I first moved to New York around this time six years ago, and I thought I was pretty clued up by now about the best places to eat and drink in the city. I guess that is what I love about New York – the fact that there is always a new restaurant or a new bar to be discovered! However, when it comes to The Plaza Hotel I assumed I knew everything about it – I love the architecture, the rooms, the furnishings, the shops, the banquet halls, the wedding’s held there and of course, the food and drink. But, as it turns out I was missing out on one of the best contributions the Plaza has given to New Yorkers:
The Plaza Food Hall. I was a huge fan of The Oak Room, which unfortunately has closed for now, and I have really missed getting all dressed up and having an elegant evening drink with friends.
I was given the best present the other day when my friend introduced me to the Plaza Food Hall. Hidden downstairs on the ground floor of the hotel is a large hall with high bars and chairs in the center. Surrounding the seating area is a huge array of delights; I didn’t know where to start! The Food Hall invites you to try everything they have to offer. Whatever you desire, they will have it. There is a sushi bar, a dumpling bar, a bakery, pizza, cheese and charcuterie, a grill, a market and a wine bar! Of course, I wanted to try everything but I settled with a Bellini, a two-way tuna roll and a slice of red velvet cake. The Bellini came in a very generous sized glass and could rival the Cipriani Bellini easily, the sushi was so fresh it melted in my mouth and the red velvet cake was so delicious I nearly cried – Magnolia Bakery has competition! But what was even more fantastic were the prices. Yes, the Oak Room was ridiculously expensive, but that is to be expected when dining at the Plaza’s infamous restaurant. Yet, the Plaza Food Hall gives you the sophistication and elegance but without clearing out your bank account. It is also has a much more welcoming and cozy atmosphere than you would expect and whether you are decked out to the nines or all cuddled up in a knit sweater and your Ugg boots, you will still feel at ease.
With the Holiday Season coming up I cannot think of a better place to warm up and treat yourself or even take home their goodies to enjoy at home with your friends and family. I cannot wait to go back and try some more!
WHERE:
The Plaza Food Hall by Todd English
One West 59th Street, Concourse Level
New York, NY 10019
Ph. 212-986-9260
HOURS OF OPERATION: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
I first moved to New York around this time six years ago, and I thought I was pretty clued up by now about the best places to eat and drink in the city. I guess that is what I love about New York – the fact that there is always a new restaurant or a new bar to be discovered! However, when it comes to The Plaza Hotel I assumed I knew everything about it – I love the architecture, the rooms, the furnishings, the shops, the banquet halls, the wedding’s held there and of course, the food and drink. But, as it turns out I was missing out on one of the best contributions the Plaza has given to New Yorkers: The Plaza Food Hall. I was a huge fan of The Oak Room, which unfortunately has closed for now, and I have really missed getting all dressed up and having an elegant evening drink with friends.
I was given the best present the other day when my friend introduced me to the Plaza Food Hall. Hidden downstairs on the ground floor of the hotel is a large hall with high bars and chairs in the center. Surrounding the seating area is a huge array of delights; I didn’t know where to start! The Food Hall invites you to try everything they have to offer. Whatever you desire, they will have it. There is a sushi bar, a dumpling bar, a bakery, pizza, cheese and charcuterie, a grill, a market and a wine bar! Of course, I wanted to try everything but I settled with a Bellini, a two-way tuna roll and a slice of red velvet cake. The Bellini came in a very generous sized glass and could rival the Cipriani Bellini easily, the sushi was so fresh it melted in my mouth and the red velvet cake was so delicious I nearly cried – Magnolia Bakery has competition! But what was even more fantastic were the prices. Yes, the Oak Room was ridiculously expensive, but that is to be expected when dining at the Plaza’s infamous restaurant. Yet, the Plaza Food Hall gives you the sophistication and elegance but without clearing out your bank account. It is also has a much more welcoming and cozy atmosphere than you would expect and whether you are decked out to the nines or all cuddled up in a knit sweater and your Ugg boots, you will still feel at ease.
With the Holiday Season coming up I cannot think of a better place to warm up and treat yourself or even take home their goodies to enjoy at home with your friends and family. I cannot wait to go back and try some more!
WHERE:
The Plaza Food Hall by Todd English
One West 59th Street, Concourse Level
New York, NY 10019
Ph. 212-986-9260
HOURS OF OPERATION: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
