Fushimi Celebrates a Stellar First Anniversary in Times Square with an Unforgettable Party

Fushimi, the elegant Japanese restaurant and lounge located at 311 W 43rd St, marked its first anniversary in grand style on October 10th with an unforgettable bash. Known for its refined, expansive space in the heart of Times Square, Fushimi transformed into a lively party scene, complete with dancing, flowing cocktails, and a menu brimming with delectable bites. The event drew a diverse crowd of New Yorkers, creators, artists, and press, all celebrating Fushimi’s successful year in Midtown Manhattan.

Guests were treated to a carefully curated selection of hors d'oeuvres, including rock shrimp tempura, homemade vegetable gyozas, and shrimp shumai, followed by lavish sushi platters filled with custom rolls and sashimi. The feast continued with entrees such as dry-aged steak, salmon, chicken, and flavorful noodle dishes. As bartenders kept the drinks flowing, a DJ maintained the vibrant energy, ensuring the dance floor was packed all night.

Fushimi is renowned for blending traditional Japanese flavors with global influences, making it a standout in New York’s dining scene. Beyond its flagship Times Square location, Fushimi has other popular venues in Williamsburg, Bay Ridge, and Staten Island’s Todt Hill. The menu boasts creative dishes like the Fire & Ice Roll, combining Alaskan king crab, avocado, cucumber, and seared filet mignon with a port wine reduction, and the Surf & Turf Roll, featuring spicy tuna, white tuna, and kani wrapped in rice paper and lightly fried. Signature dishes like Roasted Duck with mango and hoisin reduction further exemplify Fushimi’s diverse culinary offerings. For dessert, guests can enjoy indulgent treats such as Tempura Ice Cream, Crème Brulee with Madagascar vanilla bean, and a Mochi Tasting with seasonal flavors.

The restaurant’s striking design transports visitors from the bustling streets of Times Square into a serene oasis. With Torii gates at the entrance, reminiscent of Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, the interior exudes calm with its spacious dining areas and private event spaces, ideal for both intimate dinners and large gatherings.

---

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Meraki Brooklyn Brings Authentic Greek Dining to Williamsburg

Annabella Pardo

Williamsburg’s vibrant culinary scene recently welcomed Meraki Greek Bistro, which has now opened an inviting new outdoor patio for guests to enjoy a year-round cozy dining experience while savoring authentic Greek cuisine.

Meraki Brooklyn has also just launched a delectable new happy hour during the week serving Greek appetizers, wines and beer. Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, this restaurant offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere inspired by the Greek Isles, providing a delightful escape for diners.

Meraki Brooklyn is the first location outside Miami for the Meraki Hospitality Group, known for its successful Greek dining concepts in South Florida, including Meraki Greek Bistro and Meraki Gyro. Led by Executive Chef Giannis Kotsos and Managing Partner Alex Karavias, the team brings their passion for authentic Greek flavors to New York, building on a strong reputation cultivated through their Miami locations.

“Meraki means to put something of yourself into whatever you do, and that’s exactly what Chef Giannis and I have been doing since we opened the original Meraki location,” said Alex Karavias. "Our cuisine is a reflection of our love for Greek tradition, featuring fresh ingredients and classic flavors that have resonated with our guests in Miami, and we can’t wait for Brooklyn to experience the same."

Guests at Meraki Brooklyn are transported to the Aegean Sea with its charming decor featuring breezy white curtains, rustic wooden floors, cozy seating and gorgeous bar with bougainvillea adorning the ceiling overhead, which are designed to evoke the warmth and charm of a Greek taverna. With its new outdoor patio, diners can now enjoy the fresh Mediterranean dishes al fresco through all seasons.

Executive Chef Kotsos has curated a menu that emphasizes fresh, authentic Mediterranean flavors and stays true to his Greek roots, offering timeless dishes like Moussaka, Aegean Chicken and Creta Seafood Pasta. Family-style platters, known as “Poikilies,” encourage sharing and bring people together around the table, just as they would in Greece.

Adding to the dining experience is a carefully curated all-Greek wine list, featuring traditional and organic selections from Greece’s most renowned winemakers and unique micro-wineries. Guests can also enjoy a selection of Greek beers, highlighting both traditional favorites and new brews from local Greek microbreweries.

Meraki Brooklyn’s new happy hour features delectable appetizers with favorites such as mussels, calamari, spanakopita, honey and sesame cheese puffs and more for $7 each, house wines for $8 a glass and Greek beers for $4.

"We’ve always been about bringing people together over good food," said Chef Kotsos. "Every dish we create is meant to remind you of sitting by the sea in Greece, enjoying a meal with family and friends."

Whether it’s a weekend lunch or an evening out, Meraki Brooklyn offers a warm, inviting space where everyone is welcome. With lunch and dinner options, and a patio perfect for relaxing with friends, it’s the ideal spot to escape the hustle of the city and enjoy the simple pleasures of Greek dining. For those looking to celebrate special occasions, the restaurant also offers catering and private event services.

Meraki Brooklyn is open from 4pm to 10pm Monday through Thursday and on Friday from 4pm to 11pm and from 11am to 11pm on Saturday and Sunday. Meraki is located at 252 Grand St., Brooklyn, NY 11211. For more information, catering inquiries or reservation visit ww.merakibrooklyn.com or contact brooklyn@merakibistro.com 

---

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

A Taste of Romance: New York City's Valentine's Day Dining Guide

Valentine's Day in New York City is a time for love, celebration, and culinary delights. From the cozy corners of East Village sushi bars to the vibrant, tropical vibes of Tulum-inspired restaurants, the city is brimming with romantic dining experiences. Whether you're seeking an intimate chef's table, a lively bar scene, or a serene garden setting, these handpicked venues offer the perfect backdrop for a memorable Valentine's Day. Here's a guide to some of the most romantic spots in NYC, each offering a unique blend of ambiance, cuisine, and Valentine's Day specials.

