Midtown Glam Returns to New York City with Monterey

Photos: Monterey                                                                                                

Monterey, a glamorous new American restaurant (from the group behind Dagon) is opening its doors in Midtown just steps away from Rockefeller Center.  The retro-chic restaurant is located on 50^th Street near Madison Avenue in the former home of Maloney and Porcelli.  Monterey boasts a custom-made Martini cart, speakeasy room, raw bar, tableside desserts, velvet booths, and a 12-seat table complete with a Lazy Susan.

Chef James Tracey (Isabelle’s Osteria, Gramercy Tavern, Craft, Colicchio & Sons and Lespinasse) is also adding to the excitement with dishes like Crispy Lobster with avocado puree, jalapeno, kumquat, and cilantro; Prime Steaks such as a 40-day dry aged Porterhouse and a 30-day dry aged Strip; Berkshire Pork Chop; New Orleans-style Prawns; and Pork Trotter with sweetbreads, smoked pearl onions, and mustard seed. Raw bar selections include Oysters and Little Neck Clams, Live Diver Scallop, and Tuna Crudo.

At the Martini Cart, guest can build your own classic-stirred cocktail by choosing a base spirit, vermouth, syrup or bitters, or leave it in the hands of the masters.  Adding to the fun are custom carts for Prime Rib au jus (14oz whole roasted prime rib seasoned with black pepper, served sliced to order, topped with jus made of beef bones, mirepoix, tomato salt, Worcestershire and thyme) and Rhum Baba flambéed tableside (Myers dark Rum, vanilla ice cream, pecans). Other dessert offerings include Bananas Foster for two, Grand Marnier Souffle and Cloud Cake with lime, strawberries and whipped cream, among others.

Cocktails by Beverage Director Aviram Turgeman (Dagon, Nice Matin, Isabelle’s Osteria) offer a take on old favorites like The Ultimate Extra Chilled Monterey Martini - served from the freezer directly to your glass. You will even get frozen Queen Olives, or try the Highball Japonais made with Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky, Melon, Yuzu, Shiso and London Essence.  It is a perfect mix that is refreshing yet strong.

Designed by Dudi Sasson, Monterey offers a stunning bar with oval shelving showcasing the liquor selection with towering overhead lights.  There’s also a chef’s table looking onto an open kitchen. In the main dining room, blue banquettes and terrazzo flooring add to the drama, while an alluring staircase leads to more secluded balcony seating with cozy salmon-pink booths.

Monterey is located at 37 50^th St, New York, NY (212) 377-7171

For more information, visit montereybrasserie.com

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