Have you seen that movie with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Not the one where they meet on top of the Empire State Building...but the one where they email each other a lot and both own book stores? "You've Got Mail!"
I love this movie for many reasons, but in particular because it was filmed in my neighborhood of the Upper West Side! I remember watching it the first few days of my first week in New York and recognizing the area, the park and the various blocks of the 70's and 80's on the Upper West.
The most climatic point of the movie is when the two main characters are about to meet face to face and they choose to meet at
Cafe Lalo on 83rd and Amsterdam...
The cafe is extremely European in both decor and menu. The outside of the cafe has a tree covered in little fairy lights, drooping over a couple of benches. The front of the cafe is made up of large, French windows and the paintings on the brick walls are of Parisian style.
The music playing in the background consists of only instrumental versions of well-known, classic melodies. All the waitresses are dressed in lilac leggings and a stylish t-shirt with the Cafe Lalo logo and various paintings. I have yet to be served by an American waitress, so the fact that the staff are from all over Europe really add to atmosphere.
The first thing you will notice about Lalo's is the huge display of desserts. Cafe Lalo holds over 100 different cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, biscotti and other guilty pleasures. I recommend trying their varieties of cheesecake - they are all amazing!
But it is not all unhealthy, calorie ridden desserts that they offer. Lalo's serve all organic products and the only produce you will find on the menu in the meat/fish region is smoked salmon. They provide a huge menu of eggs, sandwiches, salads, soups and quiches. There is also a large selection of hot and cold drinks and every syrup and flavors imaginable! Cafe Lalo is famous for its brunches. They serve Brunch everyday until 4pm, although a lot of the menu used for Brunch are still available after 4pm - such as their delicious Belgium Waffle with Cinnamon Whip and Strawberries!
The Brunch Menu is alive with culture as each Brunch is dedicated to a country, such as France, Italy, Morocco, England, Bulgarian and there is even the option of the New Yorker or Jewish Brunch! I think it is such a wonderful and original idea - giving their customers the epitome of choice!
Sounds great, right? Relaxing, worldly, cozy, calm... Well that it is during the day but Lalo's becomes a lively bar scene at night! With the cafe not closing until 4am on most nights and a full bar to offer - there is a buzzing scene of movie and theater goers in the evenings. The lights go down, the music turns up and the cocktails are passed around!
Oh and that reminds me - notice what your food and drink is served IN. I really wish Cafe Lalo would open a store so I could buy all their cutlery. The cups that hold the coffee and tea are huge, and very Central Perk-esque from F.R.I.E.N.D.S, the colors are bright and vibrant, and the glasses for the wine and cocktails are so tall and elegant, with an element of funkiness!
Tips - they only take credit cards if you spent $25 or over and I would stay clear of their Mediterranean Salad with bell peppers if you have a slightly sensitive stomach! ( I am not the only person to advise this, I assure you).
All this and more is why I have been a loyal customer for 5 years and counting!
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.
