Celsius
CitiPond at Bryant Park 42nd St. at Sixth Ave.
The neon-lit two-story, glass-enclosed restaurant and bar by the skating rink returns for a third season. The menu is classic comfort American; homey mac ‘n cheese, tator tots, warm apple crumble and the like, but your best bets are the cocktails like the Polar Bear Cosmo (Absolut apeach, Soho Lychee Liqueur, cranberry juice and fresh squeezed lemon) and the Aprésider, which adds Jameson to spiced apple cider. Through Feb. 11, 2011
Francois Chocolate Bar
Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Ave., at Central Park South
Chocolate lovers have a new mecca on the concourse level of the Plaza Hotel, with Francois Payard’s pop-up version of his popular Madison Ave Patisserie. Indulge in macarons, verrines, or iced or hot chocolate laced with things like Sichuan Pepper and Hibiscus Flowers.
Hendrick’s Enchanted Forest of Curiosities
Gallery 151, 350 Bowery , nr. Great Jones St.
The gin makers have turned this 2,000-square-foot gallery space into a fairy-tale wonderland hosting “curiosities” and “fireside chats,” the last of which occurs Dec. 10 and features surprise music performances. Next week, the space transforms into the BUST Magazine Craftacular Pop-Up Shop, co-hosted by Hendrick’s. Through Dec. 18
Igloo Bar
Rockefeller Center, Rockefeller Plz. at 50th St.
Another rinkside spot, this time in Rockefeller Center, under the golden statue of Prometheus. Designed like an “eskimo’s retreat,” Igloo boasts a frosted glass bar skaters are encouraged to slide up to for a snack straight off the rink. Non-skaters too can enjoy a themed menu including the Bering Sea Crispy Calamari and Laplander’s Crispy Pork Belly, or elaborate hot and cold cocktails like the Alpine Açaí Cobbler (Veev Acai Spirit, Star Anise, Cinnamon Sugar Rim, Hot Cider, Whipped Cream) and the Black Diamond Caipirinha (Sagatiba Cachaca, Cranberry Juice, Cinnamon, Fresh Lime Juice, Cinnamon Stick).
Through Jan. 1
Southwest Porch
Southwest Corner of Bryant Park, 40th St. at Sixth Ave.
The annual Bryant Park sandwich shop does a lot more than just serve you warm ham and cheese on bitter winter days. It’s a collaboration with ‘wichcraft, which means the goodies are special, and handcrafted. Along with wine and beer, there’s a cocktail list to warm your insides while hanging on one of the porch swings or rocking chairs or checking out live music curated by Artists Den. Added bonus: you’re extra close to another pop-up, the Charmin restrooms in Times Square.