Manhattan is the best city in the world for food. There I said it. Any type of cuisine you want is available at all hours of the day in several parts of our humble abode. My recent culinary journeys have taken my taste buds all over the Big Apple and have left me feeling satisfied and happy at each place I’ve been to.
Here are five wonderful spots I’ve stopped at recently that you should visit this spring and beyond. Dig in, eat well, and enjoy.
Roof at Park South: 125 E. 27th Street
The seasonal rooftop cocktail bar and garden oasis, Roof at Park South is officially open for the spring, summer and fall above the Park South Hotel in New York City. The venue is known for its quintessential summer cocktails paired with a delicious bar menu created by James Beard Award Winning Chef Tim Cushman.
Spectacular frozen drinks served up nightly include Boat Shoes made with rosé, Plantation 3 star, basil, lemon, Novo Fogo cachaça and strawberry, Match Point with Tito’s vodka, Don Q cristal rum, mint tea, lemon and matcha, Devil’s Detox with pueblo viejo tequila, Aperol, hibiscus, lime and Cassis as well as 36 Chambers with Singani 63, yuzu, lemongrass, lemon and lavender.
Food options range from Chilled Edamame prepared with sea salt, lemon and togarashi, Tortilla Chips & Salsa with a roasted tomato-chipotle salsa and Hummus with chilled market vegetables and grilled pita to Karaage Fried Chicken Bites with ginger-soy marinade and yuzu kosho aioli, Chickpea Falafel Fritters with tzatziki and torn herbs, Grilled Shrimp Tacos with tequila-spiked pico de gallo and avocado, Glazed Baby Back Ribs with Gochujang, lime, green onion, and Wagyu Cheeseburger with American cheese, dashi pickle, special sauce and fries on the side.
Roof at Park South also serves up spectacular views of the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, making it the perfect backdrop to wine and dine at. Fireplaces warm things up when the temperature dips at night and guests can sit back and relax from the Umbrella Lounge, Fireside Lounge, Floral Area or right at the bar. More info here.
Del Frisco’s Grille: 50 Rockefeller Plaza
Del Frisco’s Grille is a wonderful culinary experience that any Manhattanite or tourist should try. Its sophisticated and spacious presence is often packed with the after-hours crowd, families and more who come there for a great night ahead.
Rockefeller Plaza is a fantastic place to visit if you are in the mood for some shopping or late-night experience and Del Frisco’s only enhances what you are looking for. Especially when it comes to their delicious chophouse options that are superbly tasty.
Right now they are focusing on delectable spring menu that I got to try recently. It includes:
Grilled Artichoke: Lemon Herb Aioli
Burrata & Spring Pea Salad: Mint Pea Puree, Snap Peas, Cucumber, Tomato Jam
Spring Tortelloni: Asparagus, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Artichokes
Togarashi Long-Bone Pork Chop: Quinoa Fried Rice, Orange Miso Glaze
Filet Trio: 4 oz. Filet Medalions Served with Blue Cheese Garlic Butter, Chili Shrimp Chermoula & Oscar Style Toppings
Honey Strawberry Cake: Strawberry Sauce, Honey Syrup, Whipped Cream, Micro Basil
All are great, but the honey strawberry cake is superb and isn’t overtly sweet which I greatly appreciated. More info here.
Kirsh Bakery & Kitchen: 551 Amsterdam Avenue
The Upper West Side is arguably my favorite area of New York City. Kirsh Bakery & Kitchen, located one block from the 1 train, is a fabulous example of why this part of the city is so amazing.
To include the words “bakery” and “kitchen” in the name of your restaurant is smart because it catches a wide net of options to go beyond the sweet and savory. You can dine on breakfast options like a yummy omelette or a Full English Breakfast that comes equipped with black beans, potatoes, house sausage, bacon and grilled tomatoes for one.
If it’s a rainy day and you need something to warm you up you can try their out of this world Tomato and Chicken Soup. Two classic options that really are done wonderfully. Need something more than that? Try several options like their Bread Basket, Roasted Cauliflower, Beef Stroganoff and Chicken Cordon Bleu. Each of them have a homey taste that will keep you coming back for more. More info here.
Mondrian Terrace: 444 Park Ave S
This summer, Mondrian Terrace, located on the 15th floor of Mondrian Park Avenue (444 Park Avenue), will be transformed into Rosé Terrace – a rosé lover’s paradise, lavishly decorated and totally dedicated to everyone’s favorite pink wine. Pose for photos in front of the flower wall or the rosé tower as you sip on refreshing glasses of rosé or specialty cocktails, and take in the breathtaking views of the sun setting over the Manhattan skyline. Bring friends and indulge in a 3L jerobaum of everyone’s favorite blush vino.
To kick off the season, Rosé Terrace is hosting a launch party on Friday, May 17th from 5-8pm. Each $60 ticket includes bottomless pours of rosé and rosé specialty cocktails, live DJ, photo booth, and exclusive access to “la vie en rose” overlooking Park Avenue South and East 30th Street. Tickets can be purchased at universe.com/roseterrace.
With both indoor and outdoor seating, Rosé Terrace is the perfect spot for after work drinks, weekend get togethers, and pre-dinner wine time during the warmer summer months. The terrace will be open Monday-Thursday at 4pm, Friday at 2pm and weekends at noon through Spring and Summer.
If you’re still hungry after all that drinking you can take the elevator down to the lobby level and head to Cleo, which prides itself on its wonderful Mediterranean dishes. Everything from their Grilled Spanish Octopus to their Agnolotti and Tandoori Chicken Sandwich exemplifies what makes this type of cuisine so damn good. More info here.