Amber Lights & Almond Beets: Zoi Serves Turkish Tease in NoMad | Times Square Chronicles

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NYT’s Annabel Keenan and celeb stylist Benjamin Filingham on hand for a sneak peek at hotspot Ten11

It’s not every Tuesday that I find myself swanning through a $1.2 million Mediterranean fantasy in the former headquarters of Life magazine. But then again, it’s not every week I accidentally eat the entire island of Cyprus in chronological order—Greek on Sunday, Turkish on Tuesday, and my Cypriot comrade Sean Alimov flying in from Larnaca next week to complete the cultural trifecta. Divine timing? I say yes. The universe may be chaotic, but she’s got rhythm.

Ten11’s talented bar manager Ozi, shown here with Benjamin Fillingham, had everyone under his spell.

Enter Zoi Mediterranean, a Turkish-leaning delight tucked inside the newly minted marbled halls of the Life Building. Journalist Annabel Keenan, who usually covers the art beat for The Grey Lady (and other refined corners), was moonlighting in the dining section that night—at a nearby table, no less. I myself dined alongside the impossibly chic Benjamin Fillingham, celebrity stylist to the stars (Yellowstone’s Kelly Reilly, if you must know), who can smell a hair product at 50 paces and diagnose a lipstick shade in the dark. The man’s a magician, and he met his match—Ozi the bar manager, who pulled a card out of my Grey Goose cocktail and taught us the foxtrot between rounds of mezze.

Lots to talk about at the new Ten11 cocktail lounge in midtown

Let’s begin with the décor, because to skip it would be uncivilized. Zoi is what would happen if a Himalayan salt lamp developed aspirations and became a nightclub hostess. Amber Onyx marble from Kuwait glows with the warmth of a thousand candlelit selfies, and every table is crowned with a ruby-throated rose that looks like it whispered secrets to a hummingbird. Benjamin, basking in the golden halo, declared it had knocked ten years off his face and possibly booked him a date for Friday.

Zoi Mediterranean is lit with unearthly Onyx marble throughout

The menu? A sensory flirtation. Fire bread was as soft and tender as a love poem. Hummus got a supermodel’s glow-up with neon olive oil and microgreens, while the baba ganoush, adorned with beets and toasted almonds, was smoky enough to warrant a PG-13. We dove face-first into a roasted beet salad crowning a pungent Ezine cheese, which—surprise!—comes from goats who summer in Mount Ida and probably have better skincare than we do.

Branzino with lemon sauce over a springy creamed celery at Zoi Mediterranean

My branzino swam in a lemony embrace atop a creamed celery that whispered of springtime flings and other lusty decisions.

Zoi’s savory short ribs with a cheesy risotto make a cozy pair

Benjamin’s short rib, decadent and cosseted by cheese risotto, was a diplomatic dish—Midwest uncle-approved, but dressed for the Upper East Side.

Decadent Dubai Gold Cheescake delights with a pistachio drizzle at Zoi Mediterranean

Dessert was an emotional event. The Dubai Gold cheesecake, draped in pistachio cream and kadayifi, shattered our loyalty to Lindy’s in one forkful. I may have blacked out slightly from happiness. We returned to earth via a speakeasy descent to Ten11 Lounge, where gold flakes floated in my cocktail like Cleopatra’s final bath.

Roasted cauliflower with the Eyes Wide Shut cocktail at Zoi

In a city awash in tzatziki and truffle fries, Zoi dares to take the road less hummused. Founder Onur Safak, equal parts visionary and risk-taker, told me, “I wanted to rise to the challenge and create something transcendent for New York City.” Consider the challenge accepted—and crushed underfoot like a perfectly blistered pide.

Ten11: the newly remodeled LIFE Building’s sexy secret

Turkish cuisine may be the underdog of European palates, but in New York’s Mediterranean melee, it’s the sultry stranger in the corner—the one who smells of cinnamon and mystery and knows how to do magic tricks with a cocktail shaker.

Friday Jones and Benjamin Fillingham at the freshly gilded LIFE Magazine building for Zoi Mediterranean

So if you find yourself wandering 31st Street, stop. Look for the gilded age marble bedecked with balloons. Walk toward the glow. And prepare to lose your heart to a slice of cheesecake and a magical bar manager named Ozi.

Zoí Mediterranean & Ten11Life Hotel New York19 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001(347) 677-2035

zoinomad.com

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Get a bite of this food news!

Ocean Casino Resort in partnership with STARR Restaurants and award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr today announced two new restaurant concepts – Chez Frites and Sunny’s – adding to the resort’s stellar lineup of fine dining offerings. The French dinner spot and American breakfast and lunch bistro will be accepting reservations beginning August 1.

