There’s something magical about the first warm day in New York City. People emerge from hibernation, shed their puffers, and suddenly every sidewalk café is packed like it’s Paris in July and every grassy patch is covered in picnic blankets. Soho Diner, nestled beneath the Soho Grand Hotel, has embraced this golden-hour with the seasonal reopening of the iconic outdoor garden, and let me tell you: it’s worth the reservation.
Stepping into the storied Hunt & Fish Club in midtown Manhattan feels like what you imagined New York City to be like as a little kid – tall, gilded ceilings, white tablecloths and velvet-lined booths, champagne cooling in a table-side marble bucket. Let’s just say it – we were thoroughly impressed when we walked in and were escorted to our table.
On Thursday night, we returned to one of our favorite spots in the city: BLACKBARN threw a celebration to launch their new intimate event space: the Den. The Den sits at mezzanine level, a step above the lively dining room below but still enveloped in the restaurant’s cozy barn-chic aura.
An exciting new launch, the Den was introduced as the perfect location for intimate dining affairs, birthday dinners, business meetings (it’s equipped with a wall-mounted TV). With its sliding full-length glass doors and hidden satellite bar, the Den is a welcome addition to BLACKBARN’s other event spaces poised to host every occasion.
For those who aren’t familiar, BLACKBARN is an American restaurant situated right by Madison Square Park, home to gorgeous views overlooking the park. Its event spaces and coveted vistas are only the beginning of what the restaurant has to offer, though. Their farm-to-table menu delights clientele with local ingredients, artisan flavors and techniques, and a cozy “modern barn” interior that feels like a special treat and makes you feel right at home. We’ve been in the past to sample their summer menu and their wine collection, but this was the first time we got to try their winter selection.
When we arrived at the restaurant, we were escorted upstairs and greeted with fresh wines and their signature apple whiskey cocktail while we took in the calming atmosphere of their Loft event space. An array of wondrously delicious appetizers floated around the room during the entire night: fried artichoke with goat cheese, black truffle egg yolk souffle served in eggshell cups, breaded lamb-stuffed olives, and many more.
Halfway through the event, Chef / Owner John Doherty came out to tell us about some of the exciting initiatives they are undertaking. A recent event with Netflix’s Blue Zones documentary inspired the kitchen to create more plant-based, gluten-free, and vegetarian menu options. Their new Hudson Valley location at Diamond Mills Hotel in Saugerties offers a dazzling experience: from spa treatments with non-toxic, science-backed products from Comfort Zone to a waterside massage to a personal ferry ride from the spa to the restaurant. We can’t wait to make the trip upstate to try it out!
On a visit to the Meyers Manx Cafe, at 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, The Knockturnal eagerly drove into their brunch offerings.
This past week, Michelin-recognized restaurant Sweetbriar hosted a special happy hour to celebrate their January partnership with the tequila brand we all know and love, Don Julio.