Local Flavor: NYC’s Upper East Side

The Loews Regency New York Hotel brings us the best of NYC’s local food and beverage!

Last month I was in New York to cover New York Fashion Week and, despite most of the fashion events being downtown, I ended up spending a large amount of time on the Upper East Side. This was, in part, due to the fact that I was staying at the Loews Regency Hotel and found myself falling in love with their staff and location. While I love a lively downtown adventure, there’s something very classic and romantic about being steps from Central Park… and the hotel’s story, restaurant staff, and interesting new local specials made me love it even more.

The Regency Bar & Grill, long established as a power-restaurant for the Manhattan elite, has an extensive history that’s steeped in New York tradition. If the walls could talk, they’d whisper overheard snippets from political power breakfasts and salacious details dropped over a Joan’s Chopped Salad (named after the infamous Joan Tisch, who still lives upstairs at the Hotel)! The Loews Regency itself boasts a rich and vibrant history, reminiscent of a quintessential American story – many of the staff have been there for decades, and they are filled with wonderfully heartwarming anecdotes that embody the family values that seem to permeate the very structure of the building. I had so much fun getting to know everyone – and I recommend stopping by for a drink to meet some wonderful characters!

Often, with a hotel that’s as immersed in tradition as the Loews Regency is, it’s easy for them to feel dated or obsolete in our ever-changing, social media driven world. Not so with this hotel. They’ve done a fabulous job of keeping their finger on the pulse of the eclectic, hectic city of New York and have introduced some wonderful new experiences and events that not only keep the hotel relevant, but put it at the top of my list when visiting. One of the things I love is their wine list – it’s a veritable treasure trove (the wine cellar boasts a seven figure collection) of delightful wines – and their new Nitrogen system means that they open some rare and interesting bottles for guests to try – it’s not often you can have a glass of something that old or rare without committing to the whole bottle! Their bar has become known for hosting a local power hour where savvy Upper East Siders mingle and relax after work.

It’s this emphasis on celebrating the local residents and businesses that is such a unique addition to this part of New York. This month, the hotel launched something that I love – Flavor by Loews Hotel – a wonderful experience that they’re rolling out nationally across all of their hotels, partnering with artisan food and beverage vendors all over the country – it’s the perfect way to try out some of the local favorites all at once!

The Loews Regency NYC has partnered with a unique local distillery to offer Brooklyn Gin – guests can choose from three signature cocktails – a Negroni, a Brooklyn Gin Martini, and the Bee’s Knees, a lemon infused cocktail that highlights the hand-cut citrus peels and hand-cracked juniper in the gin. Alongside the distillery, the hotel is featuring some incredible other local offerings – an Upper East Side Café, Bon Vivant, that offers gorgeous melt-in-your-mouth cakes; a West Village Bakery, Mah Ze Dahr, that showcases seasonal tarts, homemade cookies and sinful cheesecake; and, of course, local pizza, made with charcoal crusts from Olivella Bread. The entire experience is an homage to the rich culture of New York and a decadent culinary experience worth trying!

Plus, as an added bonus, you know we at BHL love a charitable cause and, this October, The Regency Bar & Grill is serving a limited edition Rose Petit Cake from Bon Vivant, to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month – with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Guests can simply order the “Pink Petit Four Cake” after their lunch, dinner or weekend brunch service to enjoy this delicious treat and contribute to an important cause. So, stop on by, indulge your sweet tooth, and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month!