With beautifully mild fall days a thing of the past, it’s the perfect time to bundle up and enjoy the toasty indoor activities that New York City prides itself on. Let’s ‘Warm up with New York’ and rediscover some indoor hidden gems to get us through the winter months ahead.
CORE’s Sebastian Oppenheim shares his cozy foodie find to beat the winter chill.
As a native New Yorker, I know firsthand the rich offerings of the city, from museums of the Upper East Side to the galleries of Chelsea and SoHo, from attending on and off Broadway shows to Koreatown karaoke bars. But amidst the general hustle and bustle of the city, one of the things I enjoy most, especially during the cold winter months, is to take advantage of the thousands of restaurants the city has to offer and connect with friends. There is something to be said about dining leisurely with family and friends. It is a tradition born at home for me and a ritual that I continued throughout my college years in South Carolina (a great foodie town) and now back in New York City.
Mediterranean food is hands down in the top three types of cuisine I love. Finding the perfect spot has only taken me about 23 years of my life. Bustan, nestled in the center of the block on Amsterdam Avenue between 84 and 85 Streets, tops my list. Nearly every table is full, even on a Tuesday night at 8:30pm. The ambiance and service is always warm and welcoming, but it’s the food that keeps me coming back. Everything on the menu from the hummus and house made flat breads to the lamb terracotta are cooked and seasoned to perfection. The quality of food and the warmth of the wait staff gives you the sense of being with family. And as it is so inviting, it is one of my favorite places to invite friends.