Michael Toscano's Weekend Plans
Michael Toscano's Weekend Plans
Plus a three-story food hall opens in Miami and an Indiana Jones-themed bar pops-up at Walt Disney World.
The following Michael Toscano interview is courtesy of our friends at FOUND NY, a new twice-weekly newsletter for people with good taste in and around New York City. Subscribe here.
Michael Toscano’s Weekend Plans
Michael Toscano is the chef/owner of da Toscano, Le Farfalle & Porchetta Shop in New York City.
FOUND: What neighborhood do you live in?
MT: Greenwich Village, NYC, & Charleston, SC
FOUND: It’s Friday afternoon, how are you rolling into the weekend?
MT: My Friday routine is a little different than most. I’m usually on the 6am flight from CHS to LGA. After a full Thursday in Charleston planning the new Porchetta Shop and working at Le Farfalle, I’ve accepted that a recharge nap when I land is a must to be my best. By 11 a.m., I’m rested and ready to start my work day in NY.
By lunchtime, I’ve made the neighborhood rounds and caught up with my team at da Toscano (chef William Tuggle, sous chef Chris, and Josefa, our pasta maker). Then I get to work with chef Jack as our new lunch service, Porchetta Shop, gets started. In the evening, I’m back at da Toscano for dinner service. Around 9pm, I’ll taste a few dishes at the bar, if there’s room, or I grab a bite in the neighborhood at Minetta Tavern or Song e’Napule.
FOUND: Any restaurant plans this weekend?
MT: Definitely going to my favorite restaurant, Cafe Spaghetti. [Chef] Sal [Lamboglia] is killing it!
FOUND: How about a little leisure or culture?
MT: Just went to Kimberly Akimbo with my wife and kids. Great show! I love going to Mets games; just went to an amazing Sunday double-header with my son.
FOUND: What was your last great vacation?
MT: My wife and I took an epic trip to Paris, Florence, and Ibiza. Yes, one trip! Recommendations — Paris: Frenchie bar a vins; Florence: Antica Porchetteria Granieri, Trattoria da Burde, Cammillo.
A Glitzy Three-Story Food Hall Opens in Miami
A new Miami food hall promises to be as extravagant and dramatic as the city it resides in. Julia & Henry’s (named after Julia Tuttle and Henry Flagler, two individuals who helped found Miami), is a multi-level complex that offers more than 26 different food concepts, multiple bars (including the fantastic locally run Boxelder tap room), and a basement listening room/lounge named Jolene featuring cocktails by Bar Lab.
Standout places to check out include Tacotomia by chef Karla Hoyos, Michelle Bernstein’s Michy’s Chicken Shack, and a casual version of the South American restaurant, Mishiguene, called Mensch. Soon to come: Torno Subito by Massimo Bottura, slated to open on the rooftop.
An Indiana Jones-Themed Bar Pops-Up in Disneyworld
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny arrives in theaters on June 30 and if Indiana Jones completely changed your life as it did mine, you’re going to want to head to Orlando immediately.
Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios just opened an Indiana Jones-themed pop-up bar today: Indiana Jones Den of Destiny.
Sip on the Weathered Fedora, a surprisingly (for Disney) boozy cocktail made with Old Forester bourbon, sweet vermouth, vanilla, cinnamon, star anise, ginger bitters, and nutmeg, served with an ice sphere; or the Adventuress margarita made with blanco tequila, passionfruit papaya green tea, lime, and agave. The bar will also feature memorabilia from the Indiana Jones movies.
If you’re as thrilled as I am, hit me up, and let’s plan a summer road trip. The bar is open through August 15.