Each summer on the island of Manhattan, I try to visit each of my favorite Hudson River waterside haunts at least once. Some include The Frying Pan, Grand Banks, Drift In, Mezze (formerly the Merchant House) and City Vineyard, located at Pier 26.

We chose the air-conditioning inside, as it was one of our hot and humid days. No one sat outside.

I sipped an Aperol Spritz ($19), my dining partner, their Provencal rosè selection ($15). We were so busy solving the world’s problems that I neglected to ask for our salad lightly dressed. The watermelon, arugula and feta salad ($22) came drenched in a balsamic glaze. We added (+$10) grilled shrimp to that.

We also shared the kung pao cauliflower ($17); my friend liked how the veggie was soaked in the sauce. I would have preferred the cruciferous veggie crisper as I had had last summer at City Winery.

Our conversation and the locale made the lunch! For that, I’d recommend a visit.

City Vineyard
Hudson River Park
233 West St,
New York, NY, 10013
(646) 677-8350
citywinery.com