Dear Summer...

Dear Summer,

Damn, it’s already July. Time is flying by. My doctor laughed while confessing, “looks like you haven’t seen much sun.” She’s right–although a good deal of Popina is outside–I’ve been stuck in the kitchen. No, not cooking; but just helping while we hire some new cooks. I haven’t even been to the beach: that's not right! It’s been a bit of a blur with work; but don’t give up: we still have time. I’d love to take you out. Do you have time for me? I know you're busy–gallivanting in Europe, time “out east”, or hiding in work: we all do it. If you find some time–I promise it will be anything except boring. 

Should we...

Check out Le Chêne in the West Village–I hear the wine list is quite surprising. 

I never got to check out Adda in LIC, so we should go to its new location in East Village. 

Have you ever been at a restaurant from opening till close? I had that experience a few months ago at Bar Kabawa—it was so much fun that time just slipped away. 

I’ve been craving a taco tour: lets hit up Santo Taco and Carnitas Ramirez.

Ha’s Snack Bar has been on the list for awhile. 

Would love to get back to Bridges

Been to Lei three times, but still haven’t had a chance to try the food and it looks so good. 

Let’s go uptown to Chez Fifi. While we’re up there—we should hit up Bemelman’s Bar. 

Can’t believe I haven’t been to Clemente Bar—should we check it out?

Rooftop bars could be whack, but perhaps a negroni at Leonessa?

Embarrassed i’ve never been to Txikito; so perhaps a day out on the water with Big Apple Charters then some dinner?

Bar Orai could be fun after some Korean BBQ. I hear Don Don is pretty good. 

Tasting menus are not usually my favorite; but really want to check out César.

Or we could stick to the classics?

Perhaps some mini-golf at Pier 25 followed by some wine at Terroir. 

Martini & fries at the bar at Frenchette

Overstory for some cocktails, wine, and some more cocktails. 

Sharing Dead Rabbit on a Sunday is special, but I’ll take a chance. 

Seafood feast at Penny. 

Sunset & cocktails at Manhatta 

Best backyard in Brooklyn—Lucali, duh! 

Get Spicy at Kru

Hit the Frankies, F&F, and Franks trifecta

Golden Diner pancakes in the morning. 

4 Charles followed by some jazz. 

Oysters + Burgers at Red Hook Tavern 

Beer with a view at Strong Rope 

Hit up the Rockaway Hotel and maybe even stay the night. 

Late night bottle and bone marrow at Blue Ribbon

Lunch at Thai Diner 

Chinatown lunch bop with a stop at Maxi’s–my latest obsession. 

Haven’t been to Estela or Dame in forever–lets go back?

Nothing like a fancy lunch – Le Bernardin or Marea?

Wine at Parcelle then dinner at Cervo's?

Ok, but you pick?