Oracle Spring 2020

By: Yevgen Naydonov, Grade 12 Everyone has been in lockdown for the past few months and, obviously, we are missing our regular routine life. We miss hanging out with our friends, visiting dif- ferent social hot spots and, of course, din- ing out in our favorite restaurants. Restaurants, cafes and bistros are very diverse in a city like New York. It is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, which means there are a wide vari- ety of different cuisines available to taste on a daily basis. Many have been function- ing on a limited basis throughout the lock- down, providing pickup and delivery ser- vices to stay afloat. However, there is nothing like the feeling of sitting down inside a trendy restaurant filled with peo- ple and excitement, so here is a look at five of my favorite spots in New York City that I plan to visit as soon as the lockdown is over! Of course, dining options are limitless in the city that never sleeps, but my per- sonal favorite cuisines are French, Japa- nese, Asian, Italian and American. Let’s begin with French cuisine, which is my absolute favorite. I would definitely rec- ommend a post-lockdown visit to the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant. First of all, the significance of this place is that it is located in the heart of New York City at Grand Central Terminal. Second, at this restaurant, you can always treat your- self with fresh oysters and different kinds of seafood. As we know, oysters originate in France, but this restaurant is not inferior to some of the finest restaurants in Paris. Some people may think that Japanese and Asian cuisines are similar, but it is not true. Each has a very long and rich history, and each requires a different kind of prepa- ration. If you’ve been craving some top- quality Japanese food these past few months, I highly recommend a visit to Zuma, where you can order a prix-fixe chef menu that always works out because of the large amount of choices available if you are not familiar with the list. The prix- fixe menu is still a perfect opportunity to taste some of the chef’s specials, like unique kinds of sashimi you can’t find anywhere else. If Asian cuisine is your craving, head over to Tao. It is also a great choice to have a fabulous dinner in Manhattan and enjoy a variety of tasty Asian cuisine. Of course, don’t forget to order Tao’s famous desserts with soaring smoke! Both of these restaurants are famous worldwide, with locations throughout the world. Of course, no list would be complete with a recommendation for great Italian food! Italian cuisine is also very diverse and one of the most popular choices in the world. Spaghetti, ravioli, pizza, cannelloni, lasagna, tortellini or cannoli — they are all amazing! Italian desserts are some of the tastiest I have ever tried. I would definitely recommend visiting a trendy and always- busy place in New York City called Cipri- ani Dolci. This is a remarkable and historic spot and if you are a fan of Italian food you should definitely check it out! Lastly, I cannot forget to mention one of the oldest steakhouses in Manhattan, the historic Delmonico’s Restaurant. This New York classic opened in 1837, serving prime beef in an old-time environment. I enjoyed the best steak of my life at this restaurant, and I can’t wait to book a reser- vation as soon as it reopens! Delmonico’s Steakhouse offers prime beef in an old-time environment. Image: NY.Eater.com Here’s a look inside Tao’s famed dining room! Image: TaoGroup.com Visit Zuma for the finest Japanese cuisine! Image: ZumaRestaurant.com Try the oysters at the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant! Image: OpenTable.com Cipriani Dolci offers a variety of delicious Italian dishes. Image: ILoveNY.com P A G E 1 8 , T H E A D E L P H I O R A C L E , S P R I N G 2 0 2 0 A Post-Lockdown Guide to Dining Out!