“American and French cuisines have always been two of my favorites, each offering its own unique sense of comfort, tradition and indulgence,” said Stephen Starr, Founder & CEO of STARR Restaurants. “Helping to shape these experiences with Chez Frites and Sunny’s in Atlantic City is especially exciting, and I can’t wait for guests to experience them at Ocean Casino Resort this summer.”

Chez Frites brings a stripped-down contemporary French flair to traditional steak and fries the likes of which Atlantic City has never seen. Located on Ocean’s Lobby Level across from The Park, Chez Frites features a lively bar area welcoming diners into a beautifully adorned eatery that includes seating for 150. With a truly unique prix fixe menu, guests will be treated to steak, salmon or lobster accompanied by salad and unlimited signature golden fries. Chez Frites is the perfect haven for foodies seeking refined yet approachable cuisine.

Next to Chez Frites is Ocean’s newest cozy breakfast and lunch concept, Sunny’s. Perched eleven stories above the Atlantic Ocean, this airy eatery offers sundrenched views and a serene ambience with both bar and table seating. Sunny’s robust menu is familiar and fun, offering an eclectic and diverse selection of American cuisine, reimagining classic comfort dishes with sophisticated twists using bold and fresh flavors. Beloved dishes such as the pigs in a blanket, Nutella French toast, lobster roll, classic meatloaf and more are sure to satisfy a wide range of palates. Walk-ups are welcome and reservations can be made by visiting theoceanac.com.

Ketel One and Dorsia have launched “Drinks on Dorsia,” a limited-time cocktail program available only through the Dorsia app at a curated list of the city’s toughest tables. Each spot is offering complimentary Ketel One Espresso Martinis as part of the booking experience.

“At Ketel One, we believe in creating extraordinary moments that elevate the everyday and go beyond expectations,” said Ryan Hughes, Brand Director, Ketel One Vodka. “This collaboration will transform the Dorsia fantasy into a tangible experience and beyond that, offer culture and dining enthusiasts a taste of next-level hospitality centered around the art of a perfectly crafted cocktail.”

To kick off the partnership, Ketel One and Dorsia are brought the famously elusive “Dorsia” experience to life for one night only on the Upper East Side. The gran martini-fueled celebration brought together tastemakers and cultural insiders who know that a Ketel One Martini isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a sign you’re in the know. If You Know, You Ketel.

The partnership also includes an Instagram giveaway of three Dorsia Premium Memberships, giving winners the kind of reservation access that usually takes serious connections (or months of planning). Details are live at @KetelOne_US.

Cover art by Art Attack on Unsplash

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From the Romany Kramoris Gallery Summer Opening in Sag Harbor to the Southampton Art Center

to the Sunday night Dan’s Papers Rosé Soirée hosted by the always-fabulous Katie Lee of Food Network—this Memorial Day weekend brought sun, style, and sparkle to the East End.

Social Life Magazine cover star Leesa Rowland lit up the scene, and so many beloved faces made the kickoff unforgettable.

Endless rosé, sunset vibes, and culinary perfection marked a night to remember.

Big shoutouts to those who made this weekend shine: Jean Shafiroff, Kimberly Groff, Marina St Barth, Norah Lawlor, Jeffrey Bradford, Victoria Schneps, Rebecca Seawright, Cyndi Karen, Dr Gary Boxer, Donna Rubin, ilene Smith Sichel, Luann de Lesseps, Lindsey Sichel, Justin Binn, Anna Kulinova, Kimberly Groff, David Warren, Pamela Morgan, Neil Eichner, David Hoch, David Gonzalaz, Andrew Molen, Neil and Bridget Segura, Rosalee Moodie, Jeffrey Klafter, Romany Kramoris, Jane Cher, Julie Rather, to name a few. (and yes, we’re still catching our breath!) 💫

Cheers to a summer of art, music, and magic. This was only the beginning.

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Yummy news from across the country here.

Dylan Efron teamed up with Wasa, to celebrate the launch of the brand’s first-ever lightly flavored, round crispbread called Crisp Creations. From a flavor-packed glamping retreat at Wasa Camp Crunch on Governors Island in New York City, to ASMR-worthy snack moments, Dylan and Wasa are inviting fans to experience Crisp Creations crackers in unexpected, delicious ways all summer long.

Wasa Camp Crunch was packed with a mix of outdoorsy activities and delicious meals, giving snack lovers quite literally the “crunch retreat” they deserve. Wasa’s new Crisp Creations crispbreads are crackers with a modern take—lightly flavored, extra-large, and satisfyingly crunchy, available in Cinnamon and Sesame & Sea Salt.

