Gov. Cuomo Challenged to Open NYC Indoor Dining as Restaurant Week To Go Begins

New York Governor Mario Cuomo announced on January 25 that later in the week he will loosen some COVID-era restrictions, noting that the state is at the end of its "post-holiday spike." The governor, speaking at a press briefing at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, offered few specifics, however. He said that the state Department of Health is currently finalizing plans, with an announcement in the days ahead.

The changes could begin as early as later this week, now that the state's positivity rate dropped from 7.94% a week ago to 5.47%, and a rate of transmission below 1.0 for the first time since the winter surge. Health experts project the state's infection rate will continue to decline.

The governor said New York will "start making adjustments" to restrictions such as allowing elective surgeries in upstate Erie County. Designated "micro-cluster zones" throughout the state, which he hit with additional restrictions in recent weeks as the virus made localized resurgences, also may see relaxed regulations.

"We're at a new place now, and we can start to adjust that valve and start to open up more economic activity and reduce some of the restrictions," said Cuomo.

Gotham Burgers did a successful pop-up outside Marshall Stack on January 22

No to Indoor Dining in New York City

The one statement Cuomo made clear was his reiteration of previous statements that he is not yet ready to permit indoor dining in New York City.

"The indoor dining in New York City is a New York City-specific condition and we're not at this point — at this point — contemplating any changes," said Cuomo.

After seven months of restaurant closures in New York City, Cuomo permitted indoor dining at 25%-capacity in mid-October as city-wide infection rates declined. He re-enforced the total ban in December when the local infection rate escalated. Since then, neighboring areas have begun allowing indoor dining. Philadelphia re-opened for indoor dining last weekend, and much of New York state allows 50% capacity. Restaurants in New York City are limited to serving outdoor diners and take-out customers, and only until 10 p.m. Many restaurants have closed permanently and many restaurant owners fear they may not be able to survive the pandemic I they cannot return soon to what used to be business as usual.

Cuomo offered no projection as to when the current mandate would change.

Strange Majik performed a solo set indoors at Marshall Stack for customers enjoying burgers outside.

New York State Restaurant Association Challenges Cuomo

Earlier on the same day, the New York State Restaurant Association challenged Cuomo to loosen restrictions on restaurants. The NYSRA asked the state to allow indoor dining in the city and to extend the 10 p.m. curfew to midnight.

"We all know about the dire financial crisis facing the restaurant industry, and we all agree that we need to reopen the economy or there will be nothing left to reopen," said Melissa Fleischut, NYSRA president and CEO. "We're urging the state to take some small steps in that direction. Any help will go a long way toward the long-term survival of so many of our favorite restaurants."

Axel Barragan performed inside the Anyway Café to diners seated outside

Restaurant Week Begins in New York City

Coincidentally, NYC Restaurant Week began in the New York on the day before Cuomo's press briefing. Reimagined as NYC Restaurant Week To Go this time due to the closures, customers can order takeout or delivery lunch or dinner from more than 500 participating restaurants for $20.21. This round of the twice-yearly event runs from January 25 to 31.

Miss Maybell & the Jazz Age Artistes performed inside Rue-B to diners seated outside.

Incidental Music Continues

Local musicians who depended on the restaurants for work are among the many affected by the ongoing winter restrictions. A majority of the restaurants who provided incidental music for diners in October found it impossible to continue this feature as harsher weather hit and earlier curfews took effect. In a city that a year ago hosted more than 100 stages for musicians every night, the available venues are now but a few.

Several heroic stalwarts continue to present live music to the public. The Anyway Café, Marshall Stack and Rue-B have musicians perform indoors for audiences seated outdoors. Baby Brasa has the musicians and the audiences in a large, heated cabana. The Corner Bistro and Joey Bats Café have musicians perform outdoors alongside the diners. Presumably, musicians and music lovers will find more options when the restrictions ease.