New UES Australia-Inspired Coffee Shop Comes From Pro Rugby Player

An UES coffee shop from an unlikely player

Now open at 247 East 81st Street is Hutch + Waldo, an Australia-inspired coffee shop from professional rugby player Alastair McFarland. Alongside organic coffee, the menu includes sandwiches, salads, avocado toast, a halloumi sandwich with arugula and tomato aioli, and chocolate chip cookies. McFarland started the cafe as something to do in rugby’s off-season, seeing an opportunity in the neighborhood with many evening spots, but not a lot of daytime options. It’s open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., going until 8 p.m. on weekends.

Tygershark goes fast-casual

Prospect Heights seafood spot Tygershark has revamped operations. Nearly two years in, the full-service restaurant at 581 Vanderbilt Avenue has decided to go a more casual route with counter service and pick-your-own style menu. Options include soy-cured mackerel, tempura shrimp, and more on top of rice, noodles, or salad with various toppings and sides.

Community rallies around Prospect Heights pie shop owner

Prospect Heights neighbors have raised more than $16,000 in just five days for Daly Pie owner Meghan Daly. Daly, 35, has breast cancer, and needs the money for living expenses and to pay employees to keep the shop open in her absence. Now in the neighborhood for just over a year, Daly Pie has embedded itself as a local go-to. Head here to donate.

International Center of Photography adds 40-seat cafe

After Maman left the cafe space at the International Center of Photography, it has been turned into Capa Cafe, a 40-seat room with coffee, tea, and snacks. Frittata, avocado toast, pastries, breads, sandwiches, and more are all on the menu at 250 Bowery.

The New York City Food & Wine Festival is back

It’s year number 10 for the New York City Food & Wine Festival, which kicks things off yet again from October 12 to October 15. Major names include Whoopi Goldberg, Gabrielle Hamilton, Michael Anthony, Rachael Ray, and many more; tickets are on sale now here.

Three imminently opening restaurants

Fall restaurant opening madness continues: Coming up on October 15, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Upper East Side mainstay Jojo returns after renovations on October 15. Plus, Staten Island pizzeria stalwart Joe & Pat’s is readying for its Manhattan debut at 168 First Avenue with open interviews this week. Finally, Flushing restaurant Szechuan Mountain House is also hiring this week for its East Village arrival at 19-23 Saint Mark's Place.

Two upcoming spots to watch

East Village cocktail bar Pinks is plotting a taqueria nearby. Pinks Cantina will be a fast-casual taco shop with happy hour, late night, and weekend menus. Plus, Bryant Park Hotel will soon open Célon, a Moroccan-style lounge in its basement. The Post is calling the 2,300-square-foot space “Instagram-worthy,” and no wonder: One cocktail includes a $100 gold martini with gold leaf and lavender Sky vodka. Here’s a look at other Instagram-bait restaurants: