Rooftop Lounge

Montreal, Canada Trip 2012

Being from New York City where different types of cuisine is available, it’s hard to satisfy a New York City diner. Yet, I’m always willing to try food from different parts of the globe. After my trip to Barcelona, Spain last April I wanted to go to Europe again before the summer was over, but decided to postpone till next year. A friend of mine recommended Montreal, Canada and since it is so close to New York City it was an ideal place to spend the weekend. So I did.

Montreal has a European feel, where the French accent is evident throughout the city. Though their cuisine dominates the gastronomic scene, it does make me wonder why the Michelin Guide was not published here. Who knows?

The weekend that I spent in Montreal I had some memorable dishes as well as some forgettable ones. There were some places that I would go back to and recommend, like AIX Du Cuisine Terrior. I enjoyed my fine dining experience here and also the great drinks and delicious food at the trendy Bar and Boeuf Bistro Gourmand.

I had my first ever escargot at Alexandere et Fils . The snails were cooked in garlic butter sauce and served without the shell. The snail has a calamari texture, rubbery but easy to break down. Combine that with the garlic butter it was very good. It took for me to go to Canada to try this dish when it is available here in NYC.

There was so much said about how good Montreal’s bagels were, better than New York City bagels! Being a New Yorker, our bagel is the best bagel in the world! A friend (who was born and raised in Montreal) recommended Fairmont bagel, but due to time constraints I never had a chance to go. Although it does seem like all the bagels are similar in taste and texture in this city. I had a bagel at Coin Delices Du Monde in Old Montreal. The bagels here were smaller and softer than in New York. It was good and tasty and I can’t really compare the two since I like them both. I’m just used to the good old NYC bagel. Their croissants were freshly baked straight out of the oven and every bite was tremendously amazing.

The rooftop lounge, Terrasse Nelligan at Hotel Nelligan, is a nice way to have a night cap or end the day after a long walk around Old Montreal. I enjoyed the view of the St. Lawrence River as well as the Basillica of Notre Dame while I consumed a bottle of MTL, a locally brewed beer. This light beer was perfect for a nice summer afternoon relaxation drink.

The “Chicken Lasagna” at Café Via Crescent in Downtown Montreal was another first. It caught my eyes while looking at their menu. The dish was creative, made with chicken, spinach and cheese layered with lasagna without tomato sauce but rather with chicken stock. It was tasty and had a similar texture and taste to chicken noodle soup but better. They also served Olive oil with Jalapenos with their bread. That’s another first and it has a lot of kick to it, perfect for lovers of spicy food.

You can’t visit Montreal and not have their national food, “The Poutine”. I asked the staff at the hotel where I was staying, “Where can I find the best poutine in the city?”. I was surprised by his answer, that I can have it anywhere throughout the city. When he says anywhere, he means it. Even Dairy Queen had it on their menu. So I stopped by La Belle Province on Peel St. in downtown, the first place I saw that serves the dish. Poutine consists of French fries, gravy and cheese curds, it’s basically a heart attack on a plate! The saltiness of the gravy, combined with the grease from the fries and richness of the cheese makes poutine and ideal drunk food. Even better than pizza.

The dining atmosphere in Montreal is also different from the US. The service and hospitality that I experienced was subpar and consistent to all the establishments that I visited. It was lacking the warmth that I was accustomed to in New York City restaurants. The 15% percent gratuity is somewhat required at the end of every meal and the servers will let you know that service was not included on the bill.

Montreal possessed some very good restaurants and exceptional dishes that tourists can enjoy while visiting this beautiful city. It’s a certified foodie town.

Alexandre et Fils, 1454 Peel Street Montreal, QC H3A 1T5, Canada (514) 288-5105

Coin Delices Du Monde, 109-111 de la Commune West, Montreal, QC H2X 2C7 Canada (514) 995 1312

Terrasse Nelligan (Hotel Nelligan), 106 Rue Saint Paul Ouest Montreal, QC H2Y 1Z3, Canada (514) 788-2040

Cafe Via Crescent, 1418 Crescent Street Montreal, QC H3G 2B6, Canada (514) 843-3896

La Belle Province, 1216 rue Peel, Montréal, QC H3B 2T6 Canada Phone: 514-878-8020

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication preassigned to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile malfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their status appears to be the same as yours.

