As much as we lovedFrenchie at Intersect by Lexus in the Meatpacking District, we are equally excited to try the next global chef-in-residence’s creations! Starting in April, Chef Sergio Barroso of Restaurante 040 in Santiago, Chile will bring his world renowned cooking to NYC.
040 at Intersect by Lexus will offer a 12-course small plate tasting menu that consists of cutting edge bite-size dishes set to change on a regular basis, for $95 per person. Working from a reserve of 30 small plates, Chef Barroso’s menu will change day-to-day, all utilizing avant-garde techniques to provide an ever-changing dynamic to the restaurant at INTERSECT. Each course is served in non-traditional fashion – on beds of hay, wood panels, or even the spiny shell of a sea urchin. These upscale tapas will be served without silverware, distinguishing 040 from the typical fine dining experience. Lunch will be slightly more condensed with a 6-course tasting menu for $40 per person. Dishes that will be served include Hake Churros with Béchamel Foam, Shank Dumpling and Smoked Broth, and Oyster with Green Apple and Hot Pepper Sorbet.
“Restaurante 040’s inventive approach is not only unique to New York; but also, to the rest of the world,” explains Chef Barroso. “As it is the first fine dining restaurant to offer food that must be eaten with your hands, the concept will contribute a completely new gastronomic experience to the public. The concept resembles Japanese Kaiseki, complementing the overall ethos of Intersect by Lexus.”
Born in Madrid to a family of chefs, Sergio Barroso has worked at El Bulli, the legendary Michelin three-star restaurant known for its extraordinary Catalonian food, Denis Martin in Vevey, Switzerland, and the five-star Monte Carlo Beach in Monaco – all of which have shaped his esteemed cooking style.
Intersect’s Cocktail Bar and Lounge will also transition into Room 09 – 040’s speakeasy – where mixologist and partner, Raul Esteban Yañez Campos, creates original and daring cocktails. Following in 040’s unconventional style, Room 09 at Intersect by Lexus will serve cocktails in elaborate and whimsical glassware for a completely elevated and unparalleled dining experience.
We can’t wait to sample what the chefs from Santiago have to offer! If you get your hands on a cocktail served in a swan shaped glass before us be sure to tag @downtownmagnyc in your photos!
It’s Friday, and that has us thinking about one thing… Cocktails. And you know what we like more than a cocktail? A free cocktail of course!
A Downtown favorite, The Wild Son— perfectly located under the High Line — is now serving just that. Cocktails! And for a limited time, free margaritas at that. So, pop by tonight for one of their new cocktails or arm yourself with patience and wait until Sunday…
Between this Sunday, Aug 13 – Wednesday, Aug 16, the team is serving up free special margaritas during dinner service, which starts at 6 pm. That means four days of free margaritas with a delicious dinner, yes four.
And honestly… It’s worth going just for the food and ambiance. But add in free margaritas and you know where to find us.
The Cocktail
The drink they’ve chosen to celebrate their new full liquor license with is called the Garden Variety Margarita, and consists of classic tequila, fresh ginger & kale juice, lime, agave nectar and smoked chili salt on the rocks. Fresh, feisty and flirty.
All that’s left to say is cheers and happy weekend!
Trip.com is an innovative planning tool that tailors recommendations for places to stay, eat and play to your specific tastes. It also allows you to share your great experiences with people who have the same interests as you; people in your “tribes.”
Trip.com’s TripPicks This Week feature empowers you to discover and take advantage of great events, openings and exhibits throughout the city each week.
Here are some exciting events and sites to check out this week in Downtown New York, courtesy of Trip.com. Visit the Trip.com site or download the app for more upcoming events.
1. Craft Beer Fest
Metropolitan Pavilion (Flatiron)
Friday, Mar. 24-Saturday, Mar. 26 (Check site for entry times)
You’re in a for a real brewer’s treat at NYC Craft Beer Festival. Over 75 breweries from across the country will be showcasing their craft beers, meads, ciders (including limited release and seasonal selections) and spirits. Chat with industry professionals, shop an array of cool vendors, play games and purchase yummy food! Tickets start at $55.
2. Adventures in Art and Technology
459 West 14th St. (Meatpacking District)
Wednesday-Thursday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PMm; Saturday-Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
ARTech: Adventures in Art and Technology is a new pop-up activity space that allows kids and adults to take part in “STEAM-based experiential workshops, installations, and interactive moments.” Whether it’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Art or Mathematics, these fun activity stations will foster curiosity, teach problem solving and build confidence. FREE!
