NATIONAL REPORT—One way to attract guests and locals alike is to offer a distinctive, authentic F&B experience. These three hotels have recently upped their game in that department.
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
Rendezvous, a new eatery at Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton, in Grand Rapids, MI, has opened. The eatery and lounge was designed to seamlessly transition from day to night, offering a breakfast experience in the morning before transforming into a lounge in the evenings.
Set within the main lobby of the landmark hotel, Rendezvous’ bespoke interior design offers a glamorous yet warm aesthetic with black and gold accent details, according to the hotel. Three dark wood communal tables with seating for up to 10 people act as the centerpieces for the space. For more intimate parties, the lounge features plush banquet seating and cozy two top tables.
For breakfast, Rendezvous features fresh, seasonal cuisine sourced by local farms in West Michigan. The breakfast buffet comes complete with omelet- and waffle-making stations, house-made breads and pastries, fresh juices and specialty coffee and tea.
The evening menu will serve light bites, including international cheese and charcuterie, grass-fed beef with herbs, truffles and salt, flavorful snacks and sweet treats. Live music will be played by local Grand Rapids artists.
Bryant Park Hotel
Bryant Park Hotel is celebrating the opening of Célon, its new Moroccan-style lounge this week in New York City. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, Célon replaces the former Cellar Bar, tucked away within the belly of the landmark American Radiator Building. The new subterranean space, realized in conjunction with ICRAVE design studio, features backlit perforated panels along the perimeter of the space that, through aperature shadow play, create a mirage of sand dunes to transport guests to Morocco and offer one of the most instagrammable moments in New York, according to the hotel.
The former Guastavio tile archways have given way to Marrakesh-style pendants that cast a play of light and shadow. Vintage, fair trade rugs and Kilim pillows were sourced from women’s weaving cooperatives in the Atlas Mountains via Los Angeles designer Kantara.
Célon will offer a similarly Marrakesh-inspired craft cocktail menu featuring fresh juices, and unique spice blends, as well as a $100 Gold Martini.
Mandarin Oriental, New York
The Mandarin Oriental, New York and Chicago-based owners Chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas of the Alinea Group have opened The Aviary NYC, which includes The Office NYC, a speakeasy-style environment. The concept is Achatz and Kokonas’ inaugural hotel partnership and first location outside Chicago. Both spaces were designed by Tihany Design and are located on the hotel’s 35th floor.
The Aviary NYC offers inventive cocktails and small food plates. Unique to the New York City location, it has an all-day menu where the team’s progressive and creative approach to inventing interesting flavor combinations are featured in unexpected ways, according to the company. The 90-seat venue also offers views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. The 44-seat Office NYC is accessible via an entrance located adjacent to The Aviary NYC’s glass-enclosed drink kitchen.
Pod DC
Washington, DC’s newest underground whiskey bar, Crimson Whiskey Bar, is now officially open at Pod DC, the new micro-hotel located in Penn Quarter/Chinatown. Managed by Ian and Eric Hilton (American Ice Company, Chez Billy Sud and Marvin), Crimson Whiskey Bar will feature local producers alongside artisanal moonshines from across the south. Rounding out the trio of Crimson venues—Crimson Diner, Crimson View, and now Crimson Whiskey Bar—Pod DC now provides hotel guests and locals alike with three social hangouts to choose from.