If there is one thing Manhattanites can all agree on is that weekends are pretty much for sleeping in after a long night out, and then heading off to grab some delicious brunch on both Saturday and Sunday. It is sort of our little version of the best day after remedy you could possibly imagine. With the weather being as cold as it is outside, we are hurrying our little butts off to whatever brunch place we love to enjoy what they have to offer. So what do we here at Manhattan Digest think are some pretty great Winter brunch spots to enjoy with your friends and family? Take a look.
[Read more…] about Best Winter Brunches in New York City for 2016
Bateaux
Celebrate Mother’s Day At These Fab Locations
The day where the world celebrates the mother’s in their life- whether it is their own mother, wife or otherwise- is coming up this Sunday! If you want to take that special woman or women in your life out in style, look no further than Manhattan Digest to guide you on the best restaurants to go to. Ranging in locations from Manhattan to Jersey City, these places are going above and beyond to give everyone in your party, especially the mom’s out there, a really great time and something that will hopefully be quite memorable. Take a look at what these places have to offer.

Give mom an iconic NYC getaway at the Towers of the Waldorf Astoria New York with limited spring rates from $359. An extra touch, the Towers staff is accustomed to fulfilling lavish requests – like covering every inch of a suite with floral arrangements, floating water lilies in the tub and even positioning flowering vines down the walls. Then, let mom indulge in luxury pampering at the 19th floor Guerlain Spa with 20% off gift cards of $300 or more, as well as an individual rose take-home gift to all moms who visit. Finish the momcation with Sunday Brunch (arguable the country’s best!) in Peacock Alley, the gem of the hotel’s lobby.

Celebrate your mom on one of New York’s most sophisticated, all-glass, European inspired boat cruise, Bateaux New York with brunch or dinner cruises. Starting at $79.90 per adult and $47.95 per child, all moms will receive a complimentary mimosa or glass of champagne as they listen to live entertainment and spend time with their loved ones as they enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline. Those looking to celebrate during a dinner cruise (starting at $132.90) will enjoy menu items such as crispy zucchini cakes, stuffed pork roulade, miso glazed cod and many more, plus a delicious dessert menu with s’mores bread pudding, New York style cheesecake and mountain berry shortcake.

Spirit of New York and Spirit of New Jersey are offering endless options for brunch and dinner, providing an experience filled with dancing, great food and entertainment. The climate-controlled interior decks have panoramic windows for breathtaking views of Manhattan, spacious dance floors and full service bars. Menu items include roast salmon & tilapia, chicken parmesan meatball, baked ziti and more. Departing from Lincoln Harbor and Chelsea Piers, brunch cruises start at 61.90 per adult and $37.95 per child while dinner cruisers start at $94.90 per person. Purchase tickets here.

Guests can treat mom to decadence this Mother’s Day at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House New York. Be it the mouth-watering, prime cuts of steak, the 2,000+ bottle wine program led by four female sommeliers or the off-the-menu ‘secret items’ like the Del’s Delight or Thick Cut Bacon – moms will be wowed by the food and ambiance, and even more so by the friendly service. For reservations, visit OpenTable or call 212.575.5129

New Yorkers celebrating Mother’s Day can take advantage of New York Hilton Midtown’s grab-and-go market, Herb N’ Kitchen. Located five blocks from Central Park, packing a family picnic basket and heading to the park has never been easier. This month, Herb N’ Kitchen began serving Oprah’s favorite bagel, Bantam Bagels, which was invested in on season six of Shark Tank, as well as expanded upon its robust gluten-free menu with a gluten removed pilsner, Estrella Damm. Featuring locally-sourced dishes such as Pat LaFreida Burgers and Greenwich Village-based Murray’s Cheese Plate, New York Hilton Midtown gives locals a taste of the city without the hassle of a reservation.

Battello, a waterfront restaurant in the Newport section of Jersey City, is hosting a Jazz Buffet Brunch to celebrate mom on Mother’s Day this year. Celebrity chef, Ryan DePersio, invites guests to enjoy carving and buffet stations, a raw bar, a dessert and a choice of a Bloody Mary or Mimosa as well as a coffee or tea for just $49 per adult and $20 for children. During brunch, relax and listen to two live jazz bands, with one playing in the main dining area and the other in the lounge. To make sure every mom has the perfect experience, Battello will have three seatings, one at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM. For reservations please call: 201-798-1798

Fire & Oak, located in the Westin Jersey City in the Newport area of Jersey City, is honoring mothers everywhere with a celebratory Champagne Brunch on Sunday, May 10th from 11AM to 3PM. Toast mom with a complimentary glass of Champagne, or if you prefer, a Mimosa, Bellini or Bloody Mary. The special brunch menu includes dishes like Peppered Bacon Sausage and Country Style Home Fries, Bananas Foster French Toast, Hand Carved Prime NY Strip Steak and a Raw Bar featuring Shrimp, Clams and Blue Point Oysters. For reservations please call: 201-610-9610.

