We will never stop calling any place we actually like near Times Square an "oasis."

To us, they will always be veritable oases. 

And so, today's veritable Midtown oasis: EDEN Local, a gorgeous new restaurant inside the so-close-we-can-taste-it Cachet Boutique Hotel, open now for dinner with lunch and brunch and such not far off. 

Chef David Laris is running the ship here, a celebrated Australian chef and restauranteur with 31 years under his belt, who has finally decided to make the move to New York. His menu here will stay (relatively) concise and change often, with heavy influence from what's available at local farmers markets. Right now, that means a sprouts-and-brussels caesar with asparagus and walnut vinaigrette; roasted heirloom carrots with coconut caraway curry; and grass-fed ribeye with fairy tale eggplant, a vegetable which traditionally flourishes in gardens alongside sparkle mushrooms and glitterberries. (ED NOTE: Sorry about that, I've wanted to make that joke since the first time I laid eyes on the words fairy tale eggplant.)

But actually, you're going to like this place. It's beautiful. It sort of feels like you're eating inside of a greenhouse, only it's temperate, and there's white-washed brick, curved green leather booths and a white marble bar dropped right in the center. That's where they'll be crafting spicy cucumber gimlets, garden sangria and fruity cocktails like the Rose in the Garden (vodka, St. Germain, local strawberries, lemon, rose, prosecco) or Eden's Paloma (tequila, fresh grapefruit, lavender, sugar rim).

Here we have photos of it all, should you be looking for that sort of thing.

Now go forth and enjoy your Halloween weekend.

EDEN Local, now open, 510 W 42nd St (between 10th and 11th), 212-947-2999, see the menu and the slideshow