Riverpark Debuts Summer Hideaway

Nothing like eating fried chicken alfresco

'Tis the season of sprawling city beer gardens, but not everyone wants to elbow their way through the masses for a table with a view. Tucked away on a quiet block in Kips Bay by the East River, Tom Colicchio's Riverpark just opened its terrace, a 72-seat outdoor urban oasis, adjacent to the restaurant.

Soak in the sun as you graze on casual modern American fare perfect for sharing. Executive chef Sisha Ortuzar has whipped up tasty fried oyster tacos with lime-pickled onions ($5), skillet fried chicken ($17), and gooey cheese empanadas ($9). Don't forget the lime-spiked fresh watermelon ($4).

An urban oasis with views

Add some friends, music, sleek communal tables, and a pitcher of Harpoon ($18), and that makes one fine summertime happy hour. You'll quickly forget the racing street traffic below.

Riverpark

450 E 29th St

Between First Ave + East River

212 729 9790

Growlers and Good Times at Good Beer

The East Village block of E 9th St between A and First Aves. is hopping (no pun intended) these days with new foodie finds. Sandwiched between Whitmans, a favorite new burger joint, and Olivia Bistro, a pretty new Med eatery, sits two-week old craft beer shop aptly named Good Beer.

Affable owner David Cichowicz quit his job in publishing and opened the inviting retail shop-cum-gourmet hangout because he "loves beer." And it shows. Cichowicz aims to carry a selection of 900 ever-changing bottled beers. For now the store is brimming with 450 types including rare finds such as Tampa's Cigar City and McNeill's from Vermont. A dozen brews on tap ($6) rotate and currently include Hercules Double IPA, Hop Crisis IPA, and Dogfish Head Chicory Stout. Or taste a flight of 4 for $8.



Growlers and draught brews

Just as exciting is Good Beer's use of growlers. Thanks to Whole Foods and a few pioneering beer shops in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, 64-oz. growlers are slowly catching on in New York. Good Beer sells the eco-friendly glass jugs for $6.99. Or bring in your own to refill at no extra charge.

Cichowicz knows that beer tastes better with nibbles, so he's compiled a greatest hits menu of sweet and savory. All are organic, heritage and/or local. On the savory side, kielbasa - both spicy and cheddar filled, organic hot dogs, vegan sausage, various meat and cheese plates. There's even beef jerky to graze on. The sweet stuff at Good Beer comes with a twist - bacon buttercrunch toffee, hot rod pretzels dipped in chocolate and chili nuts, and beer corn - caramel popcorn studded with candied mustard seeds and pretzel bits. Nibbles and plates range from $3-$15. Good stuff.

Beer heaven

422 E 9th St, between Ave A and First Ave. Hours Mon-Sat, 11am-10pm; Sun, noon-7pm