Location: 357 West 16th Street
Cuisine: Lite Fair or small plates
Items: 4 small plates, 4 cocktails, 1 dessert
Best Dish: This was a toss-up between the amazing grilled cheese and the decadent Oreos.Β If you love cheese you simply have to have the grilled cheese, it is everything you ever wanted in a grilled cheese sandwich. If sweets are your thing you can not miss the fried Oreos. These are not your carnival-style treats, these Oreos have been elevated to new heights. They are not greasy at all and arrive warm with a spice chocolate sauce for dipping.
Overall: A casual warm space to live out your sophisticated nightlife fantasies. No sagging pants allowed, this is a place for the grown and sexy.
Where do New York celebs go to unwind away from the flashing bulbs of the paparazzi? They go to exclusive nightspot No.8. Sex in the City and Gossip Girl fans will remember this trendy lounge as Bungalow 8. Though the space has a new moniker it remains a posh den of decadence and mirth. We ventured into the heavily guarded fortress of style one rainy Saturday evening. We set our reservation for 9 pm to have a quick bite and avoid the legendary boisterous evening crowd. The venue was subdued but vastly impressive. The walls still held images of palm trees from its heyday as a bungalow and in the very center of the entryway is a magnificent chandelier adorned with twinkling crystals. The staff is as attractive and mesmerizing as the decor, our beautiful waitress was knowledgeable and warm helping us with our menu. This is not a typical sit-down restaurant. As its primary function is a lounge or nightclub the menu is composed of small plates made to sample with cocktails and or wine.
We began with a round of summer-themed cocktails (available soon).Β The watermelon jalapeno margarita was our first drink. The sweet refreshing watermelon was an interesting and refreshing mix with the warm spicy jalapeno.
For our first round of small plates we sampled the Disco Fries and whippedΒ ricotta. The fries are served with a generous portion of warm beefy gravy and gooey melted cheese.
The whipped ricotta is presented on a plank drizzled with honey and truffle oil. Warm toasted country bread is also served with the cheese for added crunch.
For the next round of cocktails I ordered the love potion no.8 and my companion had the popular Scorpion cocktail. The love potion is a fragrant light version of a pinaΒ coladaΒ made with stoliΒ elitΒ vodka, coconut, lime, pineapple, andΒ watermelon.Β The Scorpion is a Tequila based cocktail with alacran tequila, lime, cucumber and a sprig of mint. Both were very refreshing.
After consulting with our server we simply could not pass up the opportunity to sample the succulent Kobe sliders and famous Grilled Cheese. The sliders are warm and juicy mini burgers served with french fries and a generous helping of Jack Daniels ketchup.
The aptly titled Ultimate Grilled Cheese is an amazing concoction of toasted buttery bread filled with aged cheddar, dijon mustard, and roasted tomato. This is not your mother’s grilled cheese, it is packed with flavor and copious amounts of delicious cheese. The sandwich is served with a cheesy soup for dipping. The textures and herbaceous notes of the soup are a dynamite combo that must be sampled.
Lastly, we tried the dessert option. Is there any better way to end a grand meal than with a stack of Oreos dipped in ice-cold milk? Yes there is. How about decadent fried Oreos dipped in warm spiced chocolate. By far one of the best desserts in the city and the ultimate guilty pleasure. Don’t worry, what happens in No 8, stays at No.8.
As if the fab decor and potential celeb sightings weren’t enough, the food and drink offerings at this nightspot are top-notch. The service and atmosphere provide an experience that is well worth the price tag. Cocktails at No.8 range from $18-20 and the small plates start at $12, a small price to pay for the chance to rub elbows with some of New York’s most elite party goers. The venue isn’t just a nightclub, it is the chance to live out all of your Gossip Girl or Sex in the city fantasies.Β A night here is the very definition of New York hot spot. It is a secluded oasis where only the most discerning gather for late dinners and social drinking.Β As with all of the world’s most prized locations entry isn’t always granted. It is a small space and often booked for the evening so before you venture to that hidden door call ahead and be sure your party can be accommodated, or better yet make a reservation. Given the venue’s reputation for celebrity clientele security is understandably tight and unforgiving, so plan ahead and avoid the embarrassment of being barred entry. Make the reservation and prepare yourself for an unforgettable night of luxury.
2 comments
[…] “Wolves” after party was held at one of our favorite venues, No. 8. Guests were all smiles as the room quickly filled with stars from the film and Hollywood royalty. […]
Looks delicious!! π
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