NYC Restaurant Week Review : Monkey Bar

     One of the cures for winter doldrums is NYC's Winter Restaurant Week (which actually spans 3 weeks).  It creates affordable access to many restaurants.  3-course lunches are $25 and 3-course dinners are $38.  My coworkers rejected going to "Monkey Bar" (E54th Street b/w Madison & Park) but something hinted to me that it was worth a visit.  So, Lewis and I made reservations for the last day of February.  Since it was the end of Lewis' birthday month, I made a sideways mention to the hostess that it was my boyfriend's birthday.

(Below is Lewis' stylish winter outfit for that night).

     I picked him up from his job and we walked to the restaurant, which occupies a nestled vintage spot juxtaposed to the Hotel Elysee (accessible via its own door or through the hotel lobby).  We chose its own door, which opens into a cute/cozy vestibule.  A nice place to disrobe or to put on your coat, if leaving.  
     The first thing of novelty was an old hand-painted listing of "popular numbers" around the city--but from the 1930s!  The numbers were listed as the old telephone exchange names: "Pennsylvania 6-5000" or "BUtterfield 8" or "Gramercy 5" or "MUrray Hill 5-9975"… before there were so many city numbers that the current system was created.  Moving from the vestibule, we passed through a long bar room, replete with banquettes and some cafe tables and a piano player.  The hostess counter for the dining room was opposite the "Hat Check" (from an era where nobody went out bare-headed).  Lewis opted to take advantage of that nostalgic custom, and he checked his hat, along with our coats.

     We were half an hour early, but the two young hostesses effortless escorted us down the "white tiger print" carpeted steps, across some rounded/candle-lit tables, and up to a lovely "deuce" on the mezzanine of the restaurant.

Monkey lamps adorned many corners of the restaurant, 

as well as the Service Bar.  

We admire a restaurant that uses its space wisely to create a separate Service Bar for dining patrons, in addition to the public Bar in front.  It makes getting your cocktails and digestifs so much faster!  

     A mix of modern Lounge music and vintage Dean Martin and Louis Armstrong wafted through the air.  The room resounded of laughter from tables around us.  The place was swinging, with all ages and races and sexual persuasions!  

     Our waitress graciously introduced herself, and I offered our names.  At that point, she remarkably wished Lewis a Happy Birthday.  I was impressed.  This meant that the hostess had registered that when "Ken called to make the reservation, it was his boyfriend's birthday".  This must've been conveyed to our waitress, who--upon hearing each of our names--knew that it was not Ken but the "other guy" who was having a birthday!  That's amazing for its subtly and courtesy.  

     Taking advantage of a seasonal offerings in the cocktail menu, I ordered a hot glass of Calvados, rum, cider, honey, cloves, allspice, cinnamon sticks and apple slices!  Yummy!  Lewis selected a gin/fruit mix.  His was served with a complimentary refill in a cruet perched inside a vase of pellet-sized mini ice cubes.  Wonderful presentation!  
     As we studied the famous Ed Sorel wrap-around murals that effused glamour in the restaurant with characters of: William S. Paley, David Sarnoff, Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, William Knopf, Walter Winchell, Ernest Hemingway, Fred Astaire, Horowtiz, Toscanini, Mayor LaGuardia, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, John Barrymore, Elsa Maxwell, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, Edna Woolman Chase, Ella Fitzgerald, Peter Arno, Rodgers & Hart… to name some!

     The delightful echo of a cocktail shaker making a muscled beat brought us back from our reverie!  A charming iron skillet of fresh-baked dinner rolls materialized, with delightfully pre-softened butter (a thoughtful touch)--which was capped by a "Monkey wearing a Monocle".

     A food runner soon appeared with our appetizers of Foie Gras Torchon, followed by our own plates of Sweetbreads.  Both are favorites of mine!  Next, we shared an order of Saffron Risotto with Peeketoe Crab (Lewis loves that) and spicy sopresata.  Lewis dined on Ricotta Cavatelli with Short Rib ragout.  My dinner was Striped Bass--with nicely crispy skin!  Our waitress "came through" with a delightful recommendation: a glass of Charles Fournier Riesling that was semi-sweet with aromatic perfume!  She gave a generous pour, too.  Afterwards, we admired the continual influx of new patrons, the wine chillers being rushed to nearby tables, the smell of espresso coming from the Service Bar's corner, and the efficiency of the bus boys, runner, captain and waitstaff.  

     For dessert, we had powdered Beignets with custard and strawberry preserve, along with Sticky Toffee Pudding.  Lewis' plate arrived with a flickering birthday candle--concluding his month-long celebration (which had been highlighted by dispersed birthday dinners with different groups of friends).  

     Above, a silver "monkey bowl" was deposited on our table, with 2 chocolate mints and our check.  As we departed, everyone we passed wished us a Good Night.  Exiting through the hotel, its doorman was helpful at hailing a cab.  We'll definitely go back!