Friday, May 15, 2009

Algonquin Hotel: A Taste of Midtown Manhattan's Social Life circa 1902

Algonquin Hotel ExteriorSunday afternoon, we saw 33 Variations with Jane Fonda and Colin Hanks. Great play about a Dr. (**) (Fonda) who struggles to write her last monograph about Beethoven's thirty-three variations on **'s waltz while dealing with the unavoidable complications and demise of ALS. Hanks plays the love interest of Fonda's only daughter. I highly recommend this show. After the play, Nikki and I decided to have a drink and an afternoon snack at The Algonquin Hotel. Opened in 1902, The Algonquin became the social scene as 'New York’s social life was moving from downtown ballrooms to what has become today’s soaring Midtown'. Famous literary figures, cabaret singers and other celebrities and socialites have made this hotel historical. Nikki ordered a gin martini up with a twist, of course. She is against anything 'light' or faddish when it comes to drinks - no fruity drinks for this connoisseur. I ordered the black and white cake. It was smooth and creamy with just the right amount of everything. Their appetizer menu in the lobby lounge area also included lobster macaroni and cheese. I have made a note that I have to order that during my next visit. If we had not been planning on dinner soon, I surely would have jumped on it. Not that the cake was logical, but I had to have something there. It is a great place to sit, have a drink, snack and/or dinner and relax. The hotel is beautiful and in that old, classic way. I would like to stay there for a visit as well. The Algonquin is located at 59 W 44th Street, New York, NY 10036 and has two dining rooms, a bar and the lounge. The Oak Room Supper Club serves dinner and often has entertainment (Jazz Brunch on Sundays!). The Round Table serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Blue Bar offers bar fare and lots of drinks from 11:30am - 1am daily. Lastly, The Lounge, the restored Algonquin Lobby, with writing desks and Edwardian furniture in deep jewel tones, serves tea, coffee, cocktails and lighter fare from noon until 4pm and continues cocktails into the evening. Definitely visit The Algonquin Hotel during your next Manhattan visit.

~Alex
Algonquin Hotel Sign
http://www.algonquinhotel.com/

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