December
20
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ESCAPE LONDON, VISIT AMERICA – have a luxurious brunch at the Waldorf Astoria, New York
It’s a cliche but true, there’s no place quite like New York at Christmas time. New Yorkers love their Sunday brunch and the Astoria has been boasting one of the best for several decades now.
The beautiful, historic building situated on Midtown Park Avenue is impressive from both outside and in. There is a certain air of old society New York and tradition about this hotel and on entering it feels sumptuous and grand, yet warm and welcoming. The tasteful Christmas decor could provide the backdrop, to the most stylish of Christmas card.
There is a certain air of old society New York and tradition about this hotel and on entering it feels sumptuous and grand, yet warm and welcoming.
The restaurant was buzzing. If you’re looking for quiet and intimate, this is not the place to be. The check in was slightly chaotic, but once seated we were served by an attentive, but not overbearing waiter.
We both decided to sample the signature cocktail “The Peacock” and were reliably informed it was a blend of House-made Cranberry Infused Vodka, Marie Brizard Apricot Brandy and Lemon Sour. ‘It actually tastes like Christmas” my companion declared, which was quite an apt description. For starter, what else but the Waldorf Salad? After all it was invented here. Although, not the traditional way, I opted to customise with the caesar dressing, which was possibly the best I’d ever tasted. My colleague opted for the oysters, which he took raw, with a squeeze of lemon. He told me they were so delicious and he was tempted to go back for some more.
But onto the main course…….
We both felt almost spoilt for choice and for those with a huge appetite and a love of food, this would be paradise. On first inspection of what was on offer, I’d set my sights on the smashed potatoes, as they were mashed to perfection with butter and cream, (not a lump to be found) I opted for the Catskills smoked fish to go with it, which was a white fish, presumably cod, poached in a butter sauce, which almost melted in my mouth.
We both felt almost spoilt for choice and for those with a huge appetite and a love of food, this would be paradise.
My colleague decided on a selection of the succulent meats, which he declared, were “very good” this he accompanied with some mixed vegetables and roast potatoes. In what is often a tendency with buffets, we both ate a little too much and were fit to burst, however, we were not going to let a small thing like that put us off a dessert and with more than 200 beautifully laid out, it would have been rude not to. I took a small Strawberry Tart with Fresh Cream and my colleague the New York Cheesecake, both were excellent.
The beautiful architecture and surroundings of the Astoria, coupled with the delicious food on offer, make this a very worthwhile experience whilst in New York. My only advice would be, skip breakfast and make room for all of the many culinary delights on offer.
$98 per head and first glance might seem a little pricey, but it is actually quality food and classy surroundings at great value.
http://www.waldorfnewyork.com/
Waldorf Astoria New York, New York, NY 10022
Heart London Magazine 5 * Star Rating
Service 5
Room 5
Bathroom 5
Décor 5
Food 5
Facilities 5
Terry and Denise, Heart London Magazine
Heart London Magazine 
