Last week The Parliament proved it knows how to give ’em the old Razzle Dazzle as it celebrated its grand opening in true Broadway fashion—paired perfectly with the kickoff of Chicago on Broadway’s 29th Anniversary. From the moment guests stepped inside The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel, it was clear this wasn’t going to be just another Midtown restaurant launch. Nope—this was a full-on, jazz-handed spectacle worthy of All That Jazz itself.
The celebration unfolded across two glamorous floors, each offering its own brand of star power. Downstairs, the bar buzzed like the opening notes of “Overture,” as trays of signature cocktails—including the cheekily on-theme “Razzle Dazzle”—floated through the crowd. Guests nibbled on sliders and gathered around a shimmering oyster bar built over an ice sculpture spelling out the restaurant’s name. Fresh lobster, plump oysters, juicy shrimp, and some of the most flavorful, perfectly cooked burgers I’ve had all year added to the feast. The vibe? A little sultry, a little sophisticated, and very “And All That Jazz.” A dramatic and stunning spiral staircase invited guests to make a showstopping entrance to the second floor, where a Champagne pop-up bar and charcuterie stations awaited. A photo booth overlooking 50th and Lex served as the perfect backdrop for anyone ready to strike a pose—and trust us, there were plenty of “Hot Honey Rag” moments captured up there.
Then came even more showstoppers: the cast of Chicago making their grand entrance straight from their performance at the Ambassador Theater. Tony Award winner Alex Newell (serving full Mama Morton energy thanks to her new role and sweet enough to chat with fans) and Broadway powerhouse Kate Baldwin (the fiery Roxie Hart) led the pack. Their arrival instantly shifted the energy from festive to full-on lights, camera, action, Broadway, turning the event into a celebration worthy of a Cell Block Tango finale—minus the drama of course!
The Parliament officially opened its doors on November 11th and is already making a name for itself as a Midtown dining destination. Under Chef Rakmin Lee, the restaurant serves classic, nostalgic dishes meant for sharing—perfect for a group outing. With its striking bar area and all-day menu spanning breakfast to weekend brunch, it’s set to become a neighborhood favorite for everything from happy hour to lingering dinners.
At The Parliament, every dish is crafted with a focus on flavor, balance, and the joy of sharing. Chef Rakmin Lee brings global influences—from Korean to French to Italian—grounded in modern American cooking, creating a menu that is both refined and approachable. Tucked within Manhattan’s landmark building, The Parliament offers elevated classics, seasonal plates, and signature flatbreads by day, and bold, balanced cocktails paired with small bites by night. With menus that evolve throughout the day, the restaurant invites guests to linger, savoring inventive dishes and drinks in a sophisticated yet welcoming Midtown setting.
From Broadway sparkle to standout bites, The Parliament’s opening night was packed with Razzle Dazzle, All That Jazz, and just the right amount of showbiz swagger. If this debut is any indication, The Parliament is ready for a long, applause-filled run in the heart of Midtown.
