OakRoom

Classic Cocktails Make a Comeback (with video)

Filed under: Spirits

At the newly renovated Plaza Hotel, which recently underwent a $450 million renovation, Luxist visited the famous Oak Room Bar where we discussed the comeback of classic cocktails with Head Bartender Orlando Rivera.

"It is almost like jazz music," says Rivera. "Classic cocktails never die.

Orlando Rivera, who has worked at the Plaza Hotel for 21 years, presides over the Oak Room Bar. During his time there, he has seen cocktails come and go, but the classic ones, such as martinis, Grey Goose martinis, dirty martinis and Bloody Mary, are very popular right now.

Rivera also told us which are the proper garnishes for different cocktails. A Sidecar is garnished with a lemon, while a Cuba Libre is served with a lime. A Bloody Mary is served with a lemon or a lime, but a Gibson must be served with an onion pearl, not an olive.

We couldn't think of a better place to learn (or a better person to learn from) about classic cocktails than at this landmark location. Built in 1907 (originally as a bar for men only), the Oak Room Bar remains an iconic meeting spot for New Yorkers and visitors to the city alike.

Tags: bloody mary, bloody marys, BloodyMary, BloodyMarys, classic cocktails, ClassicCocktails, cuba libre, CubaLibre, entertainment-pedia, gibson, luxist-awards, main-pedia, martini, martinis, oak room, oak room bar, OakRoom, OakRoomBar, orlando rivera, OrlandoRivera, outdoor-entertainment-pedia, plaza hotel, PlazaHotel, sidecar

How to Make a Classic Manhattan

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

At the newly renovated Plaza Hotel, which recently underwent a $450 million renovation, Luxist visited the famous Oak Room Bar where Head Bartender Orlando Rivera shared with us some of his secrets, including how to make one of the most classic cocktails---the Manhattan.

Orlando Rivera, who has worked at the Plaza Hotel for 21 years, presides over The Oak Bar. During his time there, he has served classic cocktails to the great and near-great, including princes, presidents, powerbrokers, politicians, Hollywood stars, musicians and professional athletes.

The Manhattan is believed to have been invented at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the 1870's. The cocktail has not diminished in its popularity over the ensuing 140 years and is referred to as the "king of cocktails." We couldn't think of a better place to learn (or a better person to learn from) how to make this classic cocktail than at this landmark location. Built in 1907 as a bar for men only, the Oak Room Bar is now an iconic meeting spot for New Yorkers and visitors to the city alike.

Tags: awards-main, classic cocktails, classic manhattan, ClassicCocktails, ClassicManhattan, cocktails, entertainment-pedia, luxist-awards, main-pedia, manhattan club, ManhattanClub, oak room, oak room bar, OakRoom, OakRoomBar, orlando rivera, OrlandoRivera, outdoor-entertainment, outdoor-entertainment-pedia, plaza hotel, PlazaHotel

The Plaza Hotel's Oak Room Relaunches March 18th

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Events

World renowned restaurant The Oak Room at New York City's Plaza Hotel is reopening March 18th with a brand new chef, Eric Hara (right).

The legendary Oak Room has an all new menu planned, featuring classic and modern American cuisine at "prices that are appropriate for today's economy." Entrees will run from just $22 - $35.

Eric Hara was most recently executive chef of David Burke Townhouse and Fishtail.

The Oak Room and adjacent Oak Bar have been redesigned by architect Annabelle Selldorf, bringing contemporary flourishes to the historic space which first opened in 1907. Be sure and visit the new Oak Room next time you are in New York!

Tags: eric hara, EricHara, new york, new york city, NewYork, ny, nyc, oak room, OakRoom, plaza, plaza hotel, PlazaHotel, restaurant, restaurants

Valentine's Essentials: Dining

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

The perfect meal can set the tone for an entire romantic evening. But it isn't just about how much you're willing to spend -- you have to choose a spot based on its ambiance, service and, of course, the meal. From coast to coast well-known venues are serving special menus to celebrate Valentine's Day with you. All you have to do is decide which one to reserve!

In Hollywood, Gordon Ramsay at the London West Hollywood has a myriad of tantalizing options all involving a seven-course, prix-fixe menu. Inside the restaurant this romantic meal is $200 - $300 per couple while a private 'engagement' dining room for two is $1,000 and the rooftop poolside cabanas are $1,150. Both the private dining rooms (there are two) and poolside cabana seatings include a bottle of Cristal upon arrival, a dozen red roses, and a take-home keepsake.

In NYC's Plaza Hotel, the recently renovated Oak Room is offering a sumptuous menu including seafood, steak and, of course, chocolate to suit your tastes for $140 per person.

At Denver's historic Brown Palace Hotel, the esteemed Palace Arms is showcasing a decadent six-course meal incorporating chocolate in every dish for $150 per couple.

Dallas' premiere restaurant, The French Room inside the Adolphus Hotel, is featuring a delicious three-course meal for $115 per person.

Lastly, The Herbfarm located outside of Seattle in Woodinville, Washington, has created a themed evening deemed "A Menu for Two Hearts" available Feb. 12 - 15 for $189 to $205 per person.

If you aren't close to one of these culinary wonders don't fret -- your community is bound to have something spectacular happening at their own local venues. Just be sure to avoid the chain restaurant on a night like Valentines.

Gallery: Specialty Menus for V-Day