This weekend is perfect for New York Event Planners to try and taste all that is good during Winter New York Restaurant Week 2019. Not only because dishes are priced at minimal rates, but it’s also a good way to finally try those restaurants that have been on your radar so you can add them to your list of restaurants to recommend for client events.
The weather has kept us indoors this past week as temperatures reached all time lows, but what’s better than comfort food to keep us warm? Nothing…OK maybe a space heater but let’s focus on food!
Ahhhh yes, food glorious food! New York Event Planners who have not yet taken advantage of the low prices that the 2019 Winter Restaurant Week in New York has to offer, should stop what they’re doing RIGHT NOW and take a gander at our list of what’s hot (except the climate because there’s nothing hot about that right now) for Winter New York Restaurant Week 2019!
Must Try Restaurants in New York City for Winter Restaurant Week 2019
NYC Restaurant Week is a culinary franchise that began back in 1992. It’s the faithful and frugal event that foodies celebrate twice a year. NYC Winter Restaurant Week offers you more than 365 restaurants to book reservations in.
That’s over a year’s worth of two-course lunches for $26 and three-course dinner options for $42 to squeeze into a matter of days. New York Event Planners should use this time to taste test and experience the ambiance at participating restaurants in every borough. The overwhelming majority of restaurants that are contributing are located in Manhattan. However, there are eight in Brooklyn, two in Queens, and only one restaurant in both the Bronx and Staten Island (anyone surprised?).
Despite the homogenous geography, it could feel like a chore to pick from the Pan-Asian, Southern, British, French, Australian, Brazilian, Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese, Greek, Laotian, New American, Spanish, Modern European, Indian, Korean, Austrian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Thai, Japanese, African, New American, Latin American, Traditional American, Asian Fusion, Hawaiian, and Continental, and eclectic options being offered.
But, listen up New York Event Planners…what better way is there to try the latest food trends to later incorporate your recommendations to clients? Here’s your chance to try something new, choose a place you’ve been eyeing out, and keep a list on your clipboard (who still uses clipboards?) of the best of the best.
OK let’s get to the good eats…
Bann Restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen
Korean barbecue at Bann is a gastronomic choose your own adventure type of restaurant -- the Bandersnatch of meals with (spoiler alert!) a happy ending. This is the one place where Winter Restaurant Week’s no booze included nuisance is a feature, not a bug: New York Event Planners must come with a big appetite to try their rib eye, chicken breast, pork loin, salmon, shrimp, duck, pork belly, filet mignon, tuna, or vegetable selection to perfection right at the table. And if you do need a little liquid courage to take on the grill, Bann’s happy hour runs until 9 p.m. at the bar.
What to order: The pork belly buns and grill-your-own salmon at lunch. The ahi tuna sashimi, grill-your-own duck breast, and banana sabayon with berries and sesame cookies at dinner.
What you’ll pay: $26 for a two-course lunch and $42 for a three-course dinner Sunday-Friday.
The Library in NoHo
Although it’s open to all, New York Event Planners love the looks and feels at The Library which is one of the most welcoming private clubs in town. The comfortable space’s sprawling banquettes are perfectly suited to striking up a conversation with an actor/musician/writer/neighborhood curmudgeon who won’t shut up about himself, but leaves you with warm feelings nonetheless. Catch a show at the adjacent theater while you’re there.
What to order: The taco al pastor, roasted trout, and ricotta cheesecake.
What you’ll pay: $42 for a three-course dinner, Sunday-Friday.
Maiella in Long Island City
One of the best views of NYC from outside of Manhattan can be found at Maiella – plus New York Event Planners will get to see the “Cola” landmarked Pepsi sign tourists love taking pictures in front of.
The open space layout upon entering this restaurant is beyond inviting, but not more so than the sounds of light Italian music playing and the aroma that won't quit of the freshest Italian ingredients that pours into the dining area from the kitchen. Welcome to Italy in NYC!
What to order: The burrata al tartufo, four cheese gnocchi, and Panettone bread pudding.
What you’ll pay: $42 for a three-course dinner, Sunday-Friday.
The Clocktower in the Flatiron District
Are we in the throes of throwback to the British Invasion of the ‘60s? Probably not, but this Michelin starred import from across the pond’s modern take on UK cuisine is poised to set trends like the Fab Four. New York Event Planners can dine under framed photos of cultural icons before you swing by the pool room for a rousing round of post-lunch billiards.
What to order: The butternut squash soup and the lamb neck roulade shepherd’s pie.
What you’ll pay: $26 for a two-course lunch Monday-Friday
Monkey Bar Midtown East
This 1930s-era good time joint was given new life when 1980s-era good time journalist Graydon Carter took over in 2009. It didn’t take long after the transfer of power for the place to be revealed as a transparent den of ego and elite nepotism. Carter’s clubhouse was criticized for saving the best tables for his pals and hangers-on -- driving the plebes to beg for a spot via email ether. Today, Monkey Bar and places like it have the cover of ubiquitous online reservation platforms to normalize this practice: So now’s your chance! Bring your manuscript.
What to order: The white bean soup and pan seared salmon at lunch. The crab salad, roasted pork loin, and lemon and blueberry Pavlova at dinner.
What you’ll pay: $26 for a two-course lunch and $42 for a three-course dinner Monday-Friday.
Winter Restaurant Week in New York is an excellent time for New York Event Planners to go on a tasting spree to see which unique venues in NYC they can recommend to clients. But, the best place to start building relationships with venue owners will be at the 2019 Event Planner Expo. Come join us!