NYC News
Aitana Brings Bold New Flavors to Virgin Hotels New York
November 4, 2024, 6:53.43 pm ET
Photo: Aitana
Virgin Hotels New York is turning up the heat in NoMad with the opening of Aitana, a Latin-Mediterranean restaurant that promises to be as lively as it is refined. Starting November 15, Aitana joins Virgin’s all-star lineup of spots like Everdene, The Pool Club, and the penthouse bar The Riff Raff Club, putting the finishing touch on the hotel’s eclectic dining and drinks scene. This new spot on the fourth floor of the hotel channels Virgin’s signature flair, blending a playful vibe with dishes that pack serious flavor.
“Aitana is more than just a restaurant,” says Tim Stuyts, Virgin Hotels’ Food & Beverage Director. “It’s a place where people come to celebrate, savor, and really enjoy the moment.” Every detail here is designed to make a night out unforgettable, blending the richness of Latin and Mediterranean cuisine with the lively energy Virgin is known for.
At the helm is Chef Freddy Vargas, who brings his Ecuadorian roots and Staten Island upbringing to the table. Vargas’s menu mixes Latin flavors with Mediterranean ingredients, offering up creations like plantain-crusted snapper, house-made pastas, and shareable bites with a luxe twist—think Duck & Foie Gras Empanadas and Yuca Papas Fritas topped with aged Parmesan. And for that special touch, there’s tableside service to keep the experience engaging and interactive.
No meal at Aitana is complete without a cocktail (or two), and the beverage program delivers. Sommelier Andrew McFetridge has put together a wine list that showcases Latin American and Mediterranean bottles, with some rare gems and a fantastic selection of Champagnes. Plus, signature cocktails like the Juliette Spritz and La Armargada bring a creative spin to classics, and there’s even a 30-year-old French fortified dessert wine served tableside from a 10-liter glass demijohn, making dessert drinks a true event.
Aitana is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., at Virgin Hotels New York (1127 Broadway, New York, NY 10001). You can snag a reservation on Resy. For more details, visit Virgin Hotels’ website and follow @aitananyc.
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