Bia Garden
Bia Garden: The latest addition to Michael "Bao" Huynh's empire is this Vietnamese beer garden, tucked away out of sight behind a nondescript take-out joint on the Lower East Side. After passing through what looks like a walk-in refrigerator, you'll find yourself in a 50-seat garden oasis, complimented by 10 seats of indoor dining. Huynh, the man behind BarBao, Pho Sure, and Baoguette, has put together a beverage list consisting of only Asian beers by the can or bottle, served in coolers and left for each table. A circulating pushcart dispenses $5 bites, and the Vietnamese street-food menu is divided into Small Dishes, Medium Dishes, Big Dishes and Side Dishes. These include Duck Nem Sausage with pine nut and anchovy sauce; BBQ Rib on Lamb Belly; and Crispy Whole Sole, which is prepared with king mushroom, lily bulb, and ginger sauces, and served wrapped in newspaper. (Though Bia Garden was expected to open this week, we're now told that next week is more likely.) 154 Orchard Street, (212) 780-0010
Bar 30
Crudo: This new "Euro-Caribbean" restaurant boasts a 75-seat backyard garden with a gurgling fountain and live Latin jazz and flamenco dancing two nights a week. Chef Rene Henandez of the Upper East Side's Don Pedro's has worked at Spain’s legendary El Bulli, so expect great things from dishes like Crepineta de Langostino (Prawn Crepinette over Catalan Spinach with a Three-Pepper Saffron Infusion and Rose Water Foam) and Churrasco a la Parrilla (Grilled Skirt Steak and Yuca Frites with Green Chimichurri Sauce). There is also a Latin-influenced raw bar with delicacies such as tuna tartare and Chilean sea bass ceviche. Cocktails are crafted by Junior Merino from Macondo on Houston, and Thrillist has the full menu. 235 West 35th Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues; (212) 695-9001





Is it just me, or does that image from Bia Garden look like a raw roughy on a plate in a pool of blood? Erm, I know it's (probably) not the case, but it sure does look it.
You're right! Doesn't look very appetizing.
Bar 30, on the other hand, looks like the spot.