New York City is divided. It’s not something as simple as East Village versus West Village or Queens versus Brooklyn.
While the Met Gala made headlines on Monday, another kind of celebration was creating its own spotlight, rooted in culture, community, and tequila. On Monday, May 5th, The Knockturnal celebrated Cinco de Mayo in style with Hornitos Tequila at their first-ever Hornitos Mex Gala and it was a night to remember.
The unassuming street entrance to So & So’s may be low-key, but step inside, and you’ll find a world of vibrant musical energy and sultry charm.
Introducing the Hudson Club New York, now officially open for business: an expansive alcove dripping with sophisticated glamor, perfect for all your social occasions. We stopped by the night before the lounge opened to sample the delicious bites, inventive cocktails, and the inspired atmosphere.
Inside the new rooftop bar Nubeluz at the Ritz Carlton New York, NoMad
Set your sights straight to the 50th floor of the Ritz Carlton New York, NoMad where world-renowned Chef José Andrés opened a new cocktail bar that is just dying to be your next Insta background. Aptly named Nubeluz – a portmanteau of the Spanish words “nube” and “luz” for cloud and light, respectively – the rooftop bar is an electrifying 21st-century reiteration of velvet conversation pits, domed golden chandeliers, and eclectic geometric lamps, bringing the 1970s open plan living fully to [night]life.
Ahead of its Saturday opening, The Knockturnal was among a few special guests to tour the rooftop bar – which boasts 270-degree views of the city from two outdoor terraces, complete with full frontal views of the Empire State Building just up the block. The generously poured sparkling wine during the event certainly matched the bold and bright colors of not only the interior bar but also the bar’s developers, Dayssi and Paul Kanavos of the Flag Luxury Group.
Designed by the London-based Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the sights and sounds were all front and center ahead of Nubeluz’s opening. “When we first envisioned this property with Rafael Viñoly,” the Uruguayan architect behind 432 Park, “we knew that the views would be spectacular and we needed to create an equally striking space inside for guests to be fully immersed in the beauty and glamour of New York at night,” said Flag Luxury Group President Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos.
Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Paul Kanavos
“Nubeluz draws energy and inspiration from the great city of New York, which completely surrounds you here 500 feet in the air,” Chef Andrés said in a press release.
The bar’s floor-to-ceiling windows bring that love for New York’s nightlife into new … light. One can stand at one edge of the bar and feel like they’re grabbing drinks with the Met Life Tower itself, and be able to look across the open concept bar to spot people atop the Empire State – if the massive line of people looking to grab a drink at the onyx-counter bar ever dissipates.
Now open, the bar deliciously serves up opulent bar bites such as oysters, foie gras, sweet cones, and the ever-popular caviar bump. For those who really want to ball out, you can grab 125 grams of Giaveri Beluga caviar for only $950. The drinks are no laughing matter – led by Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup’s cocktail innovator Miguel Lancha, the moderately priced mocktails and cocktails will surely leave you wanting more. You can check out the extensive wine list and other small bites on the menu here.
Afraid of heights but want good bites? Not to worry – you can still have the José Andrés food at a much lower elevation. The Ritz Carlton New York, NoMad features two additional Andrés restaurants for guests and visitors alike. The street-level Zaytinya offers a Turkish-inspired Mediterranean mezze menu, while the Bazaar by José Andrés gives hungry visitors an “Avante Garde” delectable dining option.
Nubeluz is open Sunday through Wednesday from 4 PM to 12 AM and Thursday through Saturday from 4 PM to 1 AM. You can make a reservation here.
If you’re craving space to let loose and feel the beat, MUSICA is all yours.
The first Manhattan outpost for House of Yes is the perfect place to get some dancing done in an opulent, performance-filled atmosphere.
The fixture in New York nightlife hosted an event with The Prisoner Wine Company to celebrate the “creatures of the night”. The Knockturnal takes a moment to chat with the Swiss icon. The interview with Susanne Bartsch was conducted by Benjamin Schmidt for the The Knockturnal in New York City on Tuesday, 16 November 2021. It was edited for brevity and clarity.