After a multimillion-dollar renovation, this Waldorf-Astoria institution features a terrific new menu. The chef brings elements of his Alsatian and Haitian roots to the menu. The new venue includes a restaurant, a bar and two private dining rooms, and marries the Waldorf's classic surroundings with a fresh, contemporary look.
Boasting superb ingredients (often from Vermont quality meats and other natural growers), the menu features the fine array of items one comes to expect from a venue as revered as the Waldorf. But there is a little twist to each dish, a little something extra in the experience. The pan-seared foie gras for example features a delicate pistachio crust and is served with a jalapeño lychee marmalade; the scallops have a kiss of piquillo and citrus; the mushroom tart features eggplant caviar and poached quail egg; the seared sweetbread and braised pork belly is drizzled with a vinaigrette of espresso bean and yuzo.
Among the outstanding dishes are the venison, a truly succulent dish, the ginger crusted rack of lamb, the wild pepper marinated pork loin and the Long Island crescent duck. For fish lovers, choose from roasted Chatam cod with pancetta and lentils du Puy with black cardamom, black trumpet glazed skate wing served with a potato & cabbage puree and ginger emulsion, or sweet soy marinated east Coast halibut with edamame and chanterelles with celery root mousseline. If available, try the white truffle risotto, and the roasted chestnut soup.
For diners who want to pop in for a lighter meal and a taste of the luster of what was once Art Deco New York, try the small plates. These include Singapore duck meat balls, seared scallops with mango lime vinaigrette, shrimp and calamari acras, a mini-hamburger with taro root chips and several other offerings (including a charcuterie and a cheese plate). For great people watching, ask for a table in front of the bar. For those who prefer something more romantic and secluded, ask for a table behind the bar, where the warm lighting and cozy tables for two evoke the Age of Empire.
The wine list is not extensive but features solid selections from Europe, the United States, Australia and South America. A sommelier is on hand for those who like to discuss varietals or who just need help selecting the right bottle. A tasting menu (with or without wine pairings) is available for those who cannot choose. For gastronomes who love to taste everything, this is a great way to take a spin through the menu. Finally, the bar features signature drinks, and breakfast and pre-theater dinner is served daily.