STATE Grill & Bar Takes the Wraps Off Its New King Kong Banana Split

Photo: State Grill & Bar                                                                                  

A visit to the Empire State Building is in order for a taste of STATE Grill & Bar’s new King Kong Banana Split, a fun new confection based on the building’s favorite movie icon.

Chef Morgan Jarrett begins with brûléed bananas, which she then tops with three scoops of ice cream: dark chocolate, vanilla, and Chef’s choice, as well as whipped cream. For a touch of New York City flair, she places mini black-and-white cookies around the perimeter of the bowl and an Empire State Building molded chocolate. Of course, no sundae would be complete without a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce as well as passion fruit caramel sauce.

For those seeking a little something extra, the sundae also comes with maraschino cherries, coconut flakes, and candied peanuts. Diners will get their sugar fix and a show, as the banana split is prepared tableside. The King Kong Banana Split is available à la carte ($18) and as part of the Observatory Lunch and Dinner package prix fixe menus.

STATE Grill & Bar is located at 21 West 33rd St, New York, NY (on the ground floor of the Empire State Building), (212) 216-9693. For more information, visit patinagroup.com/state-grill-and-bar