KC On The Go

You’re in New York City and you have a night on the town to do whatever you want – the question is, what to do? I know, it’s so tough to decide, the possibilities are endless. Here is one of my suggestions on how to have one perfect night in New York. And, it’s a simple one – dinner followed by cocktails but sometimes simple is all you need. For the sake of accuracy, I’ve tested this one out a number of times – trust me, it’s a winner.

DINNER AT ALTA

Any night that starts at Alta is a great night right off the bat. I count this as one of my favorite restaurants in New York City. It has no Michelin stars, isn’t backed by a famous TV chef and doesn’t have a menu that changes with the seasons. The wonderful thing is, it doesn’t need any of that. What it has is special. It’s a subterranean enclave with a diverse and interesting menu, attentive service and divine food set in the warmest, most inviting and, yes, romantic space.

If you come with a larger party, you will most likely be seated in the downstairs dining area, which is lovely…really. However, where you really want to be is upstairs. The upstairs dining area is essentially a balcony, mostly comprised of tables for two surrounding the perimeter of the space all with a view of the first floor. If you can grab one of those tables along the railing, all the better. The lights are dim and give off a warm, ambient glow. The furnishings give the feel that you’re tucked away in a restaurant along the Mediterranean.

Now on to the best bits – the food and wine! Their cocktail selection is lovely, the beer selection solid but the wine list really shines. It’s really quite impressive – they boast a deep collection that consists of more than 450 selections to satisfy every taste. It even holds the coveted Best of Award for Excellence from Wine Spectator. The last time I was there, we had the most wonderful bottle of Sancerre recommended by our waitress.

The menu is comprised of Mediterranean tapas broken down into categories. The “Land” category features such delights as lamb tagine and duck confit, a few of my favorites from “Sea” are grilled wild shrimp and octopus a la plancha. The way I approach it is to order a few dishes, then order a few more and so on, you get the idea. If I had to pick only one dish as a standout, there’s no question it would be bacon wrapped dates and olives in the “Snacks” section. Yes, a snack is my absolute favorite dish at Alta. The combination of the sweetness of the dates and the salty bacon is sheer perfection. Better get two orders, they go fast.

Their dessert menu is equally as impressive. As I am a chocolate fiend, I’ve had the warm chocolate cake on several occasions. I mean, it’s warm and chocolate with banana chai ice cream (on the side for me, just like Sally) and a chocolate rum sauce – how can I possibly be trusted to resist with that description? If you’re with a large party or just have deep pockets, you can get the entire menu for $600! Someday…

AFTER DINNER DRINKS AT GALLOW GREEN

New York has many rooftop bars and I have been to quite a few. Some are fancy, some casual, others hip but none as of yet, in my opinion, compare to Gallow Green. Situated atop the McKittrick Hotel, it’s a little world of its own. I mean that both literally and figuratively. It’s so far west and a good long walk from any subway stop, it feels like you’ve entered another time and place. That feeling only continues as you enter an elevator operated by a member of staff who escorts you to the rooftop and directs you to your destination of choice. Definitely a touch from a bygone era.

Once you emerge onto the roof your senses are overtaken by such a beautiful display of greenery and fairy lights, you’d swear you weren’t in New York City anymore. The ambiance exudes romance. The cocktails are beautifully crafted and change seasonally. I’ve never been disappointed, though if they happen to be on the menu when you’re there, the Sleep No More is always a good option and the Honey Pot is a refreshing and not too sweet gin drink. If you’re feeling a little peckish while you sip your cocktails, they do offer a nice menu.

In the winter months, the lush greenery becomes The Lodge complete with cozy rooms full of rustic furniture, a library and an outdoor fire pit. The cocktails are just as intriguing and well crafted as they are in the warmer months and they offer a menu of small plates, salads and pizzas to snack on. Warm and wintery tipples are on offer at The Lodge, such as a lovely mulled wine. I do love my gin, so the last time I was there, I couldn’t resist Mrs. Danvers’ Ruin both for the name and the ingredients. It was especially tasty huddled under a blanket in front of the fire pit. I think Mrs. Danvers would approve, albeit begrudgingly.

The space gets crowded all year round and reservations are only accepted if you plan to dine there in the section staffed by waiters. If not, it’s every person for themselves up there. I’ve always lucked out and snagged a seat. Either way, it’s absolutely worth a trip. In fact, I think I’m going to plan a night at The Lodge before the weather thaws!

And that is one great night in New York City! What are your favorite things to do when you’re at home or away? Leave a comment! And, if anyone takes my recommendations, I’d love to hear what you think. Until next time – cheers!