The Shop at Andaz 5th Avenue
Contact Info:
Address: 485 Fifth Ave (41st St)
City: New York, NY
Zip: 10018
map: View the Map
Phone: (212) 601-1234
Website: http://newyork.5thavenue.andaz.hyatt.com
Hours:
Monday through Friday
breakfast 6:30a.m. » 10:30a.m.
lunch 11:45a.m. » 4:45p.m.
dinner 5:15p.m. » 10:00p.m
Saturday and Sunday
brunch 6:30a.m. » 4:00p.m.
dinner 5:00p.m. » 10:00p.m.
Food Info:
Cuisine:
American
Payment:
Accepts Credit Cards
Cititour Review:
At first glance, finding Andaz is confusing as the sign outside says “The Shop.” This turns out to be what the restaurant is called although why I’m not sure as the only merchandise on view is a smattering of cookbooks and some bags of coffee. Apparantly Andaz is part of a hotel (Andaz 5th Avenue) that is, according to our very helpful waitperson, “a boutique Hyatt.” Once past the threshold, the space is modern and stylish with the obligatory large vase of long stemmed flowers and sleek wood tables. Tables are nicely spaced so you can actually hear your dining companions most of the time. Another plus is good, fairly creative food in an area that’s short of spots for a pleasant meal. If you happen to be visiting the New York Public Library, Andaz is right across the street.
The Shop prides itself on locally-sourced ingredients, labeled on the menu, and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. At lunch, there are numerous “small plates” like a modern Greek Salad with the best feta cheese I ever tasted along with wonderful cucumbers, mint and tomatoes; sautéed Brussels sprouts and a faro salad. My dining companion’s Black Angus burger was plump and covered with grilled onions as well as the obligatory lettuce and tomato. The Z sandwich is a chicken thigh and Portobello mushroom combo on a potato roll that sounds odd but tastes very good.
Breakfast offers everything from house-made muesli with Battenkill milk to Feather Ridge eggs in various guises with yummy accompaniments. Dinner can be a series of small plates like veal meatballs with peas, a selection of fancy cheeses with fruits and “local” honeycomb or a pot of mussels steamed with white wine, garlic and parsley. If your appetite is more substantial, there are pastas, a pork chop with red onion marmalade, duck breast with more of those great Brussels sprouts and other veggies or short ribs braised in Sangria. $8 sides – broccoli with chili and lemon, a root vegetable gratin, creamy mashed potatoes and more--round out a meal. Each day has a Blue Plate Special which could be crab cakes, rib eye steak with mushroom ragout or “fish in a bag” with seasonal vegetables. These specials change regularly. There are wines by the glass or bottle and a pretty good selection of beers.
There is a communal table towards the front entrance that would be a nice spot to sit at and enjoy coffee and a pastry. The Bar Downstairs serves many items from the restaurant as well as drinks and coffee and is a good spot for an after-work drink, just as the restaurant attracts those who work in the ‘hood during the day. A sister Andaz in the Financial District, also a hotel, restaurant and bar, has a similar look, feel and menu.
Andaz is not a restaurant you need to kill to visit. However, in this part of town, it offers above average food and drink in an attractive setting and eaters could do a lot worse.
Review By: Mari Gold
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