the weekend buzz

“Al Fresco at Scarpetta, Brunch at Persephone, Nanoosh Picnic Delivery, Pay What We Pay at Country! ”

It’s hard to believe that the unofficial arrival of summer is here. While many of you will be embarking on journeys near and far, this Strong (weekend) Buzz is devoted to those who are remaining in the city, with plenty of outdoor eating ideas included. Wherever you find yourself this weekend, have a great one!

Friday: Dinner and Drinks Al Fresco at Scarpetta, 355 W. 14th St., 212-691-0555

While the city is quiet, check out Scott Conant’s new digs at Scarpetta, where he’s got a retractable roof in the main dining and a front patio with sidewalk seating for twenty.

You can start out with a few glasses of summery rosé or prosecco with a couple of assagini (small tasting portions) of seasonally-inspired Italian dishes like grilled bread and goat cheese salad with almonds and baby greens ($13), warm octopus salad with beans, mint & fingerling potatoes ($16), burrata with marinated eggplant ($15), scallop carpaccio with baby greens, citrus salad & chives ($13) and if you’re still hungry, dig into some of Scott’s house-made pasta—cavatelli with kale, crispy pancetta and ceci ($22), maccheroni with porcini ($24), and spaghetti with tomato & basil ($22).

The main dining room's roof retracts—photo by Daniel Krieger

Saturday: Brunch at Persephone, 115 East 60th Street, between Lex and Park, 212-339-8363

This airy and elegant new Greek spot on the Upper East Side from the owners of Periyali has just started serving traditional Greek brunch on weekends from 11am-3:30pm (both Saturday and Sundays). Their menu includes traditional Greek fare you’ll find on the dinner menu but with a selection of brunch dishes like Avga pose—poached eggs with spinach, feta and roasted tomato hollandaise ($12), Tiganita me yiaourti—fried flat bread, yogurt topped with preserved orange ($13), Greek Toast—cinnamon raisin toast, with yogurt and warm honey ($12), Omeleta me Solomo ($13)—smoked salmon omelet with tomato, scallion, dill, and rosemary roasted potatoes, Strapatsada ($12)—sunny side eggs with tomato sauce, rosemary potatoes, and Souvlaki Kotopoulo ($15), charcoal grilled chicken and fennel kebob, vegetable cous cous.

Sunday: Have your Picnic in the Park Delivered to You!

I’ve always been a fan of picnicking in Central Park. I tend to like the area around Turtle Pond. The only problem is I’m not a fan of all the schlepping of the makings of lunch. But Nanoosh Organic Mediterranean Hummus Bar (2012 Broadway at 69th street, 212-362-7922) is taking the schlepping out of your summer picnic experience, delivering a full menu of eats from 11am – 11pm daily to Central Park at either West 75th or West 65th Street entrance. The entire menu is available for delivery—hummus platters, wraps, kebabs, salads, and more. For groups of 4, Nanoosh offers a special Dip Picnic Tray that includes hummus, tahini, lebane, carrots, celery, broccoli, and pita for $23.95. Bring your own bottle of wine and you’re all set.

Monday: Pay What We Pay at Country, 90 Madison Avenue in the Carlton Hotel, 212-212-889-7100.

By the time Monday rolls around, you’ll probably be back in the city and perhaps in the mood for a civilized dinner. If you’re happen to be a wine lover with expensive taste, check out the promotion at the Café at Country where Wine and Beverage Director William Rhodes has instituted a “Pay What We Pay” promotion. He’s handpicked a bunch of selections from the Country wine list that will be offered—for one night only—at wholesale prices. This means lots of really good wine between $10 and $20 a bottle. For example, Flowers Andreen-Gale Pinot Noir ($41), Jordan Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2005 ($20.67), Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle ($85).

And that’s your Strong (weekend) Buzz! Don’t forget to check in with The Strong Buzz every day for more news, reviews and events!

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