New York City is lovely in the fall as steamy days give way to crisp yet sunny ones, and tree-filled parks take on autumnal hues. But hang on a minute: Summer’s not over just yet. Before you reach for the sweaters and boots, settle into indoor dining rooms and cozy up in basement cocktail lounges, get outside while it’s still warm. Whether you want to pretend you’ve jetted off to the Caribbean for the day, wish to dine on global cuisine in a lush garden, or fancy a late night of dancing surrounded by the city’s skyscrapers, here are three experiences to put you in a (late summer) New York state of mind:
For an Urban Island Escape: Gitano Island
After four successful seasons, the popular SoHo restaurant Garden of Love was relocated to a new 27,000-square-foot waterfront setting on Governors Island. Accessible via a five-minute ferry ride from either downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn, the new venue still evokes a feeling of being transported to Tulum with lush greenery, palm trees, Bohemian décor and tropical vibes. The 600-seat restaurant and beach club retain signature elements of the original spot, including a black Bedouin dining tent with a 360-degree marble bar, twin dining pergolas and an open-fired kitchen. New details include a beach club with sunbeds and tipis and a members-only lounge, with a 40-foot water feature focal point over which a giant disco ball hangs. Local and international DJs and live artists perform on a new tented stage.
For South American Cuisine in a Lush Garden: Popular
Book a table in Popular’s foliage-filled patio in Bowery Garden, the restaurant’s outdoor space, open in the warmer months and inspired by the gardens in Italy and Jardin Tuileries in Paris. Tabletops are dotted with vases filled with bright hydrangea blooms and fragrant bunches of herbs, and bright textile rugs add pops of color to the space. The Peruvian restaurant is helmed by chef Diego Munoz, who brings the best multicultural cuisine and ingredients from his native Peru to the menu, which also reflects Incan, Spanish, Moorish, African, Italian, Chinese and Japanese influences. Can’t-miss dishes include ceviches, wood-fired pollo a la brasa, duck leg fried rice, New York strip steak and seasonal vegetables. Wash it all down with pisco cocktails and international wines while enjoying the mild temps.
For Dancing and Late-Night Revelry with a Manhattan Skyline Backdrop: Le Bain & The Rooftop at The Standard—High Line
Perched atop the hotel, a fixture in the city’s Meatpacking District, this buzzy spot features incredible views, sunsets, food and cocktails. Reservations are strongly suggested, if not required, and the spot proves so exclusive, even hotel guests aren’t guaranteed admission. Snag a table with friends and enjoy pitcher cocktails and crêpes, or dance until dawn to the sounds of local and internationally known DJs. Either way, you’re guaranteed the experience will be a scene and will tide you over until the mercury rises again.
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