By Carol Tannenhauser
Restaurant Reopenings are coming in fast. That’s good news, but we can’t forget that these stalwart eateries are struggling to stay alive, with business way down and profits eaten up by rent. As the list grows, the variety of offerings amazes; talking to owners and employees gives a sense of how diverse and international our neighborhood is. It also makes you hungry!
Here are four more reopenings:
Margot Patisserie, French-style bakery and cafe, 230 West 74th Street (Broadway and West End Avenue), in the Ansonia. “Business is terrible,” said Jobie, the owner, sadly. “15% of normal. We have been here for 26 years, serving French-style breakfast, lunch and light dinner. We’re very small, but we use every inch of our kitchen, and each ingredient is used four or five ways, like apples become pies, tarts, croissants, danish. We are currently open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Hours will be expanded when New York State reopens. Delivery is through Grubhub/Seamless.” (212) 721-0076.
Broadway Bagel, Bagels and sandwiches, 2658 Broadway (101st), reopened about two weeks ago, Mario, a delivery person, told us. In his view, “Business is great, very busy!” They’re offering takeout and delivery every day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. “It all starts with a bagel and a schmear!” according to the website. This three-decades-old neighborhood classic offers fresh hand-rolled bagels, as well as specialty sandwiches all day. (212) 662-0231
Cilantro, Mexican, 485 Columbus (83rd and 84th), reopened on May 1st. “It’s too soon to know how it’s going yet,” said Oswaldo, the manager, who was so busy he could barely talk. Cilantro is open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for pickup and delivery (212) 712-9090
Ellington In The Park, American, Riverside Drive and 105th Street. “I am proud to let you know that Ellington In The Park will open Friday, May 1st, for TAKE OUT ONLY. Deliveries coming very soon,” wrote Glenda Sansone, Ellington’s owner. “We’re coming back strong one day at a time.” The restaurant was described in earlier days as a “park eatery with patio tables & river views offering a pub menu with a global twist, plus cocktails.” The tables are empty, but the views are still available when you pick up your food. Hours noon to 8 p.m. everyday.
More soon!
Yeah, Cilantro! Need to head over to get my Mexican groove on.
Ellington in the Park is open right now for pick up only.
Yes, that’s what the article states.
Already ordered a burrito with salsa and chips from Cilantro. After not being sure if they would reopen, the food tasted extra delicious. Welcome back, Cilantro!
I’m thrilled to hear that Ellington in the Park will reopen for takeout! I wonder what their hours will be. It really helps us enjoy the park all the more.
12pm-8pm everyday hope to see you soon
Don’t know where else to post this. On their FaceBook page, Freddie & Peppers pizza has announced Monday May 4th re-opening.
Cafe Margot’s almond croissants are delicious! And they have the very best tuna salad on earth.
It has been really hard not meeting my friends there. I miss it.
Hang in there, Jobie. We can’t lose you!
Leyla, a Turkish restaurant on West 74th near Columbus, is now open and serving takeout and delivery. Fabulous food! We had it delivered tonight, on time and delicious.
Important to remember in this time: DON’T ORDER THROUGH SEAMLESS/GRUBHUB. These apps make takeout incredibly easy BUT they take a significant portion of the bill, eating deeply into restaurant profits. Call directly if you can.
Thanks for this post – if we want our restaurants to survive, it is essential that as much of the cost of the meal be paid directly to the restaurant. I have nothing against the delivery services, but when I can eat takeout I want every dollar to go to our neighborhood places, and if it means I have to walk a few blocks to pick it up, I consider it an investment of both time and money.
If I was a restaurant owner I would make the entire restaurant one big kitchen and serve and deliver breakfast lunch and dinner and late snack.
In November, WSRag announced that the Ellington folks were renting the wonderful former Henry’s space in the spring. Now the virus has hit. Any reports on Ellington plans? Thx.