What’s New

Gift Bag Program Launch - Promote Your Business

The Flatiron Partnership is planning for upcoming community events, and we are excited to announce our new gift bag program.  

This year we plan to utilize gift bags at neighborhood events as an opportunity to showcase local businesses and promote them to our event attendees, which are generally the target audience for Flatiron businesses: neighborhood residents, office workers, shoppers, visitors, property owners, business owners, and various stakeholders. The gift bags are meant to serve as a chance to build awareness of your brand and store location and connect you with a core demographic group.

Event Opportunities:

• Annual Meeting: Tuesday, June 4th at Grey Group, 200 Fifth Avenue – year-in-review community meeting followed by a cocktail reception (200 attendees)
• Wellness Wednesday: Eight Wednesdays of free fitness classes in the Flatiron Public Plazas over the summer (260 attendees)
• Celebrate Flatiron Partnerships: community networking event in the fall (200 attendees)

Note: You can choose to participate in as many as all events, and as few as one.

What types of gift bag marketing items are most successful? 

The most successful gift bag contributions are physical items that truly feel like a "gift" and will get the recipeint excited about in your brand or business. It's time to show off what you do best!

Examples include: individually wrapped food or beverages, sample size beauty products, other free samples, and branded/promotional items like notebooks, waterbottles, etc. You can include a coupon or voucher in addition to the physical item if this is of interest.

Interested? Contact us at info@flatirondistrict.nyc

1. Select your events. (As many or as few as you like.)
2. Tell us what item you would like to gift and the quantity you are able to provide  
3. We will coordinate the pick-up and storage of the items

We are excited to bring this valuable opportunity to businesses and look forward to collaborating with the neighborhood! 

Use Your Voice for Neighborhood Improvements

 

March News Roundup

As we usher in Spring, the Flatiron District is bustling with new life. News media attention highlighted the opening of game-changing medical practices, shout-outs for Flatiron chefs and restaurant debuts, and a hotel conversion along Fifth Avenue in-the-works. Stay up-to-date with the latest Flatiron District News with our monthly roundup of notable highlights.

• Eataly Flatiron has transformed its rooftop restaurant into a sprawling garden for spring called SERRA FIORITA, Eataly Flatiron teamed up with Farm.One to create a hydroponic system on the roof that allows chefs to pluck fresh thyme and mint for the array of fresh cocktails and plates served (via Timeout New York). Fast-casual Mediterranean spot CAVA opened a second location in the Flatiron District located at 678 Sixth Avenue where you can enjoy build-your-own salads, grain bowls, and pitas (via Hoodline). On International Women’s Day, Chef Daniela Soto-Innes of Mexican restaurant Cosme (her first restaurant that she opened at the age of 23) was celebrated for International Women’s Day for her culinary successes including her James Beard Award win two years after opening and landing a spot on the World’s Best Restaurants List (via AM NY). International chains choosing NYC as an entry point into the United States is a new trend that is emerging, including the debut of Taiwanese fried chicken chain TKK Fried Chicken that partnered with Kung Fu Tea in Flatiron. Cedric Nicaise, Wine Director of Eleven Madison Park sat down for a “Day in the Life” feature at one of the world's best restaurants (via Wine Spectator). 

• Several new businesses are slated to open in the neighborhood this spring, particularly within the wellness and fitness sector. Millennial-centric egg-freezing company, Kindbody announced that its second brick and mortar store is to come to Flatiron with its fertility clinics resembling boutiques (via Inc.). Tia Clinic a new gynecological practice “designed for women by women” comes from the founders of the care app Tia opened their physical extension in Flatiron this month at 30 East 23rd Street (AM NY). The founders of Tia Clinic aim to reimagine the gynecological patient experience claiming, "Whoever decided that asylum-like patient rooms, harsh white lights, and cheap paper gowns would foster the cornerstones of a place where females get their reproductive health examined was probably not a woman" (via Core 77). Rumble Fitness' first treading studio is opening in summer 2019 with the Rumble team citing, "We are excited to be launching Rumble Treading as we feel it is the perfect brand expansion and a perfect complement to Rumble Boxing" (via Cision PR Newswire). Meet the innovative mind who is behind some of the hottest hotels in New York City, including Flatiron's Freehand New York, Andrew Zobler CEO of hospitality company Sydell Group (via National Geographic). 

• A hotel conversion is underway at 250 Fifth Avenue with the 23-story building including a cafe/restaurant, a library, an outdoor terrace and bar on the ninth floor, and two,15-foot deep outdoor rooftop bars on the northern and southern edges of the 23rd floor (via New York YIMBY). Playful office furniture provider Poppin has redesigned their new office headquarters in the Flatiron District bringing their “Work Happy” motto to life (via Design Milk). Luxury skyscrapers continue to fill up vacant units including the likes of 212 Fifth Avenue, a new boutique condominium between West 25th and 26th Streets overlooking Madison Square Park where a unit was purchased for $6.7 million (via The New York Times). 

 Photo of Tia Clinic via Kezi Ban, Core 77

Join Us! Spring Speaker Series

New Neighbor: David's Bridal

As wedding season approaches, the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership is pleased to welcome David's Bridal, a one-stop shop for wedding dresses and formal apparel, to the neighborhood at 45 West 25th Street.

The store's exclusive assortment of bridal gowns features a broad spectrum of silhouettes, lengths and styles, and their wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and cocktail party looks are designed with the season's cutting edge materials and colors. Sizes at David's Bridal span from petite to plus, so every woman can walk down the aisle in the bridal dress of her dreams.

In addition to dresses and gowns, David's Bridal offers everything you need to complete your head-to-toe look from shoes and handbags, to jewelry and headpieces. The store also features expert in-house alterations to make sure your dress is a perfect fit.

All David's stores feature exclusive designer collections by David's Bridal, Oleg Cassini, Galina, Galina Signature, and DB Studio. Designer collections by White by Vera Wang, Truly Zac Posen, and Melissa Sweet are available in select locations, however they can be ordered at any David's Bridal store. 

David's Bridal is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm, Saturdays from 9 am to 7:30 pm, and Sundays from 10:30 am to 6 pm.

David's Bridal, 45 West 25th Street, (646) 827-4050

Photo Credit: David's Bridal

Flatiron Foodies: Fields Good Chicken's Butternut Squash Hummus

Fields Good Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant located at 44 East 23rd Street, between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue South. The restaurant is dedicated to the craft of grilled and roasted chicken but this month, the focus is on a tasty side dish. Chef Dan Jackson proudly shares their seasonal hummus recipe that pairs perfectly with with Fields Good's four chicken preparations in this month's Flatiron Foodies recipe.

Fields Good Chicken's Butternut Squash Hummus

• Two pound butternut squash, peeled, diced into 2-inch pieces
• 1/4 teaspooon ginger powder
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 3/4 cup tahini
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Method: Add the squash to a pot, add water just to cover. Cook on low/medium heat until squash is soft, roughly 15 - 20 minutes, and drain. Alternatively, you can steam the squash if your home kitchen includes a steamer.

Let the squash cool to room temperature, and add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, or paprikia, optional. Serve immediately with crudite, chips, flatbread, or with vegetables such as yams, turnips, beets, rutabaga, or celery root.

Pictured above: Fields Good Chicken's Butternut Squash Hummus with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Pictured below: Chef Dan Jackson (Photo Credit: Fields Good Chicken)

Where to Watch the March College Basketball Tournament

Every March, the National College Basketball Tournaments are one of the most exciting sporting events of the year kicking off now through the championship game on April 8th. Get in the competitive spirit as you cheer on your favorite college teams at one of these Flatiron spots (see tournament's schedule here).

The 40/40 Club, 6 West 25th Street, 212-832-4040
Enjoy the games at this upscale American sports bar and lounge on one of its four extra large (165-inch) state-of-the-art video walls. 40/40 Club is opening early to cover tournament games. Dig into 40/40 Club's signature wings, nachos, and sliders while you're there. 

Bounce Sporting Club, 55 West 21st Street, 212-675-8007
This 4,000 square-foot sports lounge is packed with flat screens ideal for viewing the basketball tournament! Enjoy special guest DJs will and tasty twists on standard bar food to celebrate. 

The Churchill Tavern, 45 East 28th Street, 646-476-8419
Cheer on your bracket picks at this two-story tavern offering the best of British and local craft beer, and traditional English fare. Enjoy happy hour beer specials during the games.

Flatiron Hall, 38 West 26th Street, 646-790-3200 
Restaurant and beer cellar Flatiron Hall crafts unique beers and cocktails that will pair well tournament games streaming live on all its screens. 

Grey Bar and Restaurant, 43 West 26th Street, 212-532-2643
Catch all the basketball games surrounded by multiple televisions at this chic sports tavern offering elevated pub food with sophisticated drinks. 

The Globe, 158 East 23rd Street, (212) 477-6161
Old-school (since 1886) Irish pub The Globe invites you to enjoy the basketball tournament games with a wide selection of beers and spirits. Don't forget about The Globe's Happy Hour and $12 Burger & Beer Special available every day until 7 pm. 

Hill Country Barbecue Market, 20 West 26th Street, (212) 255-4544
Join Hill Country from Thursday, March 21st through Monday, April 8th for live streaming of the tournament games. Food and drink specials will be available during all of the games. Get in on the fun with Hill County's Bracket Challenge for a chance to win HIll Country gift cards! Sign-up here by March 21st. Who doesn’t love free brisket?!

Shorty's, 66 Madison Avenue, 212-725-3900
What better way to watch the game, than with a Philly Cheesesteak from Shorty's - touted as serving the most authentic in New York City. During all tournament games, Shorty's is serving pint and pitched specials featuring Sixpoint brewery beers, Hootie Hazy Pale Ale, and Alpenflo Lager.   

Photo of Shorty's. 

Get to Know Scampi

Scampi, located on 18th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, is a Southern Italian restaurant with an emphasis on seafood. Just slightly south of Flatiron District boundaries, Scampi recently became a "Friend of the Flatiron," investing in the neighborhood as a member of the BID's marketing affiliate program.

"The Flatiron District is the heart of Manhattan.  Everything is right here. I like the proximity to the Union Square Market - we retrieve a lot of fresh produce from those guys. The convenience of being close to all train lines is important to me - we wanted to make sure that everyone can reach us easily," says Chef and Owner, PJ Calapa, the mastermind behind Scampi.

"The balance of residential and corporate is pretty outstanding and rare for a Manhattan neighborhood.  We wanted to work with Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership because they know how to take care of this neighborhood. This district sees a lot of foot traffic but they still manage to keep the streets clean and litter-resistant. The efforts that they go to to care for this district is truly admirable which is why we wanted to incorporate them in the Scampi Family."

Although the restaurant boasts both a great location and charming, warm atmosphere, after a meal at Scampi it becomes clear that the singular focus is the food. One bite of their Mafaldini "Scampi" Pasta (pictured above) and you understand how this dish became the restaurant's namesake. Long ribbons of Mafaldini are coated in a rich butter sauce and combined with gulf shrimp, parsley, garlic, lemon and bread crumbs. The end result is craveworthy. The Rib Eye Steak is another dish you'll be thinking about weeks after your meal. Topped with salsa verde, fennel, olives, the steak is served with crispy fingerling potatoes.

This neighborhood gem serves lunch and dinner daily, and the new weekend brunch offering is sure to become a neighborhood favorite. In addition to the main dining room, they also have a private room which can accommodate up to 60 people. Scampi is perfect for an intimate dinner, an "in-and-out" business lunch, or even a quick drink at the bustling cocktail bar.

Scampi is open weekdays for lunch from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, and serves weekend brunch from 11 am -2:30 pm. Dinner starts at 5 pm each evening and ends at 9 pm Sunday through Wednesday. On Friday and Saturday, dinner service continues until 11 pm. 

Scampi, 30 West 18th Street, 212-888-2171

New Neighbor: Taïm

The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership is excited to announce the opening of Taïm, the acclaimed Tel Aviv-inspired vegetarian and kosher restaurant, to the neighborhood at 64 West 22nd Street, near Sixth Avenue. Originally opening in the West Village in 2005 by Chef Einat Admony and Stefan Nafziger, Taïm, pronounced tah-eem, offers their signature falafel and cauliflower shawarma to both vegetarians and carnivores alike.

Taïm has been known for high quality vegetarian – mostly vegan – fare that is rooted in tradition and is full of spices and flavor. All food, including both the traditional green falafel with parsley, cilantro, and mint, and the harissa falafel, packed with Tunisian spices, is prepared in the restaurant daily following Chef Einat's exacting culinary techniques. Taïm means "tasty" in Hebrew, and Zagat calls it "bliss in a pita".

Last year, Taïm announced expansion plans and opened locations on Maiden Lane in the Financial District and the West 22nd Street location in Flatiron. There are now five locations in New York, with plans for their first location outside Manhattan slated to open in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. in summer 2019.

"We are thrilled to have opened our fifth NYC location in the bustling Flatiron District. We used to park our food truck right down the street from this spot for years and we always loved the people and the reception we got, so we knew it was a great space for us," says Taïm COO Bethany Strong. "It's nice to see some familiar faces and long-time customers come back now that we have our brick and mortar. We are home."

Taïm Flatiron is open seven days a week from 11 am to 10 pm and offers delivery and catering services.

Taïm, 64 West 22nd Street, (212) 966-7364

Photo Credit: Taïm