One of New York City’s most iconic hotels, the Lotte New York Palace, located in Midtown Manhattan, has just opened a new restaurant, called Villard, in the landmarked building, The Villard Mansion, which is part of this luxury hotel. Baroque Travel finds out all the details
The new signature restaurant, Villard, which is located in the historic 130-year-old neo-Italian Renaissance building, comprises two dining rooms – The Gold Room and Bar, and the Gallery Room. The mansion, built in 1882 by Henry Villard as his home, has hosted guests from all over the world. Although the space has now been infused with a contemporary energy, with new sculptures, photography and light, there are many historic treasures, too, including works by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, John La Farge and Louis Comfort Tiffany as well as priceless old mosaics, cabinetry and boiserie.
The restaurant offers a ‘power breakfast’ concept, a stunning selection of breakfast and brunch fare that is expected to be popular with businessmen and local residents as well as hotel guests. It is open from 6.30am to 3pm during the week, and 7am to 3pm on weekends.
Chef de Cuisine is Oscar Granados has created a menu inspired by the menus of classical European cafes and bistros, featuring locally-grown and sourced produce as well as home-baked breads and pastries. Delicacies include Brioche Pudding French Toast with bourbon-spiked maple syrup, dry-aged New York strip ‘Steak and Eggs’, Lobster Pearl Pasta with a poached egg and orange-scented hollandaise sauce, and Farmhouse Spinach and Gruyere Popovers. European-inspired coffee, brewed teas, fresh-pressed juices and handcrafted cocktails are also on offer.
The restaurant has been decorated to reflect the style of the historic Gilded Age. The Gold Room and bar boasts a dramatic, two-story Renaissance-style interior, with 30-foot gilt ceilings, walls and wainscoting that lead into the grand marble hall that connects three main rooms. This was originally the mansion’s music room so it features an elaborate suspended balcony at one end .
The Madison Room, the largest of the rooms, features three exquisite chandeliers and the wood-paneled Gallery Room features oversized photographs of classic Hollywood star. This particular room is more contemporary in style, with natural, ambient light filtering through the windows. Guests reach this restaurant by alighting a grand staircase with a dramatic backdrop, a wall of glowing gold champagne bottles.
Lotte New York Palace is also a great place to stay when you’re next in NYC. This luxury hotel combines Manhattan’s current-day modernity with classic New York elegance. It offers a 7,000 square foot full-service fitness center, newly redesigned rooms and suites and some of Manhattan’s best bars and lounges – not just the ones mentioned above! There’s Pomme Palais, famous for its grab-and-go breakfast fare and sweets, Trouble’s Trustfor cocktails, Tavern on 51, a Lobby Lounge and the exclusive lounge, Rarities.
The hotel features 909 rooms and suites, including 176 exclusive, sprawling Tower rooms and suites that are accessible through an exclusive check-in area with a bank of private elevators.