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
: After their success with “Kitchen of the Year with The Barefoot Contessa,” Rockefeller Center and House Beautiful magazine have teamed up to serve some contrast in Midtown. The seasonal Bar 30, designed by Christopher Coleman, mixes “a relaxed Caribbean vibe with hot tropical colors and beautifully landscaped outdoor decks” with the hustle and bustle of Rockefeller Plaza. Located where the Christmas tree shivers during the holiday season, the installation, which looks like a giant gazebo just fell from the sky, is open starting today through Sept 4th. Until Saturday, Bar 30's serving Mini Lobster Rolls and Crab Cake Sliders off the menu from Rock Center Café, but come Sunday AJ Maxwell's Steakhouse will take over with options like grilled Shrimp Kebabs and the Bar 30 summer salad. It's open daily from from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Rockefeller Plaza; no phone. —Jaya Saxena
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
