Manhattan restaurants hungry for race marathon crowds

New York City police officers demonstrate the stop-and-frisk tactic at a training facility at Rodman’s Neck. (June 12, 2012) Photo Credit: Getty/Andrew Burton

With last year’s ING New York City Marathon canceled because of Superstorm Sandy, shops and restaurants that catered to the race’s participants and crowd lost revenue that they desperately needed following the storm.

Trattoria Dell’Arte, in midtown was in “the center of the dead zone,” during last year’s marathon day because W. 57th Street was closed for nearly a week as a broken crane dangled hundreds of feet above them.

“It was very disappointing to miss the marathon,” said Brandon Fay, the restaurant’s managing director. “It was actually the only time the restaurant was closed since 1988.”

Fay said he is expecting a huge crowd to head to his eatery since it is so close to the finish line. The manager said he wants to give them a treat after the yearlong wait, and he’s not the only one who’s giving back.

Upper East Side’s Maya restaurant and City Harvest are joining forces to host a charity marathon viewing party Sunday. Spectators will view the marathon indoors while contributing to the fight to end hunger in New York City.

A $50 ticket from City Harvest gives guests a seat in the VIP room at Maya, which includes televisions showing the race, an unlimited brunch menu, drinks, specialty cocktails and beer provided by Amstel Light.

All proceeds will go to City Harvest. (9 a.m.-2 p.m., $50, Maya, 1191 1st Avenue near 65th Street; cityharvest.org)