Tag Archives: America

Cafe Boulud, New York

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Boulud is a big name all over the world. In London I work just across the road from Bar Boulud, which serves up some of the best burgers in town. In New York, Daniel Boulud currently has seven restaurants, of which many have a Michelin star rating. The most prestigious perhaps is Daniel, which has the ultimate recognition of three stars.

Café Boulud is located inside the stunning Surrey Hotel on New York’s Upper East Side. It has become a staple for the smart mummies, businessmen and fashionistas of this area, but is a destination also worth travelling to. On a Friday lunchtime the stylish dining room was heaving with animated guests… we squeezed into a corner table and awaited Boulud’s brilliant food.

Hailing from Lyon in France, most of Boulud’s food has a strong French influence and elegance, though at this restaurant he confidently explores cuisines and traditions from further afield offering diners a wide range of international recipes to try. We picked options from different menus, despite the conflict of origin! The ‘Potager’ menu (inspired by the Farmers’ Market) provided our starters: Mushroom Veloute and Butternut Squash Fettuccine. Both were warming, comforting dishes, made with fresh autumnal flavours. The veloute, although a slightly unappetising marbled green and brown colour, had a wonderfully silky texture and wild woody taste. The fettuccine was irresistibly tasty, tossed with pumpkin seed pesto, chanterelle mushrooms and pecorino Romano and tasted like it had come straight from Italy.

The main courses were more typically French, Dry Aged Beef, spinach subric, crispy horseradish, Pommes Anna and shallot jus was the favourite. A grand meal with all the trimmings the beef was a lovely cut cooked slowly to conjure a depth of flavour. Seared chicken breast was a little dry but Sage Pain Perdue was a tasty herby addition and the sauce was caramelly and delightful, if only there was more of it!

Desserts were beautifully presented, my Coconut Delice was almost sculptural in appearance, a perfect white sphere of refreshing coconut sorbet with piercingly pink pomegranate gelee. Caramelia was a richer pudding, Peanut Dacquoise and salted caramel ice-cream with a contrasting Huckleberry Compote which I couldn’t quite decide on… the ice-cream was a dream but I found the compote a little overpowering.

A little basket of warm-out-of-the-oven mini madeleines was the lovely end to this exquisite Boulud meal. Walk off the calories at one of the nearby art museums, we did so at the Whitney.

More information and book here: www.cafeboulud.com/nyc

And information on The Surrey hotel here: www.thesurrey.com

Many thanks to NYC GO for their help with this trip, and Virgin Atlantic for flights.

 

The Nolitan Hotel, New York

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In Manhattan, the borough names offer a clue about the area and its history. Nolita, now a stylish boutique-driven neighbourhood, was once unimportant and unrecognised, merely a grid of streets to the north of Little Italy.

Coming from the more frantic and commercial Midtown, I felt at home among the independent boutiques and atmospheric eateries of Elizabeth Street. The personality and charm of Nolita is infectious and it soon became my favourite area, both to explore and to experience New York life. The Nolitan captures the energy of the surrounding streets, and elements of the hotel pay homage to the Little Italy heritage; the red and white theme throughout the hotel reminds you of the familiar tablecloths in Italian restaurants. This cute colour scheme is paired with a punky modernism, the uber-chic lobby and the neon signs fit in aesthetically with the nearby boutiques.

As in most hotels in Manhattan, the rooms at The Nolitan are not big, but simple clever design makes the most of the precious space. Our room was chic and homely. The design is a mix of ultra-lux sleek materials and grungy industrial features, juxtapositions which are satisfying cool and effective. A glass balcony offers spectacular views of the city, and creates a sense of space in the room. The Queen size bed dominates the floor space, with a small desk and armchair for practicalities. The open plan bathroom means showering is an exhibitionist activity though there is a curtain for those who desire a little privacy. Organic toiletries come from Red Flower, high quality products which smell delicious too. I noticed a yoga mat in the cupboard, and was delighted to receive a special gift voucher from Tory Burch, a designer collaboration between the shop and hotel.

There are generous free perks for Nolitan guests including appetising Sips and Savouries (wine and cheese) served Monday – Saturday early evening. Check-out is thankfully late at 1pm, plus speedy Wifi and local calling is all included. The hotel’s fleet of bikes and skateboards are also available for complimentary use, so you nip around town with ease. A small shop downstairs displays the Nolitan merchandise, including branded clothes and bags and the supersoft red cashmere blankets that cover every bed.

The restaurant, Cantine Parisienne offers seasonal French cuisine in a lively casual dining environment. This engaging eatery is popular with guests and locals, a lovely addition to the Nolitan brand. Breakfast is served here or can be ordered in your room.

For downtown hipster accommodation, this hotel ticks every box. With cool design and detailing, I fell in love with everything about the place.

More information and book here: www.nolitanhotel.com

Many thanks to NYC GO for their help with this trip, and Virgin Atlantic for flights.

Afternoon Tea at The Carlyle, New York

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Many tourists visiting London will be desperate to try one of London’s elaborate and spectacular afternoon teas. This quaint tradition is celebrated in most upmarket hotels in the city, each with its own character and style. The Sanderson presents an imaginative and eccentric Alice in Wonderland inspired tea while the Dorchester is immaculate and impressive, just as you’d expect.

Whilst in New York I was keen to try the American interpretation of the classic afternoon tea. The obvious choice for this occasion is the renowned and prestigious Carlyle Hotel. This beautiful Upper East Side establishment is elegant and refined, and the luxurious antique interior encourages you to sink into the plush velvet armchairs and indulge all afternoon. It is a blissful break from a chilly walk in Central Park or a day of shopping in the nearby designer boutiques.

Afternoon tea of all kinds is served in the Gallery, a cosy, exquisite little salon. There is a grand and opulent feel to this place, designed by the legendary decorator Renzo Mongiardino and inspired by the sultan’s dining room at the Topkapi Palace in Turkey. We indulged with the ultimate champagne tea and were treated to glasses of fizzy, little sandwiches, fresh scones and miniature pastries. Our waiter was softly spoken and kind, swiftly returning to the table with each additional course.

After sipping our exotically fruity teas we began on the tiered feast. The sandwiches were ultra-fresh, made with soft bread and delicious fillings, I particularly enjoyed the cucumber and cream cheese. Scones were fluffy and absolutely divine piled high with thick Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Then the pretty pastries from the talented chef, of which we favoured the mini meringue pie! Those who cannot manage the full array of tea can pick elements individually a la carte.

For a sophisticated and civilised afternoon in New York the Carlyle’s afternoon tea is the perfect plan.

More information and book here.

Many thanks to NYC GO for their help with this trip, and Virgin Atlantic for flights.