1. Sushi Lab

Sushi Lab presents a special 16-course omakase menu for Valentine's Day, priced at $125 per person. This intimate sushi experience combines traditional techniques with innovative flavors, set in a cozy and romantic East Village locale. Perfect for sushi enthusiasts, the menu features an array of meticulously crafted bites, promising an unforgettable dining experience. For reservations, click here.

2. Amali

Amali offers a sophisticated Valentine's Day experience with a Champagne Flight and a Prix Fixe menu at $125 per person. The menu includes a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as Tuna Carpaccio and Stracciatella, culminating in a selection of decadent desserts. The elegant setting and exquisite cuisine make Amali an ideal choice for a romantic evening.

3. Nerai

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Nerai with a 4-course prix fixe menu at $140 per person. The menu features Greek-inspired dishes like fresh crudo and squid ink pasta with Maine lobster, set in a beautifully decorated space with rose petals and candlelight. Nerai's ambiance and cuisine offer a perfect blend of romance and Mediterranean flair.

4. Fornino

Fornino's Valentine’s Day Pizza Love Kit, priced at $95, includes heart-shaped pizzas and a selection of Italian favorites. This charming Greenpoint spot offers a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, ideal for couples looking for a laid-back yet romantic Valentine's Day celebration.

5. Kissaki

Kissaki's Valentine's Day 16-course Omakase, priced at $185 per person, is a culinary journey of Japanese flavors. Available at both UWS and Bowery locations, the menu includes appetizers, specialty nigiri, a handroll, and dessert. The intimate setting and exquisite sushi make Kissaki a top choice for a memorable Valentine's Day dinner.

6. Rampoldi

Rampoldi's three-course prix fixe menu for $150 per person offers a taste of Monte Carlo in NYC. The menu features luxurious dishes like Foie Gras Terrine and Sea Scallops Carpaccio, set in an elegantly designed space that evokes the romance of the Mediterranean.

7. Saint Theo’s

Saint Theo’s in NYC offers a lively yet intimate dining experience with a full menu of Venetian cuisine. The vibrant 110-seat space, with its eclectic mix of vintage and modern design, provides a perfect backdrop for a romantic night out, complete with delicious pastas and cicchetti.

8. Chez Francis

Chez Francis brings a slice of Paris to Park Avenue South with its authentic French brasserie atmosphere. The Valentine's Day menu features French classics, pastries, and a wide selection of wines, perfect for those seeking a romantic Parisian evening in the heart of Manhattan.

9. Le Jardinier

Le Jardinier in Midtown Manhattan offers a serene and intimate dining experience. The Valentine's Day menu includes refined French dishes like Carolina Gold Rice Risotto and Maine Scallops, with lunch and dinner prix fixe options available, making it an ideal spot for a romantic culinary escape.

Le Jardinier hosts an intimate dessert demonstration by Chef Salvatore Martone on February 13. Priced at $225 per guest, the experience includes a demo, food, and a glass of champagne, perfect for those looking to start their Valentine's celebration early.

10. Fossetta

Fossetta, a candlelit restaurant in the Lower East Side, offers Italian cuisine with Mediterranean influences. The Valentine's Day four-course prix fixe menu, priced at $65 per person, includes options like ricotta cappelletti and chocolate budino, creating a cozy and intimate dining experience.

11. American Bar

American Bar in NYC provides a lively yet intimate dining experience with a menu that celebrates American culinary classics. The restaurant's design and community feel evoke the sensibility of old-world European clubs, making it a unique spot for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner.

12. Holiday Bar

Located at 10 Downing Street, Holiday Bar offers a menu inspired by coastal cuisines from around the world. The lively yet intimate dining room and spacious bar and lounge make it an ideal choice for a relaxed and romantic Valentine's Day celebration.

13. Milady’s

Milady’s in SoHo offers a laid-back Valentine's Day celebration with a welcoming vibe. Enjoy pink-hued Milady’s Martinis, oysters, and decadent desserts like Chocolate Peanut Butter Blondie in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a no-pressure Valentine's Day.

14. Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market provides a variety of dining options for a romantic date night. The Oval at La Devozione offers an interactive chef’s tasting table, while Corkbuzz allows couples to build customized cheese and charcuterie boards with wine pairings. Cull & Pistol's Half-Priced Oyster Happy Hour adds to the market's allure.

15. Casa Bond

Casa Bond offers a tropical, Tulum-inspired atmosphere with a five-course menu at $150 per person. The menu features creative cocktails and refined Mexican fare, including dishes like Filet Mignon wrapped in Mexican cheese crepes, making it a vibrant destination for Valentine's Day.

16. Hortus NYC

Hortus NYC offers a 4-course prix-fixe menu at $65 per person, available from February 14th to the 18th. The menu includes Asian-inspired dishes like King Crab Noodle and Truffle Donabe, set in an enchanting atmosphere with lush greenery and intimate mood lighting.

Each of these venues in New York City offers a unique and romantic way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Whether you're in the mood for an elegant dinner, a cozy pizza night, or a luxurious dessert experience, these spots are sure to make your Valentine's Day memorable.

17. Chalong

Chalong, a celebrated destination in the Theater District, is offering a Southern Thai-style feast this Valentine's Day, crafted by Executive Chef Nate Limwong. The exclusive menu, available from February 12th to 14th, features specialties like a Sea Salad with crab meat, scallops, and shrimp, and a standout King Fish Curry. Guests can also enjoy Tamarind Shrimp, complemented by a sweet purple sticky rice dessert with coconut ice cream and mango sauce. To complete the romantic experience, Chalong serves a special rose fizz cocktail.

---

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.