New York City is finally eating out again
– but al fresco, for now
BY TODD MAISEL
Restaurants across the fi ve
boroughs are opening
again thanks to a solid
reduction of COVID-19 cases
— but all dining options are, for
now, al fresco.
Medical experts have said that
being outdoors vastly reduces
the chances of the spread of COVID
19, as numerous studies have
indicated that the virus is less
likely spread in open air — and
can be destroyed by ultraviolet
light.
During Phase 2 of New York
City’s reopening, restaurants are
being allowed to set up seating
on sidewalks and into city streets.
Most New Yorkers welcomed the
change, especially Mayor Bill de
Blasio and his wife Chirlane Mc-
Cray, who feasted on soul food at
Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem on
Monday night.
The mayor and his wife were
greeted by owner Melba Wilson
at her West 114th Street restaurant,
the fi rst time in the establishments
history that they had
outdoor dining. The fi rst couple
Mayor Bill de Blasio and wife Chirlane McCray celebrate the
Phase 2 opening at Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem, but are not
free of at least one protestor.
sat in a booth specially set in the
street in a former parking space.
“This is a big step forward. It’s
like liberation to be able to eat
out again. It’s nice to be out with
people and restaurants are such a
part of heart and soul of this city,”
de Blasio said.
The mayor had chicken and
waffl es, while his wife had salmon
with collard greens and macaroni
and cheese. They also had numerous
interruptions, not to mention
a contingent of media who came
to document the moment.
At points, Wilson joined the
power couple, talking with them
about city issues and just passing
the time. A number of other New
Yorkers would stop momentarily,
one man on his bicycle who chatted
briefl y with the mayor as his
wife ate her food. Several motorists
driving by also stopped to
take cell phone pictures.
His meal was not a quiet affair
either — as fi reworks were shot
off only two blocks away. Police
stationed nearby weren’t phased
by the ubiquitous spectacles
which have hit the city all this
month at all hours of the day,
becoming the bane of many
residents.
Smoke rose could be seen rising
from one fi reworks display,
at fi rst seeming to be a fi re, until
M-80 blasts shook the block.
And like fi nding an unexpected
pit in an olive, mayoral critic Joe
Mayor Bill de Blasio and wife Chirlane McCray celebrate the
Phase 2 opening at Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and wife Chirlane McCray celebrate the
Phase 2 opening at Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem, and talk
with owner Melba Wilson.
Craig showed with a green placard
with the word “RESIGN.” Craig
shouted to the mayor, blaming
him for hundreds of death from
COVID-19 and many other city
ills. But the mayor brushed it off
and continued eating, not allowing
anyone to disturb his night out
with his wife — surrounded by a
contingent of security, staff and
a dozen cops standing across the
street and down the block.
Restaurants around the city
were also opened for business
thanks to the start of Phase 2
reopening.
Marc Glosserman, owner of
Hill Country Barbecue on West
26th Street, a popular Flatiron
eatery, spread tables out into
the street, their existing permits
PHOTOS BY TODD MAISEL
making it easier for them to move
into parking spaces formerly reserved
for commercial vehicles
and cars after hours.
The restaurant has been
operating as a take out and
delivery food services since the
beginning of the pandemic and
another restaurant he operates in
Washington, D.C. is a bit ahead,
already in their phase 2 outdoor
operations, working at about 50%
capacity.
“We’re still trying to fi gure out
our opening plans,” Glosserman
said, adding that he didn’t reopen
his second restaurant around the
corner, Hill Country Chicken,
that didn’t have an outdoor
permit.’
“It will be interesting to see
how many places open up we
are now outdoors open and we
are doing ok, but I think it’s
going to be one day at a time,”
said Glosserman, acknowledging
that outdoor dining becomes
impossible in December. “We
are easing our way back in – it’s
not an easy time to be in business.
We don’t know what twists and
turns there’s going to be. It could
be great if vaccine and then we
would be in a good place on this,
by end of year – who knows.
Tables are set up in the street at Hill Country Barbecue in
Flatiron.
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4 June 25, 2020 Schneps Media