January didn’t arrive with spectacle this year.
This was a slower month in New York, but not an empty one. Less on-the-scene, more family forward. More internal re calibration and finally a chance to get organized. I had plenty of catching up to do so this listen instead of perform. Between the biting cold (the kind that makes even the most social New Yorker reconsider plans) and the collective exhale after the holidays, the city softened—so I did too.
Rather than chasing moments, I let them come to me. Which is why this month’s Now in NYC feels less like a highlight reel and more like a curated table: meals worth lingering over, family birthdays and gatherings, and conversations that didn’t need documenting. Instead of a whirlwind of openings and events, I’m folding Meals of the Month into one considered chapter
Meals of the Month
Stone and Soil — A New Opening, Quietly Confident
Tucked inside Park South Hotel, Stone and Soil is an intimate cocktail bar approaching hospitality through a distinctly Japanese-influenced lens—one defined by restraint, balance, and respect for ingredients. The focus here is minimalism and sustainability, with cocktails that feel seasoned and intentional rather than performative.
There’s no need for theatrics. The space feels calm and grounded, favoring texture, natural materials, and a sense of quiet intentionality. Still in soft-launch mode—yes, you heard it here first—this is the kind of opening that adds an exciting elevated by laid back option to the neighborhood.
Manny’s Sweet Treats
Nothing says start the new year like a bit of clean eating. Mannys Sweet Treats in Mineola Long Island is unapologetically indulgent and just the right about of over the top. I did not even know where to begin with a menu that looks this good but alas we went for “brunch” and stuck with the Oreo Pancakes and the Wolverine Pancakes. Jaw Drop. Wow. While you may need an insulin shot afterwards, these pancakes are EXCEPTIONAL. Not just because they are loaded with sauces and candies but even the pancakes themselves are just the perfect texture, flavor and fluffiness. I really can’t wait to go back.
Nothing says starting the new year quite like a brief flirtation with clean eating—followed by unapologetic indulgence. Manny’s Sweet Treats in Mineola, Long Island is unapologetically indulgent and leans fully into the over-the-top. The menu is the kind that stops you in your tracks, with tempting and creative dessert options, but we landed on “brunch” and shared the Oreo Pancakes and the Wolverine Pancakes—jaw-dropping, genuinely wow-worthy. Yes, they’re generously layered with sauces and candy, but what makes them exceptional is the foundation: pancakes that are impossibly fluffy, perfectly textured, and rich without being heavy. Indulgent, joyful, and absolutely worth the return visit.
The Halston by Anthony Scotto
Anthony Scotto’s Halston, which replaced my beloved Bijou in Melville Long Island, unfortunately missed the mark—at least on this visit. We arrived early for our reservation but were seated late, setting the tone for what became uneven service throughout the evening.
I’d skip the mediocre cocktails and lean into their impressive wine list instead. While much of the food was good, little felt memorable—an underwhelming outcome given the pricing and the pedigree of the restaurant group. A mussels special arrived with several shells still closed, and the response from our server—that we should have mentioned it sooner—did little to improve the experience.
That said, context matters. The restaurant is massive, and the ambition of executing perfect food and service at that scale is no small feat. The ambiance is undeniably lively, the people-watching excellent, and the DJ brought real energy to the room. It’s not a hard no—I’d return—but it’s also not a favorite.
What we ordered:
Spinach Artichoke Dip, Lollipop Chicken, Mussels Special, Quinoa Salad, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Ribeye Special, Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Mac & Cheese, Short Rib Gigli
Kyma — A Dinner Party Moment
A second DJ-led birthday dinner this month—no surprises there. Kyma evenings are always lively and, at times, chaotic. This one, however, was better than most. Whether we got lucky or the energy was just right, the crowd skewed less juvenile, the DJ was excellent, and the night felt celebratory rather than overwhelming.
Sometimes Kyma delivers exactly what it promises—and this was one of those nights.
What we ate:
Greek Salad, Pikilia (Hummus, Tirokafteri, Tzatziki), Kolokithokeftedes, Saganaki, Calamari, Sirloin Steak, Lavraki, Baklava
The January Mood
This month wasn’t about being everywhere. It was about being intentional.
And honestly? In temperatures like these, who could blame us for staying in, slowing down, and letting New York meet us where we are.
With New York Fashion Week and my birthday alone, February will bring movement again. But January reminded me that stillness has its own kind of style.
—
