Viewing NYC Articles Categorized Under Restaurants

[WATCH] Inside The Mafia's Billion-Dollar New York Drug Ring

2026-05-11T12:00:00-04:00

This animated documentary delves into the infamous Pizza Connection trial, which uncovered how the Sicilian Mafia ran a multi-billion-dollar heroin operation in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Heroin, refined in clandestine labs in rural Sicily, was shipped to New York, often hidden in crates marked as olive oil or cheese. Once in the city, the drug was distributed through seemingly ordinary pizza parlors, which also served as fronts for money laundering, dealing mostly in cash to avoid a paper trail. The operation was eventually infiltrated by FBI agent Joe Pistone, also known as Donnie Brasco, who spent six years undercover. His meticulous work and recordings, along with international law enforcement cooperation spurred by new legislation like the RICO Act, led to a global crackdown. The investigation culminated in the Pizza Connection trial in 1985, which saw 18 defendants convicted for narcotics trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering, effectively dismantling a vast criminal enterprise.

The post [WATCH] Inside The Mafia's Billion-Dollar New York Drug Ring appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] NYC's Hottest Bánh Mì Shop Sells Thousands a Week

2026-04-29T12:00:00-04:00

This video highlights Bánh Anh Em, a popular Vietnamese restaurant in NYC, famous for its long lines and thousands of handcrafted bánh mì sandwiches sold weekly. Chef and co-owner Nhu Ton spent years perfecting her bánh mì recipe, traveling to France and Vietnam for the perfect baguette, experimenting with hot sauces, and making their own Vietnamese ham by hand. The establishment is renowned for its fresh bread baked just before opening and throughout service, and for its diverse range of fillings, including classic cold cuts, crispy roasted pork, and barbecue pork.

The post [WATCH] NYC's Hottest Bánh Mì Shop Sells Thousands a Week appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] Day in the Life at NYC's BBQ Joint

2026-04-28T12:00:00-04:00

This video follows the inspiring journey of chef Ruben Santana, owner of Bark Barbecue, as he brings his unique Dominican-Texas style barbecue to New York City. The day begins early in a Queens warehouse, where Ruben and his team meticulously prep and smoke various meats like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. Before heading to his main location, Ruben enjoys a traditional Dominican breakfast at Bridge Coffee Shop in Dumbo, showcasing the flavors that influence his barbecue. The video then transitions to his stall at Time Out Market in Dumbo, where he serves a diverse crowd of barbecue enthusiasts, sharing the story of how his backyard pop-up during the pandemic evolved into a celebrated culinary destination, marking him as the first vendor invited to the market without a pre-existing brick-and-mortar location.

The post [VIDEO] Day in the Life at NYC's BBQ Joint appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] Why Restaurant Owners Have to Get Up at 2am to Get the Best Seafood

2026-04-24T12:00:00-04:00

Ever wondered how New York City's top restaurants get their fresh seafood? This video takes you on a journey through the bustling Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx, starting at the astonishing hour of 12 AM. Overseen by veterans like Sal and Warren of Blue Ribbon Fish Co., the market is a maze of forklifts, competitive vendors (known as "houses"), and discerning buyers, all vying for the freshest catch. You'll witness the intricate process of fish handling, from offloading massive tuna to inspecting eyes and gills for quality. Chefs like three-Michelin-starred Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin rely on these early morning connections, emphasizing that in this perishable world, paying on time secures the best product. The video offers a unique, inside look at the billion-dollar operation that powers NYC's vibrant restaurant scene, a testament to the dedication required to deliver ultra-fresh seafood to your plate.

The post [VIDEO] Why Restaurant Owners Have to Get Up at 2am to Get the Best Seafood appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] Infamous Eateries: The Bridge Cafe

2026-04-22T12:00:00-04:00

The video chronicles the long and often notorious history of The Bridge Cafe, New York City's oldest wood-frame structure and longest-running business, located at 279 Water Street in Manhattan. Established possibly as early as 1794, the building initially housed a grocery and wine business. It quickly descended into infamy when it became a haven for river pirates, thieves, smugglers, and prostitutes in the city's notorious Fourth Ward. Over the decades, it hosted colorful characters like the formidable bouncer Gallus Mag and was the scene of at least one murder. The establishment survived Prohibition by operating as a speakeasy, maintaining its charm. After decades of continuous operation and being declared a favorite by former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, The Bridge Cafe tragically closed after sustaining severe damage from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. However, there is recent hope for its resurrection, with plans approved in 2025 for a new LLC to reopen the historic bar and restaurant.

