(Inside Broadway Tour)
As the holiday seasons approach, New York City will be inundated with tourists from all over the world. With its variety of lavish parades and decorative storefront displays, no city does “holiday” better than The Big Apple. In order to avoid the sheer onslaught of people who flock to such iconic landmarks as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Times Square, check out these “off-the-beaten-path” attractions.
Tea Time, Plaza Hotel: The venerable British tradition of afternoon tea is also flourishing throughout New York City, and serves as a quiet oasis from the hustle and bustle of the world outside. Afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel, held in the stunning Palm Court, is an event in and of itself. A complete renovation has brought the grand feeling of Central Park indoors with garden elements such as caning, four soaring palm trees and an oval trellised bar anchoring the room. Sample the Grand Lapsang Souchong, one of the Plaza’s finest and lightest smoked teas. The tea is complemented perfectly by warm seasonal scones with Double Devonshire Cream, lemon curd and preserves.
Bateaux New York: Seeing Manhattan’s storied skyline from the water is a unique experience. Bateaux New York provides a three-course dining experience on the water with entrees like jumbo lump crab cakes and miso glazed cod, crafted cocktails and an extensive wine and beer list. This all-glass enclosed, European-styled vessel offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade and is accompanied by an acoustic trio. Specialty cruises by Spirit of New York include a Gospel Lunch Cruise featuring a captivating performance by The New York City Gospel Choir, and a Hot Latin Moonlight Cruise with the Latin Dance company Piel Canela.
The Beekman Hotel Art Collection: Inspired by an eccentric and deliciously rich history that permeates this iconic building, the art collection at The Beekman pays homage to both its wonderful geographic location at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge and the apex of “the new downtown.” The Beekman Art Collection represents nearly 20 known and emerging artists. Their pieces lure guests into a visual conversation with themes captivating contemporary artists today about the physical and emotional environment. Open to the public and curated by Katherine Gass, the collection includes over 60 original paintings, photographs, prints, works on paper, and sculptures that are installed throughout the hotel’s public spaces and guestrooms.
Kitchen Table at Clement, Peninsula New York: Kitchen Table at Clement, a new monthly series hosted by Chef Remi van Peteghem, takes place at the restaurant’s communal table overlooking Fifth Avenue. A select number of guests enjoy an interactive multi-course dinner alongside Clement’s creative culinary team. Each dinner focuses on seasonal themes or regions, and guests will have the undivided attention of the chef and can ask questions and share recipes. “Coop du Jour” incorporated a variety of exotic poultry and eggs. Menu highlights of the eight-course meal included ravioli with confit duck leg, a frisee salad with slow-cooked quail breast, roasted filet of squab, and more.
Chelsea Wine Vault: Tucked inside the historic Chelsea Market is the Chelsea Wine Vault, the market’s flagship wine store and one of the original tenants since 1997. With a well-trained staff of wine lovers, they also put a clear focus on education. You can join them every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for fun, informal Weekend Wine School, or attend a more structured weeknight class. Topics covered range from Wine 101 to up-and-coming regions. And for select private event bookings, you may be able to take a private tour of Chelsea Wine Storage. This is Manhattan’s only temperature-controlled wine storage facility. In these private, locked cages is millions of dollars of wine, collected by New York’s elite.
