insideKENT Magazine Issue 50 - May 2016 | Page 126
GETAWAYS
A WEEKEND IN
new york city
con t.
TAKE A BITE OUT OF THE BIG APPLE
With a rumoured 24,000 places to eat in New York, even if you ate out somewhere new for breakfast, lunch
and dinner every day, it would still take you over 20 years to attempt to sample them all, so just where
should you go if like many you are only in town for a few days?
Here are our top picks for taking a bite out of the Big Apple…
Asiate at The Mandarin Oriental
The Garden, Four Seasons Hotel
This beautifully conceived restaurant is as stylish as it is comfortable, with
its glorious ‘wall of wine’ and impressive tree branch light sculpture influenced,
of course, by the panoramic views of Central Park (and the city beyond),
afforded by the stunning floor to ceiling windows of this 35th floor dining
space. With a humble, gracious and attentive service by a dedicated team
and a sublime Asian-inspired American fine dining offering from chef de
cuisine Garrison Price, it’s easy to see why this gem is so popular. Not to
be missed are the Maine lobster; the smooth, delicate fois gras terrine with
its divine huckleberry jam; and the 7X wagyu beef tenderloin, all of which
can be enjoyed on the 7-course taster menu with optional wine pairing.
80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street
www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork/fine-dining/asiate/
Nothing quite says New York weekend
than brunch, and where better to while
away a few hours than at The Garden
Restaurant in the Four Seasons? With
its twisted branches from the towering
Acacia trees, heaps of outdoor-inspired
decor and the flooding of natural light
from floor to ceiling windows, this
enchanting almost magical setting is
great for couples, groups and families.
The menu offers tempting treats such as garden bloody Mary’s, hanger
steak and eggs, the Gotham burger and fresh bakery delights. And this
well conceived and perfectly executed menu is made even better by the
easy, friendly and faultless service offered by the impeccable staff.
57 E 57th St
www.fourseasons.com/newyork/dining/restaurants/the_garden/
21 Club
Burger Joint
With its quirky jockeylined entrance and toys
suspended from the
ceilings, 21 Club is a true
American icon. Opened
in 1930, this notorious
speakeasy with its
disappearing bar and
hidden wine cellar has
attracted celebrities and
dignitaries for over 80
years. Taking a seat in
the cosy bar room your eye is drawn to the sporting memorabilia, toys and
trophies that have been donated by TV personalities, sports stars and
presidents, adding their own mark to the unique ambience and history.
Service is thorough and efficient with some great menu recommendations
including the crab cake, the legendary ‘21’ Caesar salad, the ‘21’ burger
and the filet steak, and of course there is a much-revered wine menu and
exclusive spirit selection. Quirky and fun, yet exclusive and select, be sure
to check out the Celebrity Table Interactive Map online to see just who has
graced your table in the past!
No trip to New York
would be complete
without a burger, and
there are no better than
those classic juicy
‘heaven-in-a-bun’
offerings delivered by
Burger Joint. From its
hidden beginnings
behind the red velvet
curtain in Le Parker
Meridien, identified mainly
by the queue of hungry diners waiting patiently for the quirky small dining
room beyond the rope, Burger Joint has added another hip venue, this
time in Greenwich Village. Marked by its fluorescent logo sign, there are
no reservations at this laidback eatery – turn up, grab a booth and order
from the brilliantly simple burger, cheeseburger or double burger menu and
kick back with your paper-wrapped treat, crisp fries and milkshake combo.
Be sure to grab a sharpie and add your name or whatever else takes your
fancy to the walls (or ceilings) to preserve your visit to this fabulous find.
33 West 8th Street
www.burgerjointny.com
21 West 52nd Street
www.21club.com
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