th Street near Columbus Avenue on March 6. “Conceptualized by Huseyin Ozer [of Bodrum] and his business partner Berna Erbilgin Gundogdu, LEYLA brings a piece of the duo’s home to New Yorkers,” a press release says. They plan to serve Turkish and Mediterranean dishes” including breads, salads and meat — lamb and braised beef tongue are each on the menu. There will be a bar, a main dining room and a garden room dining area.

Arba, a restaurant on Columbus and 83rd Street we wrote about a few weeks ago, is actually co-located at the new gluten-free kosher bakery Modern Bread and Bagel, The Times of Israel notes. “Both Gottesman and Zook see the restaurant as being a space where diners come to relax. In the morning customers can choose from babka bread pudding, lemon ricotta hotcakes, a bagel with in-house smoked salmon — or perhaps order a sandwich to go. In the evening diners can enjoy one of 200 kosher wines, 20 of which will be available by the glass. They can order a la carte from Arba’s menu, or enjoy a six-course tasting menu featuring locally sourced vegetables and fish.

A Mediterranean restaurant called Elysian Fields opened on Amsterdam between 119th and 120th in January.”They are doing everything right — great, reasonably priced Greek food in an attractive, comfortable space with good lighting, great music, and sweet service,” writes our tipster Nancy. “A meal at Elysian Fields will run you upwards of $25, drinks not included,” the Columbia Spectator reported. Mezedes, or small plates, vary in price from about $5-$16, and some large plates, like the Seafood Pasta, go for $23. The portions are generous, but be warned that a $12 salad from the menu will not fill you up.”

Island Burgers & Shakes at 422 Amsterdam appeared to be closed as of a few days ago, with a “business opportunity available” sign on the window. No one has been picking up the phone and the owner did not respond to an email message. Thanks to Gavan for the photo.

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Juan
Juan
6 years ago

I’m glad that Big Daddy’s, one of the few truly family friendly restaurants in the neighborhood, is changing to a Mediterranean restaurant. There clearly are none of those in the neighborhood…

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Mark Moore
Mark Moore
6 years ago
Reply to  Juan

“Mediterranean” is not just perceived as trendy and healthy, but it equals low food costs and high alcohol sales.

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Reply
Stuart
Stuart
6 years ago
Reply to  Juan

I am truly sad that Big Daddy’s is changing to a Mediterranean restaurant. If parents planning a kid’s birthday party had a choice of serving Mediterranean food, or burgers and shakes, I think they’d choose the latter, because it’s what kids prefer. I know my kids would prefer it. We were there on Saturday afternoon, and there was a small birthday celebration at the next table. It would be inconvenient to travel to Big Daddy’s other location near Gramercy Park. Hopefully, they won’t be changing their cuisine…

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Beverly
Beverly
6 years ago
Reply to  Juan

Ha! What’s with all these new Mediterranean spots?

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Reply
Ken LeClair
Ken LeClair
6 years ago

Any news on why Westend Hall closed?

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Reply
Scott Schaffer
Scott Schaffer
6 years ago
Reply to  Ken LeClair

Did West End Hall really close?

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Reply
Izzy
Izzy
6 years ago
Reply to  Ken LeClair

west end hall closed??!! I don’t understand why restaurants and bars can’t stay open on that block. That place and Macchina were both great spaces and there is lots of foot traffic, especially now with Mama Too’s becoming the toast of the town. I hope some good places come and take their spots!

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Reply
scott
scott
6 years ago
Reply to  Ken LeClair

Has it closed? didnt’t hear that

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Reply
Food Gimp
Food Gimp
6 years ago

Modern Bread’s bagel and schmear was such a good treat for me. I got diagnosed as wheat intolerant a couple of years ago and losing bagels was a bummer. That said, $15 for a bagel, lox, and some cream cheese felt like this will be a biiiiiig treat. I know that the lox are done in house and that the bagels are special ingredients etc., but being sick is hard enough without the implicit food tax. 😲

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Daryl
Daryl
6 years ago

WOW .. Island Burgers gone i am sad

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Reply
BMAC
BMAC
6 years ago

FIRST HARRIET’S NOW ISLAND BURGER??

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Reply
Nick
Nick
6 years ago

Who has the best General Tso’s chicken in the Upper West Side? Been getting a lot a fake stuff from places around my apartment.

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Reply
davidaron60
davidaron60
6 years ago
Reply to  Nick

Try La Caridad 78 on B’way.

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Reply
UWSHebrew
UWSHebrew
6 years ago
Reply to  Nick

Flame on 82nd

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Reply
Lord Of The Slice
Lord Of The Slice
6 years ago
Reply to  Nick

You should try ordering from a restaurant instead of finding errant “fake” pieces of General Tsos Chicken around your apartment.

Those pieces probably have dirt and dust on it anyway.

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Reply
UWS-er
UWS-er
6 years ago
Reply to  Nick

General Tso’s chicken is, by definition, fake stuff.

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Reply
Henry
Henry
6 years ago
Reply to  UWS-er

But it sure is yummy.

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Reply
Daniel
Daniel
6 years ago

FYI. Elysian Fields is related to Cesca, which in turn is related to Kellari Hospitality Group. https://kellarigroup.com/gallery/

https://www.columbiaspectator.com/arts-and-entertainment/2019/02/05/a-look-inside-elysian-fields-cafe-amsterdam-aves-new-mediterranean-eatery/

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Peter Meyer
Peter Meyer
6 years ago

Just passed by West End Hall on 106th st and Bway and it is closed with everything inside in an upheaval.

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