3. New Retro Restaurant Bar
The Flower Shop (Lower East Side)
Sunday-Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM; Thursday-Saturday from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Flower Shop, the new 3,000 square foot bi-level restaurant/lounge is basically a 1970s adult playground. Upstairs, feast on oysters with grapefruit and black pepper mignonette, or fried chicken with curry sauce and burnt lime. Then, head downstairs, to the party den, to play a game of pool, browse the jukebox tunes, stare aimlessly at the fish tank or sit back with with the Pirate Rose cocktail by the funky, pink fireplace.
4. Coffee Shop Spa
Chillhouse (Lower East Side)
Daily from 8am-8pm (Spa services begin at 10am)
Want the ultimate chill experience? Indulge in a toxin-free manicure or a relaxing massage, accompanied by ube-bey latte, beet-root horchata or a glass of organic wine and treats from Maman, Po-Po’s and Ra Bliss Balls. Chillhouse opens Tuesday, Mar. 21, providing us with a much needed respite from this long, ugly winter.
Rapper, performance artist, writer and activist, Mykki Blanco is a force to be reckoned with! Unconventional, radical and flashy, her rhymes are sharp – careful not to get burned! She tours with Cakes Da Killa. $17.
6. The American Line
Skarstedt (Chelsea)
Tuesday-Friday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
A line speaks of borders, directions and roads. The American Line is an exhibition that “interrogates our many understandings of the line.” On displays are paintings, photographs, sculptures and installations by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Liz Larner, Sol LeWitt, Paul McCarthy, Richard Prince, Fred Sandback, Lawrence Weiner, Christopher Wool and Sue Williams. FREE!
7. Conveyer-Belt Sushi Chain in NYC
Yo! (Flatiron)
Monday-Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Friday-Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Sunday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
The U.K.-based conveyer-belt sushi chain Yo! has arrived in New York! Creative takes on Japanese street food and sushi, color coded by price, are up for grabs. Try the New York City exclusive Avocado Nori Taco, the flame-seared Salmon and Ikura Sushi or the crispy Katsu Sando.
ARTech: Adventures In Art + Technology is a free children’s exhibit produced by the Meatpacking Business Improvement District (BID). This is a brand-new initiative by the BID to foster an appreciation for STEAM disciplines. Despite being known primarily for food and nightlife, the Meatpacking District has witnessed the successful opening of new businesses all across the neighborhood that intersect technology with art. From Hermès and The Whitney, to Samsung and Lexus, these bold brands have drawn inspiration from seemingly opposite industries of art and technology to develop products and experiences that when combined, are perfectly in sync.
Capitalizing on this innovative thinking and to show the intersection of these two fields in daily life, the Meatpacking BID has partnered with the Children’s Museum of the Arts and the New York Hall of Science to host an indoor exhibit where children can explore and participate in STEAM workshops and activities. The exhibit opened on Mar. 1 and will remain open to the public through Apr. 29. More info on the exhibit can be found at www.meatpacking-district.com/events/artech-adventures-in-art-tech.
Trip.com is an innovative planning tool that tailors recommendations for places to stay, eat and play to your specific tastes. It also allows you to share your great experiences with people who have the same interests as you; people in your “tribes.”
Trip.com’s TripPicks This Week feature empowers you to discover and take advantage of great events, openings and exhibits throughout the city each week.
Here are some exciting events and sites to check out this week in Downtown New York, courtesy of Trip.com. Visit the Trip.com site or download the app for more upcoming events.
1. Tripped Out Interiors by Toiletpaper
Cadillac House (South Village)
Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Saturday through Sunday from 10:00 AM through 5:00 PM (through Apr. 12)
Visionaire presents a tripped out immersive exhibition by the magazine Toiletpaper at Cadillac House. Hard to describe the surreal interiors, but we’ll leave you with these highlights — alligator, butt rug, popcorn walls and ceiling, all of which are totally touchable. FREE!
The new indoor screening series, Pictures Under The Palms At Brookfield Place, features “comfy seats, free popcorn and a pre-show DJ set by Tim Martell at 5:30 PM.” The series kicks off with James Gunn’s Guardians Of The Galaxy. FREE!
For this year’s Battle Of The Belgians, the organizers searched high and low to bring beer lovers a special selection of trappist beer. Sample over 20 beers and feast on a whole roasted hog, vegetarian options are available. $65.
Photo: Ben30/Flickr
4. New Spanish Tapas Bar
Lamano (Chelsea)
Monday to Thursday 5:00 PM through 11:00 PM; Friday 5:00 PM through 12:00 AM; Saturday 10:00 AM through 12:00 AM; Sunday 10:00 AM through 11:00 PM
New Spanish tapas bar in Chelsea is the perfect stop after a day of gallery hopping or shopping. Cozy up to a glass of Spanish wine and comfort tapas like the Pulpo Murcia, Tortilja or Pan con Tomate y Queso.
