Incredible dining, prestigious Park Avenue accommodation, a Broadway hit show: There’s everything to love about a quick trip to the international capital.
By George Coyle
There’s never a dull moment in New York City, though there’s always a compelling reason to visit. With multiple direct flights daily from Ottawa and flight times of less than two hours, a short escape to the Big Apple is both effortless and indulgent.
All those world-class amenities and attractions can be enjoyed without needing to commit to a full-length vacation. We certainly lived it up on a brief getaway, staying in style at Loews Regency New York.
Situated at 540 Park Avenue on the Upper East Side—near Central Park, Fifth Avenue shopping and Museum Mile—Loews Regency is an iconic Manhattan address, celebrated for its classic Art Deco charm and upscale modern amenities. For us, it was perfect. The location is ideal, within a short walking distance of all sorts of top attractions.
The property itself has nearly 400 guest rooms and 58 suites. It’s also home to the Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa, Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar and The Regency Bar & Grill—a spot famous for the “power breakfast,” where the who’s who of power brokers ink deals over coffee and Eggs Benedict. Not only did we enjoy breakfast at The Regency, we also had dinner and it was great.
In fact, the cuisine on our NYC sojourn was outstanding. Sure, Top of the Rock, the Chelsea Market, Central Park and the Empire State Building are memorable draws, but the city’s high-style foodie destinations deliver multisensory pleasures you’ll definitely want to savour.
For instance, Avra Madison, a Midtown Manhattan gem on East 60th Street near Central Park, dishes remarkably fresh seafood, Greek and Mediterranean fare. It’s a very hip spot, with fresh fish flown in daily from all over the world that’s displayed on ice and brought to your table so you can pick what you want. Quite unique. Avra Madison is also notable for its tasty cocktails and well-curated wine list.
You don’t want to miss Gallagher’s Steakhouse. As one of the most famous steakhouses in the city, it’s a celebrity hot spot—so snagging reservations is a coup. Once you’re welcomed in and escorted to your table, you’ll understand why. The dry-aged beef is amazing. A meat locker, visible from the street, is stocked with prime beef that’s dry-aged for weeks to intensify flavour and tenderness. Steaks are then grilled over real hickory coals to add rich, distinctive character. Historic ambience (the steakhouse is over 100 years old), attentive service and a classic, upscale vibe make this legendary dining landmark a must.
You’ll also want to do lunch or dinner at The Modern. Set inside MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art), this elite, two-Michelin-starred enclave is a sophisticated space where art and impeccable, creative cuisine are mixed for a masterpiece of an experience. The combination of excellent service, an award-winning wine list, world-class gastronomy and cultural immersion is truly fantastic.
Grand Brasserie – Grand Central Station delivers another version of epic NYC dining. We had breakfast in the striking, restored landmark-space that is, improbably, inside one of the busiest transit hubs on Earth. The people-watching, ambience and French-inspired cuisine make for a captivating slice of NYC life.
A truly legendary Big-Apple treat, though, is afternoon tea at The Plaza Hotel. A high-society tradition for over a century, tea service at The Plaza’s Palm Court is a glamorous fusion of history, panache and indulgence that includes finger sandwiches, fresh scones, sweet delicacies and a grand sense of occasion. Spectacular!
So is taking in an exhilarating show on Broadway. We saw MJ: The Musical and it was, well, a thriller. Hit songs, award-winning choreography and high-energy production made this theatrical homage to the King of Pop unforgettable.
So was NYC. Can’t wait to go back.
