By Scott Etkin and Lisa Kava
Wonder, a new concept that brings together many restaurants into one space, is opening on February 16th at 2028 Broadway between 69th and 70th Streets. Wonder provides counter service for the restaurants it features, including: Chuko (“ramen, steamed buns and more Japanese favorites”); Chios Taverna (chef Michael Symon’s take on Greek flavors); Alanza (“best of old school red sauce joints”); Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue; and Chai Pani Indian Street Food. Patrons can order at the booths and sit in the space (there’s enough seating for around 50 people indoors and 10 outdoors) or order for delivery. Wonder is different from Gotham Market and other market halls in that all staff are part of the same company, as opposed to each booth being run by a different vendor. The space has been vacant for a few years; it was previously an Italian restaurant, Gina La Fornarina.
Little Creatures, a pet-supply store selling dog and cat food, treats, toys, and clothing, has opened a location at 305 Columbus Avenue between 74th and 75th Streets. Little Creatures has two other Upper West Side shops: one at 569 Columbus Avenue (at 87th Street), and one at 525 Amsterdam Avenue (at 85th Street). Little Creatures, which is family-owned, opened both these locations in 2010. “We are excited to add a brand new, more spacious location,” Eladio, the manager of all three stores, told West Side Rag. “We will have more room here for inventory and be able to carry more organic natural products, including treats and food.” Little Creatures also offers home delivery services. It replaces Dramatics NYC, a hair salon. (Thanks to Victoria for the tip.)
Bespoke Brows, an eyelash and eyebrow salon, is opening at 100 West 72nd Street near Columbus Avenue. Services include eyebrow waxing, tweezing, lamination, tinting and lash lifting. Appointments are walk-in only and Bespoke Brows offers free consultations before services. The company has two existing locations on the Upper East Side. It replaces the children’s clothing store Z’Baby. (Thanks to Adyson for the tip.)
Restore, a wellness and recovery chain with over 125 locations nationwide, has opened at 2148C Broadway on the corner of W. 76th Street. The studio provides a litany of restorative services such as cryotherapy, red light therapy, infrared saunas, and IV drips. There are three levels of membership, from $149/month up to $449/month. The space was previously a T-Mobile store.
Bad Roman, an Italian restaurant from the Quality Branded restaurant group, has opened on the third floor at the shops at Columbus Circle on 59th Street. The new addition to the group, which is known for “rich décor with enjoyably cheeky elements,” writes The Times, is run by chef Nick Gaube. The menu has some decadent options, like the Roasted Garlic Babka and Black Truffle Honey Whipped Ricotta. It takes the place of Landmarc, which closed in 2019 after a 12-year run.
Thank you for all of these neighborhood updates. Lots to check out.
IV drips . . . of what/????
At these “IV bars,” which seem to be sprouting up all over town, you can get IV drips with vitamins, hydration, and supplements said to help with hangovers, fatigue and jet lag, and to boost the immune system. Here’s what Harvard Health has to say about getting IV drips that aren’t medically prescribed. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/drip-bar-should-you-get-an-iv-on-demand-2018092814899
I had the same question. It doesn’t sound like a proper medical rehabilitation facility, so from what exactly they offer restore?
Same sort of thing women went to Elizabeth Arden’s back in day. Spending tons of money in hopes of keeping young and beautiful.
https://www.cosmeticsandskin.com/efe/women.php
There seem to be a lot of restaurants opening in the high 60’s and low 70’s. With all the empty spaces we have in the high 80’s and 90’s, it sure would be nice to have some restaurants open around here into the low 100’s.
Agree. It would be nice if our politicos could get more business up Broadway in the 90’s, 100’s, 110’s.
I confess I was thinking, Oh no, Little Creatures is closing. But no, a new one opening. Yay!
“Di fara” pizza by Wonder is not what it purports to be. No crust. Essentially a lunchable.
Yeah, essentially it’s all reheated food. So won’t be crispy.
I noticed that there is another food place, Patisserie Chanson, opening on the northeast corner of w70th St. across the street from Wonder.
It seems to be light fare and the menu looks
Chanson has other locations and seems to serve light meals and desserts.
Now, can we get a decent coffee shop/diner nearby?
Oops: menu looks yummy.