Apiary
60 Third Ave.; 212-254-0888
The French design house of Ligne Roset is best known for its luxurious modern furniture. But after the opening of Apiary, that may all change. With it, Ligne Roset has entered the world of restaurant design, furnishing this sleek neighborhood restaurant with ebony wood, wine-hued banquettes and chrome lights. The robust American menu comes courtesy of chef Neil Manacle (who worked with Bobby Flay for more than two decades). Nick Mautone’s beverage list includes seasonal sangrias and champagne-based cocktails.
Must-have meal: Chilled golden tomato soup ($8); Moroccan-spiced chicken with green olives, lemon and couscous with apricot and mint ($21); and the chocolate cashew tart with cashew ice cream ($9).
Soundtrack: A Tribe Called Quest, the Velvet Underground and Otis Redding
Hours: Mon.-Wed., 5:30-11 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 5:30 p.m.-midnight; brunch starts Sept. 6.
La Superior
295 Berry St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-388-5988.
Cherry-red walls, tiled floors and a smooth wooden bar give this newly opened restaurant a festive Mexico City vibe. And appropriately so – owner Felipe Mendez is a native of the populous Mexican capital, and he’s created a menu of comida corrida y callejera, or Mexican diner and street food. Contributing to his vision is chef Nacxitl Gaxiola, also from Mexico City, and partner Iris Avelar, who have created a sweet, no-pretense spot for gathering friends over cheap Mexican eats. While it’s BYOB for now, his fresh fruit-juice bar will make you wonder if you really need tequila at all. Well, almost.
Must-have meal: Gorditas stuffed with chorizo and potato ($4); any of the tacos ($2.50 each); homestyle pollo encacahuatado (chicken with mole peanut sauce) with a side of ezquites – cups of corn kernels with Mexican mayo, cheese and lime ($4); and for dessert, have another taco.
Soundtrack: Classic Mexican music from the ’30s through the ’60s
Hours: Sun.-Thurs., noon-midnight; Fri. and Sat., noon-2 a.m.
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