CHECK IN TO DINE OUT
The Regency Bar & Grill
By Patricia Canole
Today, eating heartily and well has become a cultural obsession in the Big Apple. From upbeat and casual family spots to tasting menus, the choices for places to eat in New York are simply endless.
One area of the food scene which was overlooked in the past is now popular as ever. Hotels. It wasn’t long ago hotel restaurants were a no-man’s land on the food scene. Fast forward to 2021: Signature hotel restaurants continue to be transformed into culinary destinations to satisfy every craving. Today, hotels—old and new—are about the scene, the design and, of course, the food.
So, are you looking for a memorable experience to savor the best-tasting food in the city? Go ahead, book a weekend and reserve a table at the same time. Wondering where? Here’s one of our classic favorites.
THE REGENCY BAR & GRILL
The Regency Bar & Grill is already a mainstay of the UES scene. On the ground floor of Loews Regency New York, the dining room complements the New American menu—all modern accents, cushioned banquettes, and low lighting.
The restaurant offers a fantastic dining concept to create a menu emphasizing modern interpretations of classic dishes accented with international flair. And because NYC has one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the world, you will also have an opportunity to savor Flavor By Lowes—a partnership with the best culinary-beverage artisans around. Look for Brooklyn Gin’s handcrafted small-batch gin that’s good enough to drink on its own. Try the sweet and savory treats from Mah-Ze-Dahr. Those brown butter blondies and brioche doughnuts are social media sensations. Not to be overlooked is Ess-A-Bagel (no explanation needed here) and For Five Coffee offering signature blends sourced from 30 regions around the world.
The Regency Bar & Grill also remains the pinnacle for the New York Power Breakfast, having introduced the concept in 1975; it’s where masters of industry descend for their early morning meetings. Wake up to Classic Eggs Benedict or a Regency Breakfast Sandwich (fried eggs, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese on a bread roll).
Lunch/dinner menus are also loaded with delicious options. Our meal began in the bustling bar where hand-crafted cocktails like the Manhattan and other choice cocktails are served with pleasure. After enjoying the bar scene, we were escorted to the large and comfortable dining room by food and beverage manager, Jae, and Henry our server for the evening. Start off with Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with horseradish cocktail sauce and the ever-popular Porcini Truffle Pizza with fresh buffalo mozzarella, pecorino Romano, and truffle oil (addictive!) Other musts include the Signature Burger with RBG fries and house-made pickles. The Crab Cakes were flavorful and superbly chunky. Not to be overlooked is the sumptuous Chicken Paillard. Of course, carnivores will enjoy the Dry-Aged New York Strip perfectly prepared to your liking. Complete this special time with sweet temptations, including Carrot Cake with a smooth cream cheese icing or a divine Chocolate Layer Cake.
For more information on Loews Regency New York, visit loewshotels.com/regency
The Regency exudes an air of modern luxury with its sleek, stylish, and thoughtfully designed decor. The spacious lobby combines plenty of marble and cream tones. In contrast, the comfortable Lobby Lounge showcases an art installation by Brooklyn-based artist Nina Helms which seemingly floats across an expansive wall.
All spacious guest rooms are decked out with all the amenities you’d expect in an upscale New York hotel: luxurious linens, a large workspace, a marble bathroom with a TV embedded in the mirror, and Julien Farel toiletries.
The hotel also offers Sant Ambroeus Café with a separate entrance on 61st Street. This unique coffee bar is an Italian-inspired yet quintessential New York cafe. Offering pastries, coffee, and sandwiches makes this a neighborhood destination for hotel guests, residents looking for a daily boost.