TGA NYC: The Experience
I don’t know how, but it took me a whole year to get over to TGA NYC, the luxe sports bar located on the ground floor of the midtown Crowne Plaza Hotel. Still, no need to whine about lost time. I’ve been to TGA, I’ve tried it, and the verdict is in: I love it.
A high step above the usual midtown sports bar, TGA is practically a carefully designed and high ceilinged piece of modern art. Even now, decorated for the holidays, the white christmas trees and twinkling lights remind guests that TGA isn’t just an ordinary “Done with the grind of the day” after work drink spot -- it’s a cool, “I made a zillion dollars out of nothing,” after work drink spot, complete with a back-alley beer garden and creative cocktails. And then, there’s the food.
My friend and I started out with a whopping three appetizers: A Loaded Mac and Cheese with shrimp, short rib, and bacon; the TGA Jumbo Crab Cake, served with pineapple relish, sour cream, and black bean sauce; and Risotto Croquettes filled with a creamy truffle sauce. Everything was delicious -- I stuffed myself silly -- but I have to give the top prize to the crab cake. I don’t mind pineapple on pizza, but I now love pineapple on crab cake. Not a combination I would have expected, but definitely one I hope to try again in the future.
The real star of the meal, however, was the risotto I ordered for my entree. While the dish can be ordered with steak, shrimp, mushrooms, or asparagus, I, at the recommendation of my waiter, chose the three cheese. I was not disappointed. My biggest fear with risotto is that it’ll be bland, but the three cheese was a far cry from -- my friend ended up abandoning his amazingly seasoned Braised Beef Short Rib to eat what, as he put it, was “the best risotto he’s ever had.”
A huge shout out to Chef Israel Calderon for his wonderful dishes and beautiful presentation. TGA NYC is truly an experience, and in addition to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a happy hour, they offer what’s sure to be a world-class bottomless brunch on the weekends. So check it out! And maybe I’ll see you there -- because I’ve already made another reservation.
For more information about TGA NYC, check out their website, https://www.tganyc.com/, or their insta, @tganyc.
Black Tap Midtown
The renowned Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer premiered their 4th New York location opening on November 17, 2016. The restaurant of award-winning burgers and Instagram-worthy shakes will open at the Blakely New York in Midtown. Chef and Owners Joe Isidori and Chris Barish are excited to bring the new Black Tap location to the residents and visitors of Midtown.
Guests attending the pre-opening were continuously served house cocktails, savory appetizers, and Black Tap’s famous burgers and milkshakes. Friendly staff members encouraged guests to try everything, sharing personal favorites from the menu and offering suggestions. Classics, such as the “All-American Burger” and the “Greg Norman Burger”, will grace Midtown’s menu along with brand-new specials: the “Crispy Chicken Sandwich” and the “Vegan Burger”.
A full house was accommodated by the 90-seat Black Tap Midtown. With three dining sections, guests are given the option of booth, window, or bar seating. Black Tap serves as a modern twist to the traditional American diner theme. The décor within the restaurant utilizes metals and wood to create an edgier atmosphere. Black Tap’s menu incorporates a similar edge with added ingredients and unique names to individualize their menu.
Known for having die-hard fans forming lines that stretch around the block, Black Tap’s milkshakes are unlike any other. Isidori created the midtown location’s beverage program including shake specialties Cotton Candy, Sweet N’ Salty, Cookie Shake, Brooklyn Blackout, and Sour Power. Traditional flavors such as Nutella, Oreo Cookies & Cream, and Peanut Butter are also included on the menu. Black Tap Midtown will offer a full bar with over twenty beers, frozen daiquiris, and a full cocktail list.
Owners, Isidori and Barish, are excited for the opening of Black Tap Midtown and welcome everyone to enjoy their specialties. The team has big plans for 2017 with more New York openings and their first international opening of Black Tap in Dubai. In the meantime, stop by the midtown location and get your grub on.
Photos courtesy of Brandon Hardin.
Black Tap Midtown is located next to The Blakely at 136 W. 55th St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues. Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight daily.
STK Midtown 4th Anniversary
What do you get when you combine great music with tasty food? Two words; STK Midtown. Last night, the world-renowned global hospitality company, The One Group, celebrated the 4th anniversary of their primary restaurant brand STK located at Midtown Manhattan. Positioned right below the Grace building, the place can be a little difficult to find. Fortunately, a multitude of people and an illuminated "Happy Anniversary" outside the restaurant received all of its guests.
Upon entering, I was instantly awed by the beautiful décor. The place was elegant and the atmosphere was buzzing to the beat of a live DJ. A beautiful woman dangled in a circus act to entertain the room, and while there was food, drinks, music, I continually found myself glancing at her act. Naturally, I caught myself staring too much and started wandering over towards the bar. The service was understandably delayed due to such a big event. After a few minutes of waiting, I left the line for the bar and went into the press area to find another bar with no line.
The featured White Gold which was very flavorful but a bit too sweet for my taste.
After trying all the specialty cocktails, my favorite was without a doubt the Cucumber Stiletto. The most interesting however, was "...Not Your Daddy's Manhattan" since it was a little embarrassing to order at first, but I give STK a thumbs up for their use of bulleit bourbon on this one.
Of course, STK did not keep the guests on a empty stomach. All night long, mouth watering appetizers were floating around hors d'oeuvres style.
The slides were unquestionably the best plate going around. I had at least 4 of those little things; the taste was savory and the sauce melted in my mouth.
The thrill from the restaurant floor never faded and the place became more of a party atmosphere. People were now dancing to the eclectic tunes of the DJ.
When you come to STK Midtown, you expect great dining, but the whole entertaining aspect of the place will surprisingly delight you. Overall, it was a wonderful night filled with delicious food, fascinating drinks, and the usual chic NYC crowd. STK Midtown is a MUST.
Special Thanks to STK and Amy from Magrino.