
In the constantly shifting landscape of New York's dining scene, nostalgia took a hit as the Upper East Side's 35-year-old Italian stalwart, Nino’s Ristorante, readies for its farewell. According to Eater, the beloved eatery, known for its baked clams and celebrity patrons, has been slated for demolition to make way for a 23-story high-rise, courtesy of the Manocherian Brothers. Despite the end of an era at its First Avenue location, Nino's owner Nino Selimaj is on the lookout for a new spot to continue serving the restaurant's famed Italian American classics.
Meanwhile, over in Midtown, culinary evolution thrives as a Mexican steakhouse, Cuerno, preps for its grand opening. Alberto Martínez and Victor Setién, the industrious duo behind the prolific Costeño Group, are bringing their first U.S. establishment to the Time & Life building. Eater reports that diners can expect an array of ceviches, tacos served right at the table, and a diverse selection of tequila and mezcals, alongside grilled steaks. Oriol Mendivil, the chef steering Costeño Group's gastronomic direction, is expected to helm the kitchen at this upcoming culinary hotspot.
The close of Nino’s Ristorante rings especially poignant in the context of the restaurant's long history. Long before its days as an Italian fine dining establishment, the Hylan Boulevard site played host to the Cardinal Luncheonette, a casual eatery documented as early as 1964, per SILive. The current incarnation of Nino's Restaurant, transplanted from Staten Island, where it opened in 1994, continues to foster the legacy of communal dining and familial service. With a spacious banquet hall, a seasonal garden patio, and enough room to host a crowd, Nino's maintains a steadfast commitment to its patrons through the winds of change.
Yet, innovation doesn't pause for nostalgia in the Big Apple. Over in Brooklyn's Park Slope, a contemporary wave in the form of Mockingbird, a bar dedicated to nonalcoholic drinks, has recently emerged. According to Eater, the establishment focuses on minority- and women-owned producers and offers an assortment of nonalcoholic cocktails, beers, and wines. Coupled with a selection of small plates, and a modern, mid-century space that accommodates 30 guests, Mockingbird is set to provide a unique social experience for the sober-curious and those favoring a non-boozy night out.