When I received an invitation for a power breakfast at the
recently renovated Regency Bar & Grill, at New York’s legendary hotel, the
Loews Regency, I was over the moon. This hotel is regarded as the birth place
of the “the power breakfast” and right now is considered to offer one of the
finest dining experiences in this great city. This would certainly be one to
store in the memory books.
New York, in the 1970s, was on the brink of bankruptcy. Bob
Tisch, the Loews Regency’s founder, invited the city’s business and political
leaders there to discuss ways to put New York back on track. So the term “power
breakfast” was coined.
The breakfast spot gained momentum and as it became
the norm for people to have early morning meetings, the Loews Regency became
the destination for people to go to see and be seen at the start of the working
day.
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| Ready for breakfast |
This tradition only stopped when the hotel had to close for
the building works. But now the movers and shakers from the world of business,
media, politics and finance are back in full force at this Park Avenue venue.
Yet, despite this being a power house pulsating with energy as deals are made
and sealed, it is extremely warm and welcoming.
Managed by New York City restaurateurs Gherardo Guarducci
and Dimitri Pauli of the Sant Ambroeus Hospitality Group and spearheaded by culinary genius
executive chef Dan Silverman, the menu at the Loews Regency Bar & Grill,
using market-fresh ingredients, dishes up classics with a modern day
twist and an international flavour.
There was not a spare place in sight at the beautifully-designed chrome bar
which I passed on my way to the restaurant which has a contemporary classic
feel about it. I loved the neutral upholstery which worked well with the
boldly-patterned carpet.
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| The bar |
Service was slick, thoughtful and friendly. As soon as I sat
down coffee was served and kept coming. I needed the caffeine injections after
being awake since 5am. I wasn't going to let a little thing like
jetlag ruin my New York break. The coffee was really good and did the trick.
To start I had a plate of seasonal berries which tasted as
if they had just been picked, followed by smoked salmon served with a bagel,
cream cheese, capers, red onion and tomato. This, too, was excellent.
The fare is not
cheap, but I guess that is relative. The two men at the next table were
talking about transactions in amounts that made telephone numbers look small.
There are plenty of healthy options to choose from such as an
egg white frittata which comes with broccoli, carrots and peppers and for those
with a more heartier appetite, the full
American breakfast will not disappoint. Another star, I am told,
are the pancakes.
There were plenty of people eating while doing business
which is a testament to the quality of the food.
Being in a room that fizzes with energy and creativity is
great way to start the day whether you are in New York for pleasure or
business. You never know, some of the magic may just rub off.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
London City
British Airways operates an exclusive 32-seat all-business class jet service from London City to New York 11 times a week
Fares start from £2,250.19 return including taxes and charges
To book or for more information visit www.ba.com/New York or call 0844 4930787
Heathrow
British Airways operates several daily services from London Heathrow to New York
British Airways operates an exclusive 32-seat all-business class jet service from London City to New York 11 times a week
Fares start from £2,250.19 return including taxes and charges
To book or for more information visit www.ba.com/New York or call 0844 4930787
Heathrow
British Airways operates several daily services from London Heathrow to New York
Fares start from £566 return including taxes and charges
To book or for more information and other airports visit www.ba.com/newyork or call 0844 4930787
For more information about the Loews Regency, visit
www.loewshotels.com
