Opulent dining in New York City

Lola Cristall is Paris editor of Lucire.

The Tuck Room & Ipic Theater, NYC
It makes perfect sense for a cinema to have fine dining in-house, and that’s where the Tuck Room, at the Ipic Theater, comes in. For an elegant, modern experience with a collection of spectacular artwork and eye-catching designs, the Tuck Room is the place to be. Although the idea is to be contemporary, there are still traditional twists. You can indulge in an aperitif in a quiet, hidden room, while you quietly admire limited-edition bottles of liquor and never-before-seen pieces of art. In Houston, North Miami Beach, Los Angeles and New York City, the Tuck Room serves absolutely delectable dishes as well as a mouth-watering cocktails. Adam Seger, advanced mixologist sommelier, concocts divine creations for a range of palates; the cuisine is just as delectable. From the salon to the theatre, a guest can’t help but be mesmerized. The Ipic Theater experience is a luxurious experience with reclining chairs, tables and full menus for bite-size food.




Dylan & Jeni

Miss Paradis
As a fan of Le Paradis de Fruit in Paris, it came as a pleasant surprise to learn that a similar concept landed in the city that never sleeps. Twenty sixteen welcomed Miss Paradis to the posh Soho area in New York City. The elaborate décor envisioned by world-renowned designer Philippe Starck and the culinary expertise of Claude Louzon are a true treat. The two-storey 2,700 ft² location lures guests into a spacious setting with an elongated bar in the centre with surrounding dining tables. The pièce de résistance is a nine-foot-tall chrome sculpture of an apple pierced by an arrow on the roof. While the atmosphere is a treat for the eye, the cuisine is just as enticing. Fresh and natural ingredients come to life on each dish, whether vegan, pescatarian or vegetarian. The organic quinoa paella explodes with flavours, the charcoaled Piaf breads topped with eggplant and preserved garlic is delicately flavoured to awaken one’s senses. From appetizers to shared platters and an array of drinks, diners can enjoy a remarkable experience, reminiscent of Europe.


Michael Breton

Baccarat Hotel’s Grand Salon

Both the private Musée Baccarat in Paris’s posh 16th district and New York’s opulent hotel location at 28 West 53rd Street stand for upscale lavishness. At the Baccarat Hotel, you are discreetly greeted by the doorway’s roaring fire, a touch of decorative elegance. Guests can enjoy lunch, dinner or a divine afternoon tea experience at the Grand Salon. The absolute up-to-par service takes you back into a more European setting serving dishes, savoury or sweet. The ambiance is stunning, with Baccarat crystals on the shelves and ceilings. The King Louis XV, Prince of Wales and Tsar Nicholas II menus cater to individual tastes.

Marriage Frères is a tea brand over a century old that is much celebrated and enjoyed throughout France. It is also the Baccarat Hotel’s chosen tea collection accompanying their petit fours selection.

Peninsula Hotel’s Gotham Lounge

Mark Wieland Photography

To escape the hustle and bustle of the crowded New York City streets, one can nestle back into the historic Peninsula Hotel, located directly off Fifth Avenue. The Gotham Lounge takes guests into an exquisite environment adorned with artwork and a comfortably cozy setting. The Gotham Lounge’s traditional afternoon tea includes a number of options including small tea sandwiches, pastries and delicate scones that beautifully accompany one’s desired tea option or a glass of champagne. For the more sophisticated experience, caviar is an option, served with blinis, toasted bread and a range of toppings. The Gotham Lounge is a place where you can indulge, but do advise them of any dietary restrictions when reserving.

The WestHouse Hotel

The WestHouse Hotel, steps away from Broadway, is an impeccable location with a homey, cozy ambiance. The boutique hotel embraces a ‘house away from home’ vision. A full breakfast buffet, an afternoon tea and a happy hour at the end of the day contributes to a comfortably snug and pleasant quality. Clients can relax in a setting that blends grandeur and opulence, what the WestHouse Hotel is known for.

Chalk Point Kitchen

Matt Levine, a Lower East Side restaurateur, embraces the concept of ‘market to table’ at his Chalk Point Kitchen on Broome Street. Chalk Point Kitchen proves that healthy cuisine can be delicious. The rustic environment is filled with the aroma of fresh produce. Home-made pickles are the starting dish for guests until their selection of starters and entrées emerge. Whether it’s the squash plate, a vegetarian platter comprising artichoke hummus and falafel, or an appetizing wild black sea bass, each dish guarantees a burst of flavours. •