Le Bain Rooftop

Among its many blessings New York City is anointed with a myriad of amazing rooftop lounges. Each year new ones pop up and others are in the works for the next year’s spring/summer season. The 18th floor of the Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District is home to the Top of The Standard (aka: The Boom Boom Room) and its rooftop lounge, the Le Bain a ‘must visit’ among New York City’s rooftop lounge scene.

In order to get to the rooftop guests must pass through the La Bain’s double black doors. Once guests enter the lounge they are greeted by the cool interior design with black tiled walls, black leathered sofas and a disco ball hanging above a Jacuzzi. The La Bain is a place to really party in NYC. For additional fun there is a staircase that leads to the outdoor rooftop space. The staircase walls are covered with graffiti art making the climb up the stairs a mini art gallery experience. The rooftop is covered with artificial grass where pink waterbeds and beach chairs line the middle of the space. Guests can lie down, relax in comfort and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of New York City while sipping a $200 bottle of Dom Perignon . A hot tub is also available for those who choose to dip. Fashionable servers with movie star/model looks are dressed in all white. There is a bar area that is covered from the sun for those who want to enjoy a drink away from the heat and feel the cool breeze when the wind blows. On my recent visit, they added a section for ordering crepes that resembles a kid’s tree house. But the highlight of the Le Bain is its view and the vending machine that sells male and female bathing suits. If you didn’t bring your bathing suit, no worries, they’ve got you covered.

The drink prices are pretty average for the area, $14 for specialty drinks and about $9 for beer. The Le Bain’s rooftop is home to one of my favorite drinks, the Frozen Grapefruit Gimlet; made with crushed ice, grape fruit juice and vodka – an ideal drink for the summer time. The drink is very fruity, I never tasted the alcohol, but the drink will hit you. Another drink that I enjoyed was the Paris Spritz, made with Aperol, St. Germaine, Top Soda and champagne. The drink is not overly sweet and the alcohol taste is almost nonexistent. Food at the La Bain consists of ridiculously priced snacks. If you are willing to pay for a $5 bag of chips that you can purchase for $2 at a deli around the corner, then go for it.

The Le Bain’s rooftop is a great place to have a drink after work or during a summer weekend afternoon. It’s relaxing but can be pretentious at times – just like the rest of the Meatpacking area. The crowd is the ‘fashionable, chic, sexy (six inches high heels wearing wannabe models/actresses) seen and want to be seen crowd.’ Whenever you’re in the Meatpacking area or you just have the urge to drink during the summer/springtime make the Le Bain rooftop a destination.

Le Bain Rooftop
18th flr. of The Standard Hotel
848 Washington St
New York, NY 10014
(212) 645-4646
Official Site

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication set to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Rooftop Garden at the GPH (Gramercy Park Hotel)

Rooftop Garden
@ the Gramercy Park Hotel
2 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10010
(212) 920-3300
Official Site

An urban oasis away from NYC’s hustle and bustle, the Rooftop Garden on the 16th floor of the Gramercy Park Hotel was once a private rooftop but is now open the public. It resembles the private rooftop garden of one of America’s wealthy aristocratic families of the 1920’s.

I’ve been to the Gramercy Park Rooftop Garden a few times and I’ve always been impressed with its beauty. The vintage classic décor makes up for an OK view. The indoor space reflects a more classic ambiance which is highlighted by a room with a fireplace and dark brown leather couches. The centerpiece of the room is a display of thousands of light bulbs hanging above on the ceiling serving as a chandelier. The walls are decorated with original art work by Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst.

The outdoor section wraps around the top of the hotel along with its retractable roof covered in vines that run through its skeletal frames. The arrangement of chairs, tables and richly colored green plants and colorful flowers allow for a comfortable setting and intimate conversation. At night, the outdoor patio is lit with candles and dim hanging light bulbs setup for a romantic evening. From the plants and vines to the wicker couches and old chairs, the outdoor area has the appearance of a vintage garden.

The rooftop garden is open all year around and also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and brunch on the weekend. I haven’t had a chance to taste the food yet, the rooftop garden menus are separate from the ground level restaurant Mialano. The drinks are very expensive but well worth it, the average glass of wine is between $15-$20 and specialty drink prices are between $20-$25.

The quiet relaxing atmosphere is great for an intimate gathering of a small group of friends, while the evening also brings out the romantic side of garden. Lighted candles, dimly lit lights and just the right volume of smooth music makes this one the best date spots in NYC. If you’re ever in this part of town make sure you visit the Rooftop Garden at the Gramercy Park Hotel, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In complement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their status appears to be the same as yours.