Corkbuzz’s Union Square location is celebrating Mother’s Day with a brunch buffet featuring an Egg Station, Cornflake Crusted French Toast, Smoked Salmon, and Grilled Cheese. A few of the restaurant’s regular brunch offerings such as the Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes (apple chutney) and Granola (nuts, yogurt, berries) will also be available. Aside from Corkbuzz’s signature Champagne Campaign of half-off bottles of all champagne, guests can enjoy a fully dressed Bloody Mary Bar.
Cost: $50
Includes: Buffet, Bloody Mary Bar
Time: noon – 3:00pm
Lemon-Butter Chicken
herbed peas and carrots
Egg Station
peppers, cheese, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, ham, bacon, sausage, duck confit
Smoked Salmon
rye roast, mustard cream
Cornflake Crusted French Toast
seasonal jam, whipped cream
Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes
apple chutney
Grilled Cheese
caramelized onion and gruyere
Spring Greens Salad
cider vinaigrette
Granola
nuts, yogurt, berries
Potato Hash, Oatmeal, Sausage, Bacon, Cheese & Charcuterie, Wheat/Brioche/White Toast
Fully Dressed Bloody Mary Bar
And, of course, #ChampagneCampaign– half off bottles of all Champagne!
Happy Mother’s Day Everyone!
In The Mood For A Cruise Around Manhattan? Try Bateaux New York
The warm weather is finally upon us after a dreary winter that never seemed to end. Now that New Yorkers & Manhattanites are trading their overcoats for skirts and shorts, we have several wants and needs to get out of the house and enjoy this weather that seems severely overdue. Why not start… with a cruise? Although several of us tend to go far and away to experience an amazing cruise and its amenities, there is one in particular that is right here in New York City that provides all of that and then some. This is Bateaux New York, which is located right in the heart of Chelsea Piers on 11th Avenue between 20th and 21st street. If Chelsea Piers doesn’t work for you geographically, they also depart from Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weekhawken, NJ. Here is some facts on Bateaux itself.

Built in 1998 in Tidewater, Virginia, Bateaux New York measures 185 feet from bow to stern. Currently owned by Entertainment Cruises, Inc., this impressive vessel has hosted over half-a-million guests. With a unique all-glass design inspired by the river boats of Europe, Bateaux New York delivers the best of New York serving 360-degree views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty directly to your table. Creative plated cuisine. Gracious service. Live jazz. And more. All in the most chic and sophisticated atmosphere. All of that is a severe understatement until you experience Bateaux itself.
Here are some great unique features that Bateaux provides for its customers upon arrival-
Curved glass ceiling and walls offering a 180-degree skyline view
Two dining rooms that can be adjoined for up to 300 guests or separated for private occasions
Hardwood dance floor and rich nautical accents
Open deck layout assures every table a view of the entertainment
Uniquely designed seating arrangements create an inviting and intimate dining experience
State-of-the-art sound system with customized volume levels
Flattering halogen lighting throughout
Two outdoor strolling areas offer fresh-air views
Handicap-accessible boarding and restrooms

So essentially if you want to see all of the incredible landmarks that New York City is known for, Bateaux is the way to go. If you take a look at the above photo, Bateaux gives you full access to view everything from The Statue Of Liberty, Ellis Island, The Brooklyn Bridge and so much more. With the weather being as beautiful as it has been lately, you would get a clear view of these amazing places and take several photos to encompass a memorable evening with your loved ones.

Bateaux runs three different types of cruises on the regular- brunch, lunch and dinner. Myself and a friend were treated to their dinner cruise which boarded at 6PM on Saturday night and set sail at 7pm. The entire trip was about three hours long, and not a moment was to be missed as we were treated VIP status throughout. The views throughout were spectacular beyond the glass windows and it was smooth sailing (literally) throughout. The food and beverages we were provided were top shelf, and were treated to complimentary champagne during our stay on board. The dinner menu itself was quite impressive, as we indulged on savory treats from Shrimp Cocktail, Crab Chowder, Braised Short Rib, Roast Wagyu Strip Loin and so much more. Dessert was just as tasty as we both had the S’More Bread Pudding and New York Style Cheesecake. The dinner entertainment featuring a wonderful vocalist accompanied by a baby grand piano, acoustic bass and jazz guitar added some groove and flavor to the night. They performed some classic hits as well as more modern ones such as Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” and Alicia Keys “Empire State Of Mind”. Kudos to them as they did a phenomenal job. During the cruise we were able to head outside and get a better view of the city itself, take some photos, and enjoy what was overall a very relaxing evening.
Bateaux New York also offers specialty cruises outside of the brunch, lunch and dinner ones that they already provide. Starting on April 18th, they are offering New York Sightseeing Lunch Cruises. Come aboard the glass-enclosed, European-style Bateaux New York for the ultimate sightseeing experience. Float along the Hudson and take in amazing views with narration by our pianist of notable New York City sights like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Freedom Tower. You’ll enjoy a delicious, three-course plated lunch and live music from an onboard pianist during your cruise. It’s the most sophisticated, special way to see the best of NYC from the water. With the upcoming holidays there are specialty cruises they have setup for Mother’s Day, 4th Of July and Fleet Week just to name a few. If you need more information on these, you can check out this link.

I would highly recommend anyone trying Bateaux as it really is 10/10 when it comes to quality in what you are signing up for. They have a great variety of affordable options for you and your friends, family and loved ones and encourage a great time had by all upon arrival. For more information on them, check out the official site.