Since 2019, The Greats of Craft team has been filling us up with the craftiest of beers, first in midtown and now in Long Island City. With 30 taps, 200+ cans and bottles, and a rotating cast of craft beers, ciders, wines and spirits, both locations welcome beer enthusiasts and novices alike. More than just suds, the multi-hyphenate concept also serves coffee and pastries in the morning plus plenty of space to get some work done. And for those of us on the go (which is most New Yorkers), the retail side of the business has packs of beers ready for the taking. But its latest concept is less about beer and more about cocktails. Reimagining the second floor of its Long Island City location, the latest concept is all about the Sicilian way of life.
Landing in Long Island City is Bar Enzo (10-15 43rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, Long Island City). According to owner and Queens native Joe Schinco, the new Italian-American cocktail bar pays homage to his Sicilian grandparents and the lively parties they used to host.
“We wanted to create a space that not only honors my grandfather’s legacy and our Italian-American roots, but also offers a genuinely warm, welcoming experience where guests can relax, enjoy drinks, and feel at home,” said Schinco in a press release.
Housed in the same warehouse as the LIC location of Greats of Craft, the new concept lies behind a discreet door. Climbing up a set of stairs to the second floor, Bar Enzo greets its patrons with a hallway lined with black and white family photos. Opening up into a cozy 35-seater bar, the space charms with the vibe of a ’60s cocktail lounge infused with a bit of grandma core with green velvet booths, leather chairs and brass fixtures.
Behind the marble bar, you’ll find Attaboy alum Steven Lewis. And while the menu is heavy on gin and amaro cocktails and riffs on the classics, Lewis pays his respects to the family here as well.
“When I first set out to create the program, my instinct was to dig into classic Italian club cocktails and elevate them with a cheeky twist. But I quickly changed direction when I realized just how deeply personal this space and its ethos are to Joe and his family,” said Lewis in a press release. “The drinks became a vehicle to tell the story of that family experience, driven by anecdotes and preferences of the people in the photographs that greet you as you walk in.”
Photograph: Nico Schinco| Cocktails at Bar Enzo
Nods to the family include The Steinway & Ditmars, an Italian Michelada featuring a Mediterranean-style sweet vermouth infused with Nonna’s homemade meatball spice blend. You can also drink like Nonno Enzo by sipping on his favorite drink—The Bambino made with Tuscan red wine, cola and ginger.
While the bar is still in the soft-opening phase with limited hours and menu, the kickoff party will be held on September 5. So there’s no better time to come down and get to know the family.
Located at Lincoln Center, on Broadway in Lincoln Square, NYC, the Metropolitan Opera House, or famously known as the Met Opera, is one of the most renowned opera houses in the world. Since its inauguration in 1966, the venue has served as the home of the Metropolitan Opera Company, featuring both classic and contemporary performances of the group. It also hosts the American Ballet Theatre during the summer months each year.
With a seating capacity of 3,800, the Met Opera is the largest repertory opera house in the world. This historic venue boasts stunning architecture, the finest technical facilities, and superb acoustics, perfect for organizing elaborate productions. It is an important cultural landmark in the country, hosting over 200 performances each season and attracting almost 800,000 people from around the globe annually.
Background on the Metropolitan Opera House
Marking the beginning of its illustrious history, the Met Opera was founded in 1883 by a group of millionaire businessmen who wanted to have a theater of their own. The company initially performed in a theatre building on 39th Street and Broadway until that original opera house was replaced by its current location in September 1966. A key component of Lincoln Center in NYC, the new Metropolitan Opera House was designed by Wallace K. Harrison, the chief architect.
Over the years, the Metropolitan Opera House has been renowned for its commitment to artistic excellence. It hosts world-class productions with legendary conductors, artists, and performers from the Met Company and concerts by global icons like Paul McCartney, Barbara Streisand, and others. The Met Opera pioneered broadcasting performances, starting with live radio broadcasts in 1931. Gradually, it embraced public television and HD live transmissions of its performances. Eventually it also broadened to international cinema theaters, making opera accessible to a broader global audience.