Planet Hollywood New York is going full anime. In a first-of-its kind collaboration, Planet Hollywood has partnered with Crunchyroll® the global anime brand, to bring fans an immersive “Ani-May” experience. From exclusive eats and themed cocktails to limited-edition merch and wall-to-wall anime action, this is the ultimate destination for anime lovers. The “Ani-May” takeover will run for three months making Planet Hollywood a summer-long anime sanctuary in the heart of Times Square.

As part of the collaboration, Planet Hollywood is debuting an all-new “Ani-May” menu. Fans can feast like chai, and ginger beer, finished with torched rosemary, roasted marshmallow, and ginger. In addition to anime-inspired food and drinks, Planet Hollywood’s immersive entertainment setup transforms dining into an immersive experience. Guests will be surrounded by 692 synchronized video titles playing 15-second anime clips, delivering a stunning 360-degree display in high definition 8K resolution.

As a bonus, guests will receive a complimentary 7-day trial of Crunchyroll Premium—providing access to over 50,000 episodes of series and films and 25,000 hours of content, perfect for diving deeper into their favorite shows.

A bold new look and a pair of new flavors has been launched by vitaminwater. Unveiling a re-designed packaging label is part of a refreshed visual identity that matches two newer vibrant flavors

Rolling out its first new full-sugar flavor innovation in years of elevate (blue raspberry limeade flavor with multivitamins) as well as re-hydrate zero sugar (pineapple passionfruit with electrolytes) is a great demonstration of delicious beverages you will love

“What makes vitaminwater unique is we’re the only enhanced water brand to offer drinkers both full- and zero-sugar options,” Amanda Harkins, vitaminwater brand director, Coca‑Cola North America Operating Unit said.

Perfect Bar Double Chocolate Minis is the sweet treat you deserve this summer. Each bite is scrumptious and a perfect chocolate surprise.

Yet, these are not just your average snack. Products are cold pressed, never heated or baked. Straight from the fridge, these awesome cookie dough like texture bars keep you feeling light on your feet and fueled throughout the day.The Double Chocolate Mini brings together the brand’s signature protein-packed nutrition with certified organic ingredients like freshly ground peanut butter along with a touch of honey. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and jampacks 5 gram of protein and over 20 superfoods in every perfectly portioned bar.

Available in convenient multipacks, the new flavor joins Perfect Bar’s fan-favorite Mini lineup launched just in time to help kick off the summer snack season.

Happy summer eating!

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The Tony Awards, The Drama Desk Awards, Tribeca Film Festival, SummerStage and Pride. Still going on are the Harlem Renaissance exhibit at the Met with 160 works by Black artists. Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature,at The Morgan Library & Museum through 6/9. Florals in Fashion highlights the work of designers Hilary Taymour (Collina Strada), Olivia Cheng (Dauphinette) and Kristen Alpaugh, aka FLWR PSTL Also Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz’s “Giants,”is at the Brooklyn Museum until 7/7. The exhibition features artists who have made and continue to make a significant impact on the art world and contemporary culture. The show features 98 artworks by Black American, African, and African artists including Gordon Parks, Kehinde Wiley, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mickalene Thomas, Hassan Hajjaj, Barkley L. Hendricks, Lorna Simpson, and Amy Sherald. Artist Amy Sherald American Sublime,” at The Whitney. 50 paintings, dedicated to American realism and portraiture until 8/10. Until 9/16; Abstract art, weaving, craft, and fashion in “Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction” at the MoMA and until 9/17; The Museum of Modern Art. “Hilma af Klint: What Stands Behind Flowers”, Created during the spring and summer of 1919 and 1920, this portfolio presents the wonders of Sweden’s flora and showcases the artist’s keen botanical eye.

6/1: The Drama Desk Awards at The Skirball6/4 – 15: Tribeca Film Festival

6/4 – 7: New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks; Gustavo Dudamel — who becomes the Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Music & Artistic Director Designate in September — leads the Orchestra in performances in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. On the 4th head to Central Park.

6/5: Free Summer Fare Bryant Park Picnic Performances : Limón Dance Company, EMERGE125, KAŌS Dance Collective

6/5: Free Summer Fare Bryant Park Picnic Performances: Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Gibney Company, Syren Dance

6/6 – June 6–9/14: Jane Austen at The Morgan Library & Museum.

6/6 – 8: Governors Ball: Over 60 musical acts

6/8: The Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall

6/8: National Puerto Rican Day Parade

6/9: “Encounters in the Milky Way,” the brand-new Hayden Planetarium Space Show opening at the American Museum of Natural History.

