In Brief

The Simone Makes New York Magazine's Best of New York List

Upper East Side New York magazine's 30th-annual Best of New York list hit newsstands this week, and U.E.S. restaurant The Simone (151 E. 82nd St., between Lexington and Third Avenues) made the cut, thanks to its wine pairings.

Chef Chip Smith runs the kitchen at this new French restaurant, and the magazine praises his wife Tina Vaughn's wine pairings.

"Not so much a stodgy sommelier as a giddy grape nut," the magazine wrote, "Vaughn has a knack for flavor combinations and a desire to please-even customers who'll only drink red with flounder paupiettes."

Diners could find a pinot gris paired with sweetbreads in mustard beurre blanc, the magazine said, and flounder with a "floral white."

The Simone opens nightly at 5:45 p.m.

Butterfish Restaurant Opens

New sushi restaurant Butterfish (550 Madison Ave. at 55 Street) opened earlier this month. The restaurant specializes in omakase-style sushi, meaning diners leave it to the chef to prepare the courses as he chooses.According to the restaurant's website, Chef Hitoshi serves his fish with warm rice, and has long wanted to create an affordable dining option for sushi-lovers. At Butterfish, prices range from $20 to $42 for a full omakase-style meal, though diners looking for a more individual experience can reserve a seat at the chef's table and enjoy an exclusive omasake menu for $95 each. Butterfish opens for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and at noon on Sunday.

Enjoy Free Macarons on Macaron Day NYC

The start of spring just got a bit sweeter, thanks to the return of Macaron Day NYC. On Thursday, March 20, participating bakeries throughout the city will give away free macarons to customers, including Upper East Side shops Butterfield Market (1114 Lexington Ave., near E. 78 Street) and FP Patisserie (1293 Third Ave., between E. 74 and E. 75 Streets). Started in 2010 by chef Francois Payard, owner of FP Patisserie and Payard Bakery, Macaron Day NYC corresponds to the similar Jour du Macaron in Paris. For a map of all participating locations, visit macarondaynyc.com.