Whether you are interested in art or not, a trip to the magnificent Guggenheim is a must when staying in New York. When I first visited the Big Apple I was in awe of this epic building, and so I couldn’t wait to return.
This time around I was lucky enough to discover the super stylish Wright restaurant at the Guggenheim. Serving up delicious food and sensational cocktails in a suitably artistic setting, it is the ideal place to dine pre or post exhibition viewing!
After a leisurely walk around Central Park in the sunshine, we collapsed into our seats at the Wright, nodding profusely when asked if we’d like a cocktail or not.
The food here is contemporary and confident, with an emphasis on fine ingredients and attractive presentation. With the chattering creatives surrounding us, we soon relaxed and felt completely at ease among all the ladies who lunch. I loved the atmosphere and could have spent the whole afternoon over our yummy lunch. Vibrant clementine orange martini glasses arrived, much to our delight, and we sipped on the cooling concoctions, the Wright (grey goose orange vodka, sweet vermouth, orange juice, Campari, club soda and orange twist) for me and the Park (Tanqueray Gin, Grand Marnier, Apricot Brandy, Orange Juice and Grenadine) for my chum. They looked almost identical mixed expertly to create smooth and flavoursome drinks.
The menu is clear and simple with bold flavours and high quality ingredients. My friend seemed absolutely delighted with her Sashimi Tuna, Avocado, Shishito Peppers and Wasabi Aioli, claiming it to be the best Sashimi she has ever tasted. The plate looked fresh and exciting, a careful selection of complementing colours and textures. I tried the Eggplant, Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Terrine dressed with Parsley and Balsamic. It was not what I was expecting, a slim and soft vegetarian terrine is a strange notion but miraculously it worked (once I’d accepted the idea) and the flavour and seasoning were well judged.
Feeling brave, we opted for two of the heavier main courses: Pappardelle Bolognese with Ricotta Mousse and Braised Short Rib with Spaetzle, Citrus Carrot Puree; both classic dishes but creatively reworked and adapted. The portions are generous and surprisingly filling (I was very disappointed when I couldn’t finish my bowl of pasta). The Bolognese sauce was rich and meaty and worked well with the thick pasta, although I found the ricotta mousse a little tart and would have preferred just grated parmesan on top. The braised beef was masterfully moulded into a cube structure and carefully placed with decoratively arranged accompaniments. It was wonderfully tender and aromatic but incredibly rich and probably too much for one person.
After lunch we were kindly escorted into the Picasso ‘Black and White’ exhibition for a look round the monochrome masterpieces, a sublime afternoon viewing after a heavenly lunch.
More information here: http://www.thewrightrestaurant.com/home/default.asp