Bernie Sanders Inauguration Meme Finds Its Way Into NYC’s Outdoor Dining Scene

The Bernie Sanders outdoor dining meme arrives in NYC

Yesterday, in the midst of Inauguration Day proceedings, Sen. Bernie Sanders blessed the country with an outdoor dining meme fit for NYC’s pandemic winter. A photo of the senator, sitting outdoors on a folding chair, bundled up in a large winter coat and giant knit mittens, started flying around the internet as people in D.C. and beyond compared the senator’s cold, uncomfortable-looking pose to their own experiences with outdoor dining.

Plenty of NYC restaurants picked up on the meme, with spots including Midtown fast casual chain Junzi, pasta newcomer Forsythia, vegan sandwich shop Guevara’s, and Bronx spot La Morada posting jokes and cropped cut-outs of the senator at their spots. Grocery stores including Southeast Asia Food Group at the Market Line and UWS icon Zabar’s also got in on the fun.

Take a peek at the memes below:

In other news

— Williamsburg pizza hit Leo is returning to all-day service this Saturday, January 23, and will be open seven days a week, co-owner Mike Fadem tells Eater. For breakfast, Leo has introduced a host of sourdough items including sourdough bagels, and brioche breakfast sandwiches, along with pastries and baked goods created by pastry chef Eva Milcetic. The breakfast menu will be available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The rest of the menu can be ordered noon to 10 p.m. daily. Leo is open for takeout, delivery, and outdoor dining.

— Line-inducing cookie spot Chip City — formerly known as Chip — is partnering with hot chocolate purveyor Swiss Miss on a new cookie called hot cocoa fudge cookie. The promotional treat will be available at all NYC Chip locations starting January 31, and then 2-3 times per week after that, running through the month of February. The cookie will also be available for shipping in select U.S. states starting January 31.

— Nolita’s Japanese-Italian restaurant Kimika has launched DIY meal kits ($155) that serve 2 to 4 people and will be available for pickup at the restaurant on Fridays between 2 to 4 p.m. The DIY kit includes a choice of one cocktail, which serves 2 to 3 people, and a host of dishes to choose from including crispy rice cake lasagna, tuna tartare, and porchetta.

— Another NYC cookie favorite is in the spotlight this week. Levain Bakery’s popular desserts are now available for delivery through Fresh Direct. The frozen cookies come in eight-piece boxes ($9.99), and can be gently reheated at home.

— The Bryant Park holiday market, known officially as the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, has now been extended till March 28.

— Chef Mark Strausman’s relatively new restaurant Mark’s Off Madison has a Tailgating catering menu for New Yorkers to order during the football season.

Amen: