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With a gloriously warm Memorial Day weekend upon us, it's finally feeling like summer in NYC. Need extra proof that sunny days are ahead? One of New York's best waterfront bars has made its seasonal return: welcome back, Grand Banks.
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Inspired by the floating "oyster barges" that lined Manhattan's waterfront in the 18th and 19th centuries, Grand Banks has been a warm weather favorite this last decade for its sustainably harvested oysters, nautically inspired cocktails and awe-inspiring views.
Located aboard the Sherman Zwicker, a large wooden schooner docked at the southwest edge of Hudson River Park's Pier 25 in Tribeca, the oyster bar officially unfurled its signature yellow-and-white awnings last month, but now that New York has solidly entered 70-plus temperatures, it's the perfect time to "set sail" on the popular Manhattan-side vessel.
As usual, the seafood-focused menu from chef Kerry Heffernan includes raw, local oysters (Moriches Bay, Orient Point), caviar (served with brioche toast or hash browns) and entrées like seared dayboat-scallops and an herby Maine lobster roll. Among the new food options this summer is a lobster salad with kale, fennel, tomatillos and pickled red onion, tossed in a red wine vinaigrette.
For drinks, try summery cocktails like the "Permanent Vacation" (Caribbean rum, blue Curaçao, coconut, pineapple, orange and nutmeg), the "I Am the Captain Now" (single-barrel rye whiskey, Aperol, pineapple and lemon) or a spritzy "Skipper Key" (rosé, lemon, strawberry and seltzer).
If you'd prefer to simply sit, sip and watch the sunset, two brass-tapped bars flank the bow and mizzen-mast, offering prime seating even without reservations.
Happy summer!