This summer, Morningside Heights went Mexican: the neighborhood bid farewell to Thai (Lime Leaf) and Italian (Angelina Pizza Bar) and welcomed two new Mexican restaurants. Continue reading
Category Archives: News
Mexican in Morningside Heights: Cascabel Taqueria and Papasito
Filed under Columbia University, New York City, News, Restaurants
West Way Cafe Gutted
With its signage removed and interior gutted, West Way Cafe looks like it has served its last smoothie. A construction project of unknown end has been undertaken in the space. During my first week at Columbia, I stopped in for a greasy Greek salad and a glass of juice. Caught up in a tour of the Morningside dining scene, I never returned. Yet, I will always associate West Way with an exciting and newly independent period in my life.
Filed under Columbia University, New York City, News
Campo Extreme Makeover: Ryan Skeen Edition
After leaving Fishtag, Ryan Skeen needed a new home. And he’s coming uptown, to Morningside Heights, to Campo, where he’s going to be turning that (very ugly) duckling into a beautiful gastronomic swan. Florence Fabricant reports that Skeen will be transforming Campo into Il Cibreo. Once known for its raging parties, loose carding policy, and steady clientele of freshmen, Campo lost its nightlife promoter and bar business this past semester. Clearly, they needed an injection of excitement, a dose of PR hype that could pack the house with aspiring foodies and, well, more underage girls. Ryan Skeen, mercenary extraordinaire—and, in my experience, stand-up guy—will bring his unique brand of culinary machismo to this struggling “club/restaurant/disturbingly cheap brunch option.” Although I have my personal biases (in favor of) Skeen, I will be providing ethical (of course) and blow-by-sordid-blow coverage of this switchup. Continue reading
Filed under Columbia University, New York City, News, Restaurants
On Amsterdam: Nikko Opening, Bagutta Closed
Sneaky summer openings and closings:
Heading back to Broadway from 125th Street, I walked up Amsterdam Avenue and spotted construction on a new restaurant: Nikko. Continue reading
Filed under Columbia University, New York City, News
Spices and Tease Opening On Broadway
While wandering down Broadway this morning, I noticed a new store preparing to open: Spices and Tease. No, adult video stores are not making a comeback on the upper Upper West Side. Located between 97th and 98th streets, the shop will, perhaps not so obviously, specialize in spices and tea (no teasing, please). Other items for sale will include salt, pepper, and French pasties, I mean, pastries. Continue reading
Filed under Columbia University, New York City, News
Island Burgers and Shakes Opening Uptown Outpost
From the “Hippo” to the “Hermosa Beach,” Island Burgers & Shakes serves massive, bloody patties to Hell’s Kitchen cruisers with insatiable appetites. Now, Island Burgers is bringing their eclectic menu uptown. Citybiz reports that they just signed a lease for a spot at 422 Amsterdam Avenue between 80 and 81st streets. This second location will offer 64 different burgers and chicken churascos. Go for the Route 66—avocado, Swiss cheese, bacon, and dark rye bread—or Slick Willie’s—ham, relish, American cheese, bacon, sour cream, barbecue sauce, and onion. Continue reading
Filed under Columbia University, New York City, News, Restaurants
Stop & Shop: The Return of the Grocery
Zach B., Yale University
After almost a year, New Haven will have a major, all purpose grocer again. In March 2010, Shaw’s closed its doors along with eighteen other outlets in Connecticut. On February 1, 2011, Stop & Shop announced that it will move into Shaw’s former location, 150 Whalley Avenue, within reasonable walking distance of Yale’s campus.
