Often hotels streamline their décor to create a consistent look…in the lobby, restaurants and bar. The Le Parker Meridien NY does the exact opposite and the daring boldness pays off.
I enjoy bouncing around the city on the weekends experiencing a variety of venues in various neighborhood of Manhattan. It makes you appreciate the diversity and splendor of our beloved city.
One of my repeat spots is the Parker Meridien. I really enjoy the contrast of the opulence of Knave and the grittiness of the Burger Joint (which are located across the lobby from each other.)
We lounged at our favorite table in the Knave bar to kick off our weekend with some of the best Bloody Mary’s and coffee drinks the city has to offer. Every detail is done with complete care at knave. The bar snacks are even differentiated, as they serve to crisp warm fried olives along with the more common bar snacks at high end properties.
The décor is magnificent with hints of medieval accents. Knave is a passageway for guests to enter from 56th street to the lobby. So while relaxing in the comfort of the hand crafted red velvet and wooden couches, there is time for optimal people-watching, gazing at the bustle of the hotel patrons on their journeys. The vaulted ceiling, soaring columns, and oversized mirrors create a spiritual vibe which sooths the soul.
Even though there is a significant amount of foot traffic through the long and narrow bar, there is an immediate respect for its beauty and the church-like ambience- this environment has the effect of dulling conversations as visitors walk through.
Cocktails, pastries, sandwiches and sweets are available throughout the day and evening.
After a few cocktails we were starting to build up an appetite. What is better than a juicy burger and fries to satisfy a weekend crave. The Burger Joint!
Behind the brown curtain entrance there was a line of salivating guests, awaiting their turn to shout out their order off the straight forward menu which is written in rainbow colors on a chalkboard.
The open kitchen houses the team of masters that have their burger shtick down to a science. The legendry hang out is wood paneled with initials carved into the benches, vinyl booth and sports memorabilia tacked on the walls.
Whether you are from Timbuktu or the Upper East Side, you better know what you want…it is equivalent to the pressure in the famous Soup Nazi line from Seinfeld!
The menu sticks to the motto…”If you don’t see it we don’t have it” – Your choice of a hamburger or cheeseburger with the classic toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, sliced pickle, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. I recommend the WORKS. Trust me. The flavors just mend to perfection!
Salty and crisp fries overflow the brown greasy paper bag they are served in. If you want to go all out, order a milk shake while you are waiting in line.
The Parker properties have mastered both ends of the spectrum of taste! Visitors should also not forget to try the best brunch in the city at Norma’s .
For more information about the park Meridien please visit www.parkermeridien.com. For assistance in planning your next experience come check out our website at www.premiumlg.com. Eat well!
Last winter, when I made the difficult decision to move to the Upper East Side from the South Street Seaport I was saddened by the loss of the Front Street bars and restaurants. This area truly is a hidden gem in the city, but I will divulge on this at a later date. I’ve always thought of the Upper East Side as a collegiate playground—I avoid the local bars for fear of being humiliated by a bouncer requesting my AARP card; forget about my driver’s license (why do I have one? I haven’t driven a car in eight years).