How to Be Outside Inside, Featuring Chef Shorne Benjamin

Chef Shorne Benjamin is the chef and owner of Fat Fowl, a Brooklyn restaurant skillfully reimagining how Caribbean cuisine should look and taste. His background makes for great reading; after working on Wall Street, he decided to make a major pivot into the culinary arts. His decision was inspired by fond memories of cooking with his grandmother when he was growing up in St. Lucia. 

We were extremely impressed by his NYC picks for relaxation and enjoyment. His selections include a refined mix of oyster bars, delicious pastry spots, and lively Island-inspired hangouts. He even dropped a recommendation for Valentine’s Day. 

Okayplayer: Where do you go in NYC when you want to be outside without being outside?

Chef Benjamin: When I want that outside energy without actually being outside, I like places that feel immersive. On Tuesdays, I’ll pull up to Apotheke in Chinatown. It has that dark, moody, transport-you-somewhere-else feel that makes you forget you’re in the city.

I also love IPIC Theaters South Street Seaport. It’s comfortable, elevated, and still gives you that sense of being out without dealing with the elements.

Another favorite is Tatiana. The energy, the culture, the food. It feels like an experience every time.

Where do you go when you want to be around people but not with people?

When I want to feel the buzz but still keep to myself, Miss Lily’s on a Friday night always does it for me. The music is right, the food is on point, and the vibe feels alive without being overwhelming.

Another spot I enjoy is Maison Premiere in Williamsburg. It’s rooted in the traditions of oyster bars and absinthe cafés. The service is intentional, the atmosphere is calm, and you can really settle in. I’ll also post up at Shukette. The energy is warm, the atmosphere is beautiful, and the chef’s table or counter seating is perfect when you want to be present but not pulled into conversation.

What does your perfect NYC day look like?

My perfect NYC day starts slow. I wake up and brew a fresh pot of coffee to get my mind right. Around noon, I head to Pilates. It helps me reset and prepare for the day ahead.

After that, I grab breakfast at Cafe Rafs. I love how it feels like home. They rotate French- and Italian-inspired baked goods daily, and the space always feels welcoming whether you’re stopping in for coffee or staying longer.

Next, I hit my barber, Mr. Barber Kut, to get a fresh cut. From there, it’s straight to my restaurant, Fat Fowl, inside DeKalb Market Hall. That’s where my day really comes together.

This year for Valentine’s Day, my recommendation is David’s Bridal Love in Times Square, happening Saturday, Feb. 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It’s a celebration taking over the heart of NYC with surprise proposals, weddings officiated by David’s Bridal CEO Kelly Cook, and vow renewals set against one of the most iconic backdrops in the world. It’s spontaneous, full of real love, and full of photo moments. If you’re going to take a leap, why not do it there?