Headliner
Hoexter’s
Back in the 1970s and ’80s, the Upper East Side was a dining destination. Summon memories, if you can, of the Sign of the Dove, Parioli Romanissimo, Mortimer’s, Elaine’s, David K, Quo Vadis, Le Cirque, Jams, Arcadia, An American Place and many more. On the list was a chop house, Hoexter’s Market (two stars from Mimi Sheraton in The New York Times in 1978). It was an adjunct to a butcher shop, also called Hoexter’s Market, both owned by Robert Shapiro who went on to open Flex Mussels in more than one location. Hoexter’s Market, with a checker logo (as in checker cabs, another memory) closed in the mid-80s. But recently, Alexandra Shapiro, a daughter of Mr. Shapiro, and Laura Shapiro, his wife, have been determined to revive Hoexter’s. “It’s been my mission,” Alexandra said. And the family has done it. Steps from the original location, it has dropped the Market from the name. Enter into the bar, forest green with fanciful wallpaper, then proceed to the main dining room with rough brick and plaid on the walls, tablecloths and a mural showing regulars from the original restaurant. Another dining room beyond has a shimmering chandelier, red leather banquettes and a celestial theme, and doubles as a party space. The chef, Lauren Schwichtenberg, has roots in Oklahoma and Minnesota, and her menu is as contemporary as its double smash cheeseburger. Also on offer are tuna crudo, onion soup, steamed artichoke, chopped salad, pork Milanese, a roast chicken, Faroe Island salmon with smoked beurre blanc and prime rib for two. (Opens Saturday)
174 East 82nd Street, 212-288-1777, hoexters.com.
Opening
Huda
Levantine fare is the focus here, as conceived by owner Gehad Hadidi, whose heritage is Syrian, and whose grandmother’s recipes are in the hands of his executive chef, Anjuman Hossain. She worked at Le Crocodile and Del Posto. Mr. Hadidi has also owned La Bonne Soupe in Midtown since 2019, keeping it utterly French. But here, dishes include carrot salad in a honey-sumac vinaigrette, charred eggplant with black garlic toum and tahini, chicken over turmeric rice, shish barak beef dumplings with yogurt and pine nuts, and poached quince. Cocktails feature arak, the anise-flavored Middle-Eastern spirit. The 64-seat dining room is done in light, natural tones, with colorful accents. (Thursday)
312 Leonard Street (Conselyea Street), Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Jota
A pared-down assortment of tapas and a handful of more substantial Spanish dishes by José Andrés are served at four locations in the new Wonder food halls that offer somewhat high-end fast dining, delivery and takeout. Proceeds from the first five days of sales will be donated to World Central Kitchen. (Wednesday)
2030 Broadway (69th Street); 310 Schermerhorn Street (Nevins Street), Downtown Brooklyn; 221 River Street (Second Street), Hoboken, N.J.; 210 South Avenue West (Westfield Train Stations), Westfield, N.J., wonder.com.
Back Bar at Hotel Eventi by Laurent Tourondel
Tucked behind Mr. Tourondel’s restaurant L’Amico is this wood-paneled enclave where cocktails can be paired with snacks like the LT Burger and a crispy chicken sandwich.
Kimpton Hotel Eventi, 851 Avenue of the Americas (30th Street), 212-201-4065, backbarnyc.com.
