Anne Raso

Sep 30, 2024 | newyorklifestylesmagazine.com | Anne Raso

Trattoria One Fifth has become a downtown “foodies’ favorite” in a brief time. Situated in the lobby of a stunning 1920s Art Deco apartment building (that once housed Anthony Bourdain’s famous Clementine), the romantic lighting, retro look, and spaciousness will immediately make you feel at home and like a sophisticated New Yorker at the same time. Owner/Executive Chef Marc Forgione appreciates this elegant space as much as his guests.

Jun 30, 2024 | newyorklifestylesmagazine.com | Anne Raso

Visit The Restaurant at Great Jones Distilling Co. to find a speakeasy vibe and romantic lighting and a menu unlike any other in Manhattan. In fact, the waitstaff will ask if you want a little taste of the bourbon or rye made on the premises. You can tour the facilities before you dine! The Great Jones Distilling Co. products are displayed in large glass bookcases in the 20s-style brown and white tiled foyer just in front of the restaurant.

May 31, 2024 | newyorklifestylesmagazine.com | Anne Raso

Frena is a cutting-edge Middle Eastern restaurant in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen that is quite the foodie hotspot of the moment. This restaurant is set in a renovated all-glass storefront that gives a light and airy feeling- and is perfect for people-watching while you dine. Keeping your eyes off the gorgeous, authentic cuisine that includes some hard-to-find Israeli and Moroccan dishes will be hard.

May 1, 2024 | newyorklifestylesmagazine.com | Anne Raso

The Alderman is a unique high-end American hub that opened last September in the Motto Times Square Hotel. It is self-proclaimed as an “elevated American diner,” but it oversimplifies what they are doing. It’s quite elegant—think of a Mad Men vibe where gentlemen sip martinis during lunch and ladies linger over big salads and a shared large dessert. The hotel mimics this as it excels in being comfy, cozy, and chic in the middle of the city’s most tourist-driven area.

Mar 31, 2024 | newyorklifestylesmagazine.com | Anne Raso

As of late, Koreatown has been growing beyond its traditional area of 32nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and NYC diners could not be happier. Steve and Christina Jang, the owners of New Wojo—the most successful Korean BBQ in the area—have created an elevated eatery called OCTO that features Korean-Chinese fare. OCTO is the only restaurant in NYC serving this cuisine. It dates to the late 1800s when Chinese immigrated to Korea. They also brought with them an Asian-Fusion style of cooking.