The Yellow Magnolia Café will be reopening, newly refreshed for the 2023 reason according to an announcement from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Union Square Events and Restaurant Associates.
This reopening comes just as the cherry blossom trees — sakura in Japanese — in BBG begin to bloom. In addition to the Yellow Magnolia Café, the Canteen and Coffee Bar will be providing visitors with exciting new food and drink programs that highlight seasonal and sustainable ingredients.
“We are thrilled that Yellow Magnolia Café and Canteen are reopening just as spring is coming into full bloom in the Garden,” said Adrian Benepe, president and CEO of Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
“Our new partners, Union Square Events and Restaurant Associates, have curated a beautiful, colorful, plant-inspired menu that complements BBG’s mission and values. We hope that every Garden visitor considers trying our new food options, whether it is with a meal in the Café, a casual bite at the Canteen or a drink and snack from the Coffee Bar.”
Yellow Magnolia Café's menu offers a range of meal choices from vegetable-centric small plates to larger, heartier main dishes, as well as plant-inspired desserts, a children’s menu, and an exciting wine, beer and cocktail beverage program.
On its opening season menu, small plates include mushroom pie and beet tartare and larger dishes include a hot fried chicken sandwich and flatbreads. The menu also features desserts including an assortment of Common Meadows Gelato from a Brooklyn-based creamery.
Yellow Magnolia Café’s beverage offerings showcase a variety of inventive and fresh twists on classic cocktails, including the Garden Margarita, with tequila, passion fruit, agave, and lime, and the Brooklyn Colada, with rum, pineapple, coconut, and lime. The beverage menu also includes a variety of wine, beer and non-alcoholic options.
“Our collective work at Brooklyn Botanic Garden has brought together some of New York’s top hospitality minds to unveil refreshed concepts that reflect the beauty of their surroundings,” said Union Square Events President Anthony Mastellone. “Our team is proud to have played a role in rethinking what excellence in dining looks like at Brooklyn Botanic Garden.”
The space, designed by the Rockwell Group, overlooks Lily Pool Terrace and the annual and perennial borders, creating the ideal environment for a midday meal, complementing a morning or afternoon spent in the Garden.
At Yellow Magnolia Canteen, located on the terrace by the Conservatory, visitors can choose from prepared salads, sandwiches and snack boxes alongside cooked-to-order dishes, such as personal pizzas.
Like the Café, the Canteen features seasonal ingredients, fresh produce, and invigorating beverages for both warm and cool days. Visitors should also plan to stop by the Coffee Bar, which serves a selection of fresh pastries, delicious snacks and quality beverages.
“We look forward to welcoming members and visitors for a one-of-a-kind dining experience with delicious food and warm hospitality in a unique setting surrounded by the beauty of nature,” said Restaurant Associates CEO Chef Ed Brown.