The post [VIDEO] Infamous Eateries: The Bridge Cafe appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] How George Motz Makes NYC’s Best Burgers at Hamburger America

2026-04-21T12:00:00-04:00

Burger scholar Chef George Motz, owner of Hamburger America in Manhattan, demonstrates how he creates three distinct smash burgers. He details the technique of pressing patties on a hot griddle to seal in flavor and achieve a crispy crust. Motz prepares his classic smash burger, the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger (which brought him renown), and The Chester, a unique grilled cheese burger, meticulously outlining the ingredients and cooking process for each, emphasizing simplicity and proper method.

The post [WATCH] How George Motz Makes NYC’s Best Burgers at Hamburger America appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] A Day at NYC’s Most Exciting Mexican Restaurant

2026-04-20T12:00:00-04:00

In "A Day at NYC's Most Exciting Mexican Restaurant," Bon Appétit spends a day behind the scenes with Chef Yara Herrera, owner and Executive Chef of Hellbender in Ridgewood, Queens. As a first-time owner and executive chef, Yara navigates the daily challenges of running her own restaurant, from meticulously checking closing checklists and unpacking fresh deliveries to preparing signature Mexican dishes. The video highlights the intricate process of making salsa macha, crafting churro batter, expertly breaking down fish for aguachile amarillo, and prepping labor-intensive empanadas, all while fostering a collaborative team environment and ensuring consistency before service begins.

The post [VIDEO] A Day at NYC’s Most Exciting Mexican Restaurant appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] A Day at Brooklyn's Busiest New Restaurant

2026-04-18T12:00:00-04:00

I Cavallini executive chef and co-partner Nick Curtola, also behind Michelin-starred The Four Horsemen, walks through a busy day at his Brooklyn restaurant. He emphasizes a cooking philosophy reliant on exceptional fresh produce, sourced from the Union Square Farmers Market in Manhattan. The video showcases intricate preparations for dishes like fried eel toast, inspired by Venetian chicchetti; hand-rolled trofie pasta with pesto and Belper Knolle cheese; and nervetti, a multi-day braised beef tendon terrine served with onion salad and savory jelly. Another highlight is a bluefin tuna toro dish with Risina beans, roasted tomatoes, and chervil gremolata. Curtola explains the dedication to traditional Italian techniques, the experimental process behind creating unique offerings, and his commitment to developing his culinary team.

The post [VIDEO] A Day at Brooklyn's Busiest New Restaurant appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] The Legend of Krispy Pizza, the Internet's Most Famous Slice Shop

2026-04-16T12:00:00-04:00

This documentary, The Legend of Krispy Pizza, delves into the history of the beloved slice shop, from its founding in 1967 by Pietro Palazzolo to its current status as an internet phenomenon. Owner Freddy Palazzolo shares his family's journey, embodying the American Dream as they built their business in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. The film highlights how the neighborhood has evolved over decades and the lasting impact Krispy Pizza has had on its community, with customers returning generation after generation. It also features Freddy's son, Joe Palazzolo, who has embraced the new era by leveraging social media to share their authentic pizza-making process with a global audience, transforming the local pizzeria into an internationally recognized brand. Freddy emphasizes the importance of consistency, love for one's craft, and the enduring value of family and community in their long-standing success. You can learn more about Krispy Pizza on their official website, krispypizza.com.

The post [WATCH] The Legend of Krispy Pizza, the Internet's Most Famous Slice Shop appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] Inside Mama’s Too: The NYC Pizza Shop Slinging Thousands of Slices a Day

2026-04-13T12:00:00-04:00

Frank Bornman has turned his passion for pizza into a true New York City phenomenon with his celebrated shop, Mama's Too. In this behind the scenes look, Frank explains how he manages his expanding operation while maintaining the high quality and robust flavors that have made his slices a local obsession for nearly seven years. He shares insights into his daily dough preparation, his hands on approach to business, and why he chooses to operate his own courier service rather than relying on third party delivery apps. Whether you are a fan of his signature square slices or his popular sandwiches, this video offers a deep dive into the grit and determination required to run a successful, chef driven pizzeria in the heart of the city. You can learn more about his locations and offerings at Mama's Too.

The post [WATCH] Inside Mama’s Too: The NYC Pizza Shop Slinging Thousands of Slices a Day appeared first on Viewing NYC