6/10: Museum Mile Festival6/11 – 8/9: Summer for the City

6/12 – 19: Juneteenth New York Festival

6/ 13: Free Summer Fare Bryant Park Picnic Performances: Doug Varone and Dancers and Kyle Marshall Choreography

6/13: Events NYC Pride 2025 NY Mets Annual Pride Night; 6/27: Heritage: The Official NYC Pride Party; June 28: Youth Pride: June 29; Pride March, PrideFest, POSH at Nebula, Gay & Sober Cruise; and Ladyland: June 27 & 28

6/ 14: Free Summer Fare Bryant Park Picnic Performances: The Jimmy Heath Big Band with Music Director Antonio Hart

6/17 – 10/19: Viola’s Room, an immersive theatrical experience, kicks off an 18-week engagement at the Shed. Drected by Punchdrunk founder Felix Barrett, who was also responsible for the success of Sleep No More.

Michael Arenella, The Dreamland Follies

6/14 – 15: The Jazz Age Lawn Party

6/ 20: Free Summer Fare Bryant Park Picnic Performances: Folk Night: Why Bonnie, Tasha, Marem Ladson

6/21: Free Summer Fare Bryant Park Picnic Performances: Disiniblud, additional artists TBA

6/21: The 43rd Coney Island Mermaid Parade

6/22: JapanFest on the Upper West Side

6/26: Free Summer Fare Bryant Park Picnic Performances: Opera Goes to Hollywood

6/27: Free Summer Fare Bryant Park Picnic Performances: Opera Goes to Hollywood

6/27: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest on the Intrepid

6/28: JapanFest in Midtown.

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The L train was packed — packed like a rush-hour tiffin tin — and I was instantly reminded why I don’t live in Williamsburg, date anyone who does, or make eye contact underground. I cursed myself for boarding the crosstown commuter sauna just to get to dinner. But once I arrived at ISHQ, that cheekily modern Indian gem tucked into the Lower East Side, all was forgiven.

Artists Ákos Strenner and Friday Jones

The first thing you notice is the warmth. Not just the fire — literal fire, but we’ll get to that — but the people. Loraine, the host, was a walking smile, and behind the bar stood Marco, braids like tribal epaulettes, face like a Calvin Klein campaign.

The warm glow of ISHQ beckons the beleaguered from the boulevard.

I brought backup: Hungarian artist Ákos Strenner, whose default setting is “existential ennui.” He clocked the space, sniffed once, and muttered, “It was nice before that party came in. Now it’s just loud bitches.” Reader, we were three tables away from a polite gaggle of young professionals Instagramming papadum. Welcome to New York.

ISHQ offers a Phoenixian experience from start to finish.

He ordered the only potato on the menu — of course — and nearly cracked a smile: “The crust is savory, the chicken tender. The radish… charming.” That’s high praise in Hungarian.

From the ashes, the shimmering Kaalajumun Tart is revealed.

I, on the other hand, was joyfully overwhelmed by a menu bursting with flavor and unpronounceables. “They should Americanize it,” Ákos deadpanned. “Who is Dudhiya? What is Jhol?” But he was intrigued. As was I.

Potato-wrapped Bangla Kodi Fritters

And then the fire started. Not metaphorical passion — literal, tableside flambés. Our first and last courses arrived alight. Drama! Flair! Insurance liability!

Paneer Laung Latta

Somewhere between molten chicken skewers and mocktails garnished with dangerously edible lychee pits (I chomped one, choked, and shoved it under a naan in shame), we were fully under ISHQ’s spell. Michael, a server with the charisma of a kindly camp counselor, gently scolded us for fussing over plates. “You’re so rock n’ roll,” he said, shooing our tattooed arms away. “Just relax.” We were trying to rearrange our rice scattered on the table. We deserved that.

Lobster Malaikari

By dessert, we were in deep. The Kaalajumun Tart, a shimmering chocolate hockey puck in a golden tent, arrived flaming like a Broadway finale. “It looks like a Fabergé puck,” Ákos noted, reverently. It tasted like all the ingredients had never met before but had incredible chemistry on the first date.

Feel good mocktails for the season at ISHQ

Somewhere nearby, Danny Levinski, LES legend and green juice connoisseur, popped in with calming elixirs and a compliment: “What is this place? It smells incredible!” It did. The Lobster Malikaari, bathed in coconut green curry, was practically perfume. The Paneer Laung Latta was so good Ákos went quiet — a rare, sacred moment.

The standout? Buhrani Raita, studded with pomegranate and secret crunchy dumplings (“Boondi,” whispered David the server, who despite being from Puebla gets mistaken for Indian daily). While the staff is widely diverse, this place is a pure Hindi love letter to nuance.

ISHQ, which means “love” in Hindi, has already landed a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and for good reason. The staff? A global mosaic of hospitality gods. The food? Bold, poetic, and absolutely on fire.

Ishq is what happens when a restaurant makes you feel seen, fed, and just a bit more fabulous.

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