Openings Roundup
Kellari’s Parea: This Greek bistro, housed in the space that was formerly Michael Symon’s Parea, was created by the same team that runs Kellari Taverna in midtown. This "green" restaurant features an organic menu that includes pizzas fresh from the wood-burning oven, lamb that has been marinated overnight, and eggplant with feta ice cream. 36 E 20th St between Broadway and Park Ave South (212-777-8448)
Maxie’s Grill: This casusal offshoot of Angelo & Maxie’s steakhouse is majorly burger-centric. Not only do they offer varieties ranging from high-end (kobe beef with truffle butter) to veggie-friendly (Meditteranean style vegetable with goat cheese sauce), but you can indulge in the Super Burger Tier, a platter of 30 assorted sliders served with the works, for $55. 233 Park Avenue South at 19th Street, 212-979-7800.
ilili: Philippe Massoud comes from D.C. bearing Lebanese delights including steak tartar with burghul (bulgur wheat), red onion and mint; duck shawarma with pomegranate molasses, fig and green onion; and pasta dumplings stuffed with spiced lamb. Although his wine list spans the globe, it features favorites from Lebanon and the Mediterranean. 236 Fifth Avenue between 27th and 28th Streets, 212-683-2929.
Dessert Studio at Chocolat Michel Cluizel: Will Goldfarb's latest is a chocoholic's dream come true, with white chocolate gelato drizzled with Ligurian olive oil and smoked salt; Indonesian vanilla ice cream with chocolate bits and caviar; warm chocolate bubbles with espresso jello and fresh milk foam; and chocolate-hazelnut cake with apricots and brown sugar ice. If that's not enough, there's a chocolate-inspired cocktail list to pair with each dessert. ABC Carpet & Home, 888 Broadway (19th Street), (212) 477-7335.


