Major Food Group’s Pool Lounge Is Closed for Renovations to Meet Landmark Requirements

Pool Lounge temporarily closed for renovations

The former Four Seasons Pool Room, now known as the Pool Lounge under the stewardship of Major Food Group, quietly closed some time last year for renovations, but will reopen on January 18, the Post reports. The renovation work reportedly stems from the changes MFG and landlord Aby Rosen made to the landmarked former Four Seasons space without the approval of the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission. The LPC particularly took issue with a new bar and wall coverings in the lounge, and have been working with the restaurant group and Rosen to make the changes since they were first called out in 2017.

In 2016, Rosen forced the iconic Four Seasons restaurant out of the historic Seagram Building in Midtown. The following year, MFG’s critically-acclaimed the Grill and the seafood restaurant the Pool, opened in the revamped space, along with the lounge overlooking the restaurant.

Shake Shack relaunches an old favorite

New York City’s favorite burger chain Shake Shack has reintroduced a limited edition burger that first came out in 2014. The Shackmeister burger — which will be available nationwide except for airports and stadiums — is essentially the chain’s regular cheeseburger but with the addition of crispy shallots that have been marinated overnight in the chain’s Shackmeister ale. Before they’re deep fried, the shallots are coated in a mixture of flour, cayenne, salt and pepper — the same coating used for Shake Shack’s chicken burgers. Shake Shack executive chef John Karangis says the chain could potentially make the new burger a permanent addition to the menu depending on its success.

The burgers, starting at $5.99, will be available until March 16 this year. The chain’s also introduced a trio of shakes that will be around for a bit: cookie butter, malted milk chocolate, and frozen hot chocolate. Ideas for Shake Shack’s limited edition menu items are cooked up at a West Village test kitchen location and are usually tested out on customers at the restaurant at the same location before being released nationwide.

In other news

— A dissatisfied customer at East Village gay bar Nowhere mailed a letter to the establishment containing fake anthrax.

— Midtown steakhouse Benjamin’s is opening a third NYC location in the former home of another steakhouse, Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse, also in Midtown.

— Mini wellness chain Honeybrains is opening its third and largest location in Midtown.

— The revamp of East Village icon Moishe’s into French bakery Le Fournil, has revealed some stunning, possibly 100-year-old tile work.

— Damn: