On the picturesque corner of the Upper East Side lives one of Manhattan’s most iconic hotels, and, of course, restaurants – The Regency Bar & Grill at Loews Regency New York Hotel. Renowned for its “Power Breakfast,” which started in the 1970s by Bob Tisch, as well as its lively bar scene, where you can’t get a seat once the clock strikes 5:00 p.m., The Regency Bar & Grill is filled with a warm staff, some of whom have worked at the restaurant and bar for decades, serving its classic martinis, fine wines and signature dishes that keep guests coming back for more. Behind the glass doors, executive chef Manjit Manohar is now in his third year at the helm of this restaurant.
We wrote about Chef Manjit when he was first brought in to shake things up at the legendary hotel’s restaurant, but now he is reflecting on where this journey has taken him, and his outlook on where he wants to take The Regency Bar & Grill next.
Manohar grew up in a small town in India. Every morning, his parents would go to the local farmer’s market to pick up local produce and milk to use for meals that day. His mother has been his life-long inspiration; after all she was the one who encouraged him to become a chef. It was that encouragement and his drive for better, healthier and flavorful fare that continues to spark the flame for Chef Monjit in the kitchen.
For nearly 25 years, he has traveled the world, learning about new cultures and mastering new cuisines; he worked behind the burners in some of the most renowned and prestigious kitchens in the world. But joining the team at The Regency Bar & Grill has been a career highlight. At a previous role, he worked close to The Regency Bar & Grill. He always admired how all the tables were filled every morning with businessmen and women, dressed for success with custom tailoring and now, years later, here he is running the kitchen at 540 Park Avenue.
So, what has Chef Manjit done in the last three years and what’s coming up for the iconic restaurant that New York’s movers and shakers are so loyal to? He has expanded the menu tremendously for lunch, dinner, and bar service along with weekend brunch; and created monthly dining series events, which he plans to bring back later this year.
Chef Manjit has continued to surprise and delight guests, both established and new, with his creative flare that honors the sophistication and prominence of The Regency Bar & Grill’s history blended with a contemporary touch, time and time again.
He has also sourced new culinary partners as part of the brand’s Flavor by Loews Hotels program.
Later this month, Chef Manjit is proud to debut his second Valentine’s Day menu. An offering full of mouth-watering dishes catered to the community. For $125, per person, the menu consists of a first course, or “First Kiss,” with selections including Hamachi Crudo or Caviar and Crisp Shell. The main course, or “Made For Each Other” selections include a Fillet of Beet, Halibut, or Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Guests can end the evening on a sweet note with the “Sweat Treat” course of Duo of Chocolates or Chocolate Chip Cookie Slider. In addition to the special menu, new this year, a live jazz trio will be performing from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. that evening.
Beyond the dinner, those looking for more ways to say, “I Love You,” the hotel has debuted its new Love at Loews package experience including curated seasonal flowers, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, selection of local chocolates and a one-on-one consultation with our concierge to impress your loved one.
So, the next time you walk Park Avenue and are looking for that experience that you thought you might not be able to get anymore, step inside The Regency Bar & Grill, we promise it will be worth it.
To learn more about Chef Monjit and The Regency Bar & Grill, please visit loewshotels.com/regency-hotel/dining