If they experience just one of the hotel's food and drink outlets, for most guests it will be the Roosevelt Grill, which serves breakfast every day of the week. Described on the hotel's website as having 'breathtaking, restored interior design,' the space is in fact rather drab, but spacious and well oiled. The service is as unfriendly as in the rest of the hotel although it is quick and efficient if not a little too intrusive. There is a well stocked buffet with a large amount of choice of both continental and hot dishes although there are several à la carte options such as The New Yorker breakfast of smoked salmon served with a toasted bagel, cream cheese, red onions and capers or the Grand Central Eggs comprising two poached eggs and salmon croquettes topped with American sturgeon caviar hollandaise sauce. For those, however, in a rush in the morning, a more suitable option would be to head to the Madison Club Lounge where Starbucks coffee (a sign of selling out to the masses if ever there was one!) and pastries, sandwiches and other, healthier options are available to go.
This restaurant is also open in the afternoon and in the evening for lunch and dinner. The menu offers soups and salads, some simple dishes such as steak frites, mac and cheese and pizzas, while burgers and sandwiches are also available round the clock. The lounge is also the place to come for a relaxed drink any time of the day with a good selection of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits to enjoy to the backdrop of the bar's stained glass windows and wooden panelling.
Another option, during the week only, on the ground floor is the hotel's contemporary Vander Bar, which has a separate entrance from the street. Attracting a completely different crowd, this bar is busiest after work when it shows sports events. As well as serving similar dishes to the Madison Club Lounge, it also has a large selection of bar food and appetisers at lunch time and a similar drinks menu all day long. It might not be the place to come for great food, but it will certainly give you an insight into the Midtown work culture.
Last but certainly not least is Mad 46, by far the best feature of the hotel. This rooftop bar, open every evening from April to October, has a huge wrap around terrace with views up to the surrounding skyscrapers. In addition to a decent cocktail selection, the bar serves all other types of drinks and a few finger food options such as dips, salads and wings. Best when the sun goes down and the Midtown lights go on, the bar is definitely worth a visit during your stay.
Amy Adejokun
Section editor
