iDen's Beijing Duck House Reopens in Midtown
A revamped high-end Chinese duck restaurant has reopened in a former French fine dining space, leading a wave of new NYC openings including a Chinatown
iDen's Beijing Duck House reopened on Tuesday, September 1, in Midtown. The restaurant now occupies the former space of the celebrated French establishment La Grenouille at 3 East 52nd Street.
Chef Matt Chen, who previously ran the kitchen at Taipei's three-Michelin-starred Le Palais, has retooled the menu. It now features a $200 tasting menu alongside a la carte options. Signature dishes include a duck-egg yolk roll, a surf clam and okra salad, venison with Sichuan-pickled vegetables, and the signature Beijing duck, which starts at $128.
New Openings Across the City
Several other restaurants and bars debuted in late August. In Chelsea, the clubstaurant STK Steakhouse opened a second location in mid-August. The spacious venue can fit 200 diners and will launch a seasonal pumpkin menu on September 9.
A secret cafe called Behind The Booth opened on August 26 in Chinatown. Located behind the Retrography photo booth on Essex Street, it offers an unexpected wine list and unique ice cream flavors.
Texas Barbecue Arrives in Brooklyn
Acclaimed pitmasters Jonny White and Chuck Charnichart opened Kirbee's in Greenpoint on August 30. The restaurant operates like a true Texas barbecue joint, with customers lining up outside to order. The menu features two distinct barbecue styles.
Both plates include pickles and bread. The 24-seat dining room provides space for customers after they collect their orders from the service window.
More Neighborhood Debuts
In Greenwich Village, the martini destination Chateau Royale was flipped into the more casual Floradora on August 27. Owners Cody Pruitt and Jacob Cohen told Eater NY they wanted to make the spot more accessible in price, cuisine, and vibe. The menu now features mozzarella sticks, French dip sandwiches, and burgers.
The contemporary Thai restaurant Hommali debuted on September 2 in the West Village. Its menu is rooted in jasmine rice and includes a tom yum seafood cocktail and dry-aged duck breast. The bar serves inventive drinks like The Tomato, a blend of michelada and spritz made with a Singaporean rice wine.
After closing in late 2024, the fiercely spicy Thai restaurant Ugly Baby reopened on August 27 in a new Williamsburg location. Chef Sirichai Sreparplarn returns with a menu of southern Thai dishes and a space with double the capacity of the original Carroll Gardens spot. The new site is at 364 Grand Street, in the former home of Emmy Square Pizza.
