EASTERN EAT

New York’s lone Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen is demanding respect for oft-overlooked but elegantly complex Chinese cuisine. Yingtao, which translates to “cherry” in English, pays homage to founder Bolun Yao’s late grandmother’s home cooking but with Western fine dining presentations – yes, there are truffles and madeleines – courtesy of chef Jakub Baster’s classical French training. The eight-course tasting menu riffs on Chinese classics like Szechuan kou shui ji flavored with Spanish royal red prawns, doubanjiang spicy black bean sauce with Wagyu, and glistening abalone served atop a sticky rice congee-meets-risotto. “Stepping into the world of Chinese cuisine has pushed me to rethink technique, balance, and tradition in ways I never expected,” Baster said. “Every dish is a conversation [with Bolun] between our backgrounds, and that dialogue has made me a better chef.” 805 9th Avenue, yingtaonyc.com

BRUNCHING IN BROOKLYN

Executive Chef Emily Yuen received a James Beard nomination this year for her delectable Japanese-American dishes at Lingo and her weekend brunch is the best in Brooklyn. Whether you’re craving a classic Japanese breakfast set with cedar wrapped Arctic char or grilled kalbi short ribs, or wild mushroom, ricotta, and chestnut sourdough toast, every item on the menu is a winner. Hokkaido-style braised beef curry pie arrives at the table with rosemary smoke trailing behind, and fluffy apple tart tatin pancakes are served with a generous scoop of miso caramel ice cream instead of butter. 27 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, lingobk.com

CHINESE COFFEE CRAZE

One of China’s most innovative and fastest-growing coffee brands, Pull-Tab Coffee, just opened its first U.S. location near Bryant Park. Pull-Tab’s claim to fame is its Aerofoam coffee, made with a creamy, airy layer of espresso cascading over milk or tea. Unlike traditional espresso, Pull-Tab’s specialized freeze drying method transforms high-quality coffee beans from Yunnan (China), Brazil, and Ethiopia into a fine espresso powder – not to be confused with standard ground coffee. When mixed with water, it creates a velvety, foamy texture, offering a rich, complex coffee experience. Aerofoam drinks come in many flavors including osmanthus oolong, matcha, banana, and mocha, adding a new layer of creativity to specialty espresso drinks that pair perfectly with crispy brown sugar butter toast. 1029A Avenue of Americas, pulltabcoffeeusa.com

SUNSET SAIL

In celebration of longer days and warmer weather, Circle Line is relaunching its seasonal Statue at Sunset cruise with breathtak ing views of New York City’s skyline during the most beautiful time of day, golden hour. The 90-minute cruise goes under the Brooklyn Bridge and around the New York Harbor with unparalleled views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and One World Trade Center. Cruises depart daily at 6:30 p.m. and guests can purchase drinks from dock-side restaurant Cobble Fish before boarding. Pier 16 South Street Seaport, circleline.com

MANSION MAKEOVER

The Frick Collection, the Gilded Age house museum in the Upper East Side, reopened in April after five years. Located along Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile, the landmark mansion closed in 2020 to undergo a massive, $220 million renovation, adding ten new galleries, never-before-seen works, restored furnishings, and more. For the first time since the museum debuted in the 1930s, visitors can climb the previously roped-off grand staircase to tour the Frick family’s private rooms, which have been restored with antique furniture, marble, and loom-spun wall coverings. The first exhibition in the refreshed space, “Highlights of Drawings,” runs through August 11. 1 East 70th Street, frick.org