Three of New York’s newest restaurants are rolling out lunch hours. Midtown newcomer the Dynamo Room, a modern steakhouse from Sunday Hospitality and chef partner Jaime Young, along with chef Derek Boccagno, is now open for weekday lunch, Tuesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. In a retro move, it’s showcasing lunchtime martinis in mini and full pours ($12, $22) — with Gibsons, Vespers, dirty martinis, and cosmos among the options. The food menu also lists raw bar platters ($28 to $148), entree salads, and a $30.95 express lunch with choices like salmon with chimichurri or hanger steak frites (add $10). In Fidi, Maison Passerelle, inside the new French Printemps store and led by Top Chef alum Gregory Gourdet, debuted weekday lunch service this week, too. The three-course prix fixe comes in at $65, though the restaurant also serves a la carte with dishes like green papaya salad with grilled prawns ($24), duck confit curry with coconut rice ($42), and a wagyu burger with caramelized onions and fermented chile ($32). Then, on Wednesday, September 10, La Tête d’Or will join the mix in Flatiron, adding lunch to its lineup with dishes like steak tartare ($26), green gazpacho ($18), the LTD burger ($34), and the trolley cut of the week (market price) with a Caesar, sides, and cookies for dessert. There’s also a two-course prix fixe for $75 or a three-course for $95. Tête’s lunch will run from Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A cocktail bar opens soon with Caribbean snacks
The Argyle, a new 50-seat Chelsea cocktail lounge from the team behind Markette (formerly Haymarket), opens on Friday, September 5, at 326 Seventh Avenue, at West 28th Street. Chef India Doris (previously executive sous chef at the two-Michelin-starred Saga) and Alex Pfaffenbach (an alum of Eleven Madison Park and Quality Branded) are also downstairs with a throwback cocktail list from bar director Chris Figueroa (Saga, Crown Shy, Overstory) and a Caribbean-influenced menu with items like a jerk short rib sandwich and peri peri chicken fingers.
It’s block party season
Two block parties kick off this month. There’s the fifth annual one by L’Industrie Pizza and Fortunato Brothers bakery at 254 South Second Street, Brooklyn, on Saturday, September 6 from noon to 6 p.m., with food from Titi’s Empanadas, Fish Cheeks, Sauced, and Cerveceria. Then, on Saturday, September 13, there’s Spanish restaurant Ernesto’s block party from 3 to 10 p.m. at 259 East Broadway with music by Jordan Stein and paella from Arroces.