Those of us pining for the friendly Canadian shores can head to Dirt Candy where every Monday night the space turns into The Great Canadian Beer Hall. Enjoy Canadian pastimes like watching hockey, drinking Bloody Caesars and eating poutine. CIT0002E applications for Canadian citizenship will be available upon request.
If you are running out of good excuses to have a drink, stop by to the Meatpacking District where through the month of February $1 of select drinks will be donated to the ACLU. Now that’s a drink you can feel good about!
The Addison Hospitality Group’s founder Ric Addison
Addison Hospitality Group owner Ric Addison began a career in hospitality well over two decades ago. Originally from Ireland, Ric got his start in New York hospitality working alongside nightlife legends like Ian Schrager and Rande Gerber. The first notable establishment of his own was the AVA Lounge at the Dream Hotel, which he opened in 2002; New York Magazine would go on to name it “Best After Work Drink” spot in a Best Of New York issue. Further acclaim would come quickly from other establishments of Ric’s, like the Inc Lounge at The Time Hotel — which once hosted Lady Gaga and Madonna in its VIP “Pool Room” — and THE BAR at the Dream Hotel.
Four years ago in 2013, Ric opened the Monarch Rooftop & Indoor Lounge. Located 18 floors above Herald Square, the beautifully-decorated Monarch was designed by Natalie Todorova of Gene Kaufman Architects. Beyond its signature cocktails, Monarch offers an immaculate view of the Empire State Building and other parts of Midtown. Not just ideal for a summer visit, Monarch uses heat lamps when necessary, welcoming evening visitors to experience its Scandinavian-style décor throughout the year.
Downtown spoke with Ric in December 2016 to learn more about Monarch and other Addison Hospitality Group establishments. More info can be found at www.addisongroupnyc.com, while Monarch itself can be followed on social media via accounts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
You are the owner of the Addison Hospitality Group. What inspired you to start your own hospitality group?
Ric Addison: My background in hospitality dates back from my roots in Ireland. My entire family has been in the hospitality business in some way or another. My father was the manager at an Executive social club in Ireland. When I came to the United States, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in hospitality. I worked my way up all the way from a barback, learning from the likes of the venerable Ian Schrager and Rande Gerber. I knew from then on that I wanted to bring a level of hospitality that the New York elites expect, but make it available to everyone.
RA: There is no typical day and never a humdrum moment. Everything is constantly changing at a rapid pace, and that is part of the reason why I love it. From finding and transforming new spaces into nightlife destinations, working with my team to develop ideas, and just meeting new customers, I consider myself fortunate to enjoy going to work every day.
RA: I think I truly found my niche with rooftop bars when I opened the AVA Lounge at the Dream Hotel. I noticed that Midtown professionals wanted a respite from the bustling city after a hard day’s work and AVA was a getaway in the middle of Manhattan.
RA: Gerber Group bars with Randy Gerber, Ian Schrager at The Paramount Hotel, and every major nightclub in the 80s and 90s. I started as a manager at the Whiskey Bar and rose to Director of Operations for the Gerber Group.
What can you tell me about your two newest venues, Magnolia Restaurant and Lovage Rooftop & Indoor Lounge?
RA: I am proud to be opening Magnolia Restaurant and Lovage Rooftop & Indoor Lounge in 2017. Magnolia will be the first restaurant addition to the Addison Hospitality Group portfolio. It was designed to be elegant, but comfortable; a place that you want to visit because of its quality food at an affordable price. Lovage is a continuation of our beloved AVA Lounge, which recently closed. Loyal patrons of AVA will notice a lot of the same design elements in Lovage. We invite guests of all ages to visit, from ages 21 to 91. We think there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Do you have a favorite item served by Magnolia? What about Lovage?
RA: At Magnolia, the Deviled Duck Eggs with maple horseradish, mustard, a touch of cayenne pepper, and crispy bacon bits. At Lovage, I love to sip on our Hell’s Kitchen take on a Bloody Mary. We call it the Mahola Cocktail, with Smoky Mezcal, Roasted Tomatillos, Wasabi, Fresh Lemon and a Sweet Paprika and Sesame Salt Rim that will wake you right up.
Any special events coming up at any of your establishments? Holiday specials?
RA: Yes, Magnolia and Lovage are booking up quickly for Fashion Week in February, along with a Valentine’s Day party at Lovage. Things will really heat up at Lovage when the warm weather arrives this spring and patrons can take advantage of the warm temperatures in New York City.
It’s been said that the Addison Hospitality Group aims to provide “white glove service without the white gloves.” Is there a particular entrepreneur that inspired that philosophy?
RA: I wanted to show people elegant service without being confined to the parameters of the Meatpacking District. Every guest is equally important to me. No particular entrepreneur inspired that philosophy in me, but myself. However, I do view Richard Branson as an inspiration of business.
When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?
RA: I always enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, sailing and golfing.
Other than your own, do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
