NYC's 5 Best Bars & Restaurants To Celebrate Fashion Week
Whether you're heading to the main tent as a guest for the Fall/Winter 2012 Fashion Week collections, or just looking to get in on the action from afar, there's no shortage of places to party. We've narrowed it down to the top 5 bars and restaurants near Lincoln Center -- fashion guru or not. - By Jonathan Pogash
Hudson Hall, the restaurant at the Hudson Hotel is a fashionista and foodie's dream. You'll be able to spot well-dressed men and women while ordering good-looking cocktails. Try the slow cooked ribs and some flatbreads. Their waffle fries with bacon aioli is a nice accompaniment to the entrees. Drink-wise, try the Hottie Tottie (Pyrat rum, house-made lemon verbena syrup, and hot water). It's the perfect blend of classic tea flavors and full-bodied rum.
Ed's Chowder House at the Empire Hotel is the branchild of Chef Ed Brown. He's created a seafood restaurant which happens to be just a stone's throw away from the main tent at Fashion Week. They even have a special $25 3-course fashion week lunch menu, cheekily named "Fishionistas". Their "all-day" menu includes an extensive list of chowders, sandwiches, beers, and craft cocktails.
At modern Italian eatery Lincoln Ristorante, you'll practically feel as if you're on the runway. It's so close to the action that you're sure to spot some fashion heavyweights. You can still enjoy their restaurant week menu (which includes such items as calamari and pork ragu with rigatoni), select from a special Fashion Week menu, or order from the full list. Wines are definitely an option here, with many wonderful selections by the glass that rotate on a regular basis. They also have a sort of "choose your own adventure" prosecco bar, where you can select proseccos, fruits, and liqueurs to blend into your specialty cocktail.
After a long day of runway shows, sit back and relax at Gabriel's Bar & Restaurant. You can order some classically prepared Italian dishes like steamed mussels and caesar salad, as well as some mouth-watering grilled meats. For dessert, the warm chocolate truffle cake (made with Grand Marnier) and tiramisu are both worth a nibble. To wash it all down? How about a nice reserva Chianti or Barolo, both perfect with any of Gabriel's main dishes.
Slinky and swanky Stone Rose Lounge seems to have been created just for Fashion Week. Small plates like Lobster sliders, and fres fruit-based cocktails reign supreme here. Come by for a pre-dinnner or post-fashion week soiree libation. Make sure you look your best, because you know everyone else will.
