Midtown’s Korean – Mexican fusion restaurant Takorea is delving deeper into its Korean roots. In addition to its mainstay Korean tacos and burritos, Takorea now offers build your own ssam bowls and a Wednesday night fried chicken special. For the uninitiated, ssam is Korean for “wrapped.” Your choice of protein, rice and kimchi is served in a hot cast iron bowl alongside lettuce cups for wrapping. mytakorea.com

Grain’s new $4 “sammies”

Bellina Alimentari, Ponce City Market’s own Little Italy, welcomed Cole Younger Just, formerly of The Cockentrice, as its new beverage director this spring. Swing by Bellina to try one of his new cocktails, such as the Latte e Mielle, a concoction of milk-washed gin, raw honey, lemon and lavender. bellina-alimentari.com

Next time you need a bite and a cocktail in Midtown, head to Grain and check out its revamped menu. Monday through Friday you’ll find $4 “sammies” that are best washed down with the Fatal Attraction, a blend of Jaegermeister, ancho reyes, Aperol and mole bitters. grain-bar.com

STORY: Lia Picard
Photos: Tuan Huynh