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NIGHT+DAY Ins and Outs (IOs)

Whether you are keeping a dogeared Night+Day guide as your bible to exploring a city, or just relying on nightanddayguides.com, you’re in the right place for the latest and greatest happenings. Herewith are hotels, restaurants, nightlife and attractions that have been open long enough to be tested and earn our recommendation.

March’s Top 5: New Openings

AMSTERDAM • KINAREE • Restaurant (Thai)
When locals want to eat Asian food, they tend to head to one of the city’s ubiquitous Indonesian restaurants. But Kinaree, a Thai restaurant dishing out sophisticated takes on classic recipes, has managed to establish itself as an instant foodie favorite. Kinnaree oozes style: Tight close-ups of lemongrass stalks and swaths of red silk grace the walls floor to ceiling, while details like stools decorated with contemporary floral patterns, and sparingly used black and gold accents, set the mood. A smallish menu of superbly executed classic Thai dishes will impress experts on South Asian cuisine. Sun–Thu 5:30–10pm, Fri–Sat 5:30–10:30pm.
€€€ Eerste Anjeliersdwarsstraat 14 (Westerstraat), 020.627.71.53
restaurantkinnaree.nl

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LONDON • WATER POET • NIghtlife (Pub Grub)
At first glance, the Water Poet seems like just another traditional boozer, albeit a smart one, tucked between corporate life in the city and trendier goings-on in Spitalfields and Shoreditch. But inside, it’s a thoroughly modern gastropub with a beer garden, poolroom, and theatre—and even live cabaret on Saturday nights. Weekdays mean a suited after-work crowd, while weekends see market shoppers dropping in for a bite of lunch and the trendy denizens of the “ditch” kicking off nights out with a pint or two. Mon–Fri 11am–11pm, Sat noon–11pm, Sun noon–10:30pm.
9–11 Folgate St., E1 (Liverpool St.), 087.1971.4489
waterpoet.co.uk

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PARIS • EXPERIMENTAL COCKTAIL • NIghtlife (Bar)
Hidden behind black velvet curtains on a quiet cobbled street off Montorgeuil, Experimental Cocktail has got an authentic speakeasy atmosphere, complete with a 100-year-old bar, studded barstools, and a piano. Experimental1 is the signature drink, a refreshing concoction of lemon juice, gum syrup, lemongrass, fresh basil, and elderflower syrup on a vodka or gin base. Fans of tequila, which is difficult to find in France, will be in heaven with the selection. And English is spoken by most of the sophisticated cocktail aficionados here.
Mon–Wed 7pm–2am, Thu–Sat 7pm–5am.
37 rue St- Sauveur (M° Sentier), 01.45.08.88.09
myspace.com/experimentalcocktailclub

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SAN FRANCISCO • GITANE • Restaurant (French)
Much like its menu of Basque cuisine, Gitane combines diverse elements for a whole package that’s uniquely alluring. The food successfully melds influences from France, Spain, and Northern Africa, making for a full-flavored experience. Bastillas share the menu with Dungeness crab croquetas, Monterey squid stuffed with meaty portobello mushrooms, and tabbouleh salad with tiger prawns. While some restaurants that fall under the “fusion” umbrella may just seem confused, Gitane combines multiple cuisines in a sophisticated and coherent way.
Tue–Sat 5:30pm–midnight, bar until 1am.
$$ 6 Claude Ln. (Sutter St.), 415-788-6686
gitanerestaurant.com

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TORONTO • ONE ELEVEN YORKVILLE • Restaurant (International)
Envisioned by The Design Agency, known for its resto-club clientele, this former subterranean Russian piano bar has been transformed into a sleek Champagne and caviar bar, enticing high rollers who appreciate the rare stone, wood, and tile used throughout the space, as well as the lavish gold and textile accents. There’s an extensive list of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the globe to go with those choice fish eggs. This is a destination for the fashionista and luxe-label crowd of 20- and 30-somethings. Wed–Sat 5pm–2am.
$$$$ 111 Yorkville Ave. (Hazelton Ave.), 416-935-01111
oneelevenyorkville.com

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