Where is the Met Opera and how do you get there?
The Metropolitan Opera House is at 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York City.
Situated on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, between West 62nd and 65th Streets and Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues, the opera house is easily accessible by various public transports.
By subway, the 1 Train stops at 66th Street-Lincoln Center Station.
Several bus routes, including the M5, M7, M10, M11, M20, M66, M104, and BxM2 have stoppages at Lincoln Center.
Taxis and rideshare services are also available up to the main entrance of Lincoln Center Plaza. Parking lots are also available, but it’s better to reserve parking in advance, especially during popular performances.
What should you expect when you visit the Metropolitan Opera House?
You can expect a diverse crowd here, including opera enthusiasts of all ages, though the majority are generally adults. Children are also welcome, but the atmosphere is better suited for more mature visitors. The venue can get crowded, especially during popular shows and performances of famed artists. While there’s no official dress code, most visitors dress in formal attire, business casual, or fancy evening gowns. It is the perfect opportunity to dress up to match the elegant setting.
At the Met, you can reserve a table at the Grand Tier Restaurant for a memorable fine-dining experience before or after a show. Budget options for snacks and beverages are also available across the venue, such as Founder’s Hall Coffee Bar, Orchestra Bar, Parterre Champagne Bar, etc. Public areas like the Josie Robertson Plaza, Damrosch Park, and Hearst Plaza are open to all; you can even rent the spots for outdoor events. However, access to the opera house is restricted to ticket-holder performance attendees.
The venue is renowned for its expansive stage, the largest guest accommodation facility, state-of-the-art acoustics, and opulent interior décor featuring iconic Swarovski crystal chandeliers. It also boasts technologically advanced set-ups, including one-of-a-kind hydraulic elevators, rigging systems, wheelchair-accessible seats, and motorized stages. You can also request a wireless headset at the entry.
Every spot in the opera house displays Met Titles, a custom-designed system for simultaneous translations. This system features a small seat-back screen showing subtitles in different languages during the performances. In the north lobby, the Met Opera Shop is the perfect spot to collect recordings, gifts, and souvenirs to make your visit memorable.
What else can you do when you visit the Met?
You can explore other prominent cultural venues within Lincoln Centre, like the David Geffen Hall, home of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and the David H. Koch Theatre, the New York City Ballet performing stage.
Several other venues, such as the Lincoln Center Theater, Alice Tully Hall, Clark Studio Theater, David Rubenstein Atrium, Frederick P. Rose Hall, etc., host diverse programs, from Broadway shows to Jazz nights, candlelight concerts to silent discos.
The American Museum of Natural History is just a short walk from the center. Around Lincoln Square, the luxury boutiques and gourmet restaurants at Columbus Circle and the sprawling Time Warner Center offer high-end shopping and dining options, while Central Park provides a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a fun family picnic.
FAQs
How to buy tickets for the Met Opera?
You can purchase the Met Opera tickets online and at the box office window on the spot. The Metropolitan Opera House also has a customer center to help you with your purchase.
Are there any discounted tickets for the Met Opera?
Yes, discount offers are available for students, groups, membership subscribers, and corporate patrons. Visit the official website for more details.
Is there any backstage tour available?
Yes, the Met Opera House offers guided public tours for a fascinating backstage tour.
If you want to spend a memorable night filled with artistic indulgence, the Metropolitan Opera House is the perfect spot. It’s a lifetime experience to watch a popular production at the historic venue, where legendary performers graced the stage.
If you’re lucky to hold an opening night performance ticket, that’s the icing on the cake! Adding to the charm of the ambiance, the audience usually dresses in their finest for that special day.
The majestic Lincoln Center area is captivating by itself. As soon as you step into the grand foyer, you’ll be enveloped by the opulence of dramatic architecture and stunning décor.
Even if opera isn’t your usual fare, the Met Opera will surely make for an unforgettable night out. Enjoy its shows and vibrant atmosphere with family, friends, or special ones.
