As I’m writing this, it’s 98 degrees in Manhattan and we last exactly five shvitzy minutes on the patio under a defenseless umbrella before requesting a move indoors. We didn’t want to succumb, however, because during summer, food somehow tastes better when eaten outside. Not that kitchens do anything different with your al fresco order, but we savor the open-air experience because the mood seems lighter, spirits higher, conversation is often more buoyant and/or romantic when there aren’t any boundaries or blaring music, more space between tables and you’re surrounded by fresh rather than refrigerated air. So many new restaurants…