Mad 46 at the Roosevelt Hotel

Mad 46
@ Roosevelt Hotel
45 East 46th st.
New York NY 10017
(212) 661-9600
Official site

Getting to the Mad46 Lounge at the top of the Roosevelt Hotel is a mini adventure. After entering the elegance of the Roosevelt you are then directed by a security guard to walk through a dark corridor which leads to an elevator that takes you to your 19th floor destination. Once you exit the elevator you’re back in elegance – the Mad46 Lounge.

It was a great summer’s day and a perfect place for my friends and me to go and unwind after work. The lounge runs around the entire length of the Roosevelt’s roof. The majority of the space is outdoors and at the center is an indoor lounge that looks like a typical NYC lounge. The overall look is old meets new, 20th century architecture against modern cabanas and modern decor. You will enjoy the rooftop views as you are surrounded by other fabulous New York City buildings.

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The drinks are pretty good, our server recommended the Lenart (Xante pear liqueur, sprite and fresh lime juice.) The Lenart was flavorful and sweet, just how I like my drinks. Prices are pretty much average $13-$15 for cocktails.

Neither chic nor trendy, Mad46 is great for a group of friends who want to hang out after work or just catch up. You may also meet a new a friend or two along the way. The crowd is pretty much the midtown afterwork crowd. It empties out after 7:30 PM. The service is amazing from the security downstairs to the server at the lounge.

Mad46 is a cool spot for kicking back and relaxing on the cabanas with some friends or colleagues after a long day of work. I plan to return.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a treatment prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you must ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other humanity even if their state appears to be the same as yours.

Bookmark

[album: http://www.rayspicksnyc.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/Bookmark/]

Bookmark
at The Library Hotel
299 Madison Ave.
New York NY 10017
(212)983 4500
Official Site

I heard about the Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge from a friend but I had no idea what to expect. When I finally arrived, I was pleasantly surprised and very impressed with this cozy and classy spot. Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge, located at the top of the Library Hotel, is just the right size – neither too big and impersonal nor too small and intrusive. The ambience and décor are both simple and snug almost like a private library in one’s home, but with hints of subdued luxury.

When I arrived at the Bookmarks with my guests, we were seated at the section of the lounge that was enclosed with plexiglass, the Enclosed Terrance. Our area was cozy with exposed brick and dark brown wooden panels. We sat on cool wooden benches lined with soft pillows. Huge potted plants with rich green foliage were both décor and subtle dividers between guests allowing for a private yet connected feel. The opposite end of the rooftop, The Poetry Garden, was completely outdoors, garden-like and a little more intimate than the Enclosed Terrance. There was also an indoor section of the lounge, The Writer’s Den, that was dimly lit with dark comfy leather furniture.

Now most importantly, the drinks – yes they were on point. The names of cocktails were literarily inspired .I had the “Underneath the Mango Tree” which was recommended by our server. It was sweet and very tasty, I couldn’t taste the liquor at all, but it was definitely there.

As the night fell, the dim lights and the candle lit table made this cozy intimate spot romantic. There was also music softly playing in the background which added to the romance. This place is a definite date spot especially when it gets dark.

Overall The Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge is highly recommended; a great place to relax on your own, have drinks with a small group or take someone out for a romantic evening.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a treatment prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to regard about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you must ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In supplement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Rare View Chelsea

Fashion 26 Wyndham Hotel

152 West 26th st.

New York NY 10001

212-858-5888

Official website

The Rare View has become one of my favorite roof top bars, it totally exceeded my expectations. Its very trendy, has a relaxed atmosphere and has a great view of the Empire State Building and surrounding skyscrapers. The red and yellow striped cushions on black wicker sofas gave the place a fashionable look. The size is very descent, it’s like a larger version of The Top of Strand. Also just like The Top of Strand, the Rare View has a retractable roof making the place available rain or shine.

The drinks are very reasonable for NYC rooftop bars: $12 specialty cocktails, $8 beers and $9 wines a bargain for place like this. The only knock I have on this place is you cannot order food, the bar is only for drinking. You can’t even order from the restaurant downstairs and bring the food up. Overall The Rare View is a great place and I highly recommend it. I came here with a couple of friends and had a great time.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a curing preassigned to treat few ailments. What do you have to regard about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you have to ask your druggist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In supplement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are as a rule able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other folk even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.