It’s easy to see why Old King Cole was merry, at least, if the bar for which he is named is any indication. The beloved bar at The St. Regis has been a hot spot and second home to famous drinkers throughout the ages, including former residents of the hotel, Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dalí, and Marlene Dietrich, not to mention famous couples, Marilyn Monroe & Jo DiMaggio, as well as John Lennon & Yoko Ono.
Perched behind the action is the King himself, as imagined by Maxfield Parrish. A truly exquisite mural by the artist occupies the entire wall behind the bar, and is reason enough to visit. Thanks to a facelift of the space in 2013, including a $100,000 restoration of the painting, original details can be seen that were once hidden behind layers of grime, nicotine, and splashes from bartenders- painful to think about for a painting worth $12 Million!
As you would expect for a place so legendary, the interior of the Salon & Bar spares no expense when it comes to creating a feeling of opulence and distinction. On top of everything else, this place literally invented the Bloody Mary cocktail in 1934, and with six to choose from, it’s a must at $25. The crunchy exterior of the Chiléan sea bass over a light green curry gave way to a delicate, buttery interior that left us wanting more, while the Prawns with their signature Bloody Mary sauce provided tough competition. Our favorite dish was the Tuna Tartare served with crisps and crushed pistachios. Compared to the other two dishes, this one was refreshingly simple in seasoning, and let the ingredients do the talking.
For the history alone, this place is worth a visit, and a really good option for lunch as it’s right around the corner from some of the best shopping in the city. For the level of table service offered, dinner here isn’t necessarily the best value, but is guaranteed to be a delicious and memorable experience regardless.
© Fashion IQ, 2015