The Clocktower at The New York EDITION Hotel
Cuisine: Contemporary British
Location: 5 Madison Avenue (Flatiron)
Ambiance: Posh Gastropub
Price: $$$$ out of $$$$$
Background: If a hotel has design input by Ian Schrager, then I’m there. The New York EDITION hotel, located steps away from Madison Square Park in the Flatiron District, is David Rockwell’s remake of the MetLife office building. This building is an iconic landmark against the New York City skyline, and is also one of my favorites because of its evening glow. The EDITION hotel collection, by Marriott, offers its jet-setting guests sophisticated design with extraordinary style, and is quickly expanding its reach around the globe. You have to love their tagline, which reads: New Luxury For A New Generation.
Experience: If you’ve experienced one of the restaurants at The EDITION’s Istanbul, London or Miami properties, than you know to expect playful cocktails, high-end fare and a buzzy atmosphere full of the sharply-dressed elite. The same is true in New York at The Clocktower restaurant (named after the buildings famous attribute). Once you’ve made your way through the hotel’s chic ground-floor lobby and up the ivory spiral staircase to the second level where the multi-room, 90-seat restaurant and intimate Gold Bar are located, you’ll be transported back to an era of old-school glamour. The rich mahogany walls, vintage nightlifephotography and classic New York City plaster ceilings set the scene for an exceptional experience.
Menu: Under the direction of Michelin-starred Jason Atherton from London and renowned American restaurateur Stephen Starr, The Clocktower’s kitchen has been turning out its highly coveted contemporary British fare since the opening earlier this spring. The menu is made up of updated takes on classic dishes and tavern fare, as well as seasonally inspired specials. I recommend the following dishes (and to over-order, as dishes are shockingly small): Alaskan king crab with dashi gelée, pickled cucumber; Diver scallop with black radish, caviar, pomelo; Steak tartare with roasted bone marrow, sourdough, pickled artichokes, mustard leaf; Tomato salad with tomato jelly, Lioni burrata, basil granité; North African spiced Colorado lamb with yogurt, smoked eggplant, young curried onions; Roasted Dover with sole, capers, lemon, parsley, breadcrumbs; the 36-hour Berkshire pork belly with apple and onion puree, roasted carrots, pork gravy; Macaroni and cheese with morels, slow-cooked ox cheek.
Conclusion: You could think that British gastropub fare would be a bit boring. However, at The Clocktower each dish is thoughtfully prepared (as are the cocktails). The level of execution and balance of flavor are high-end. Yet, the portions are small and not overly hearty. The staff is very attentive, but could disappear on you when it is time for the check. Overall, if you enjoy savoring small artfully plated high-end dishes in a swanky setting, the experience will be well-worth the price. You could file The Clocktower away as a place for entertaining guests or for a fashionable night out.
Website: www.theclocktowernyc.com
Photo credits: @clocktowernyc
For details on The Matador Room at The Miami EDITION Hotel, check out our post here.