Fashion week in New York is a draining experience, running show to show all around the crowded city streets. Seven solid days of presentations and cat walk found my weary companion and I in search of a relaxing place to unwind. Relaxation in the social sense requires a light beverage, great music, and beautiful surroundings. We roamed midtown, and wandered into one of our favorite hidden gems. Down the dimly lit maze of a corridor, we scurried until at last we found the elevator. We rode silently to the penthouse level and found ourselves in intrigued by the open rooftop oasis. Its glimmering light and lovely view a blur as we continued onward, past their siren song and along yet another hall. Past the doors and down a flight of steps, a collective sigh of relief as we had finally arrived.
The JBird cocktail bar is a brand new space, decorated by the masterful team who created the opulent XVI. Located at its interior resembles an old-fashioned speakeasy or gentlemen’s club. It appears to have been snatched directly from a bygone era when the biggest alliances and world deals were made with a snifter of brandy amid a velvety cloud of cigar smoke. We anxiously awaited the arrival of our waitress, thankfully our wait was a short one and our cheerful server was all too happy to give us the rundown on the selections. The menu, broken down into 4 distinct flavor groups features many exciting and new cocktail options. I started with the “Lavender Lining”, this light and refreshing cocktail are made with Tequila, Vermouth, Orange Juice, and Market Lavender. Aside from its light taste the fragrant aroma of lavender accompanies every sip. My Companion Opted for the “Chief’s Hut”. This fun and tasty treat is served in a surprisingly campy tiki glass and features Amber rum, White Rum, Passionfruit Apricot Brandy and Coconut Liqueur.
These delicious numbers were followed with the delightfully titled “Behind God’s Back”. This fruity cocktail is served in a very tall glass with lightly crushed ice, it is a tropical dream.
For our next course, we sampled the “Brush of the Bush” and ” Every Man Afterall”. The Brush is a heady shot of tequila, sage, agave nectar, and vanilla bitters, served in a highball glass with an oversized cube of ice. This one is not for the faint of heart it packs a delicious but mighty punch.
The “Every Man Afterall” is a sweet dream in a glass. Rum apple brandy, creme de leche, peach bitters and candied lime combine to form his confection. Flavorful and aromatic this drink like many of the items served features ingredients that can only be found at Jbird.
Lastly, we sampled a special item made to share. The “Sadie Hawkins Sling” is one of the most whimsical choices. Bourbon, pear brandy, apricot liqueur, and tiki bitters are served in a hollowed and frozen pineapple with two colorful straws. This sweet refreshing drink is one that simply must be experienced. This decadent treat is currently set at $36.
As one would expect, decadence and privacy do not come cheap. The prices here are not for the faint of heart and why should they be? One must pay the price for comfort and luxury. The decor alone is enough to warrant the sixteen dollars per cocktail, which by New York standards is relatively common. Aside from the decor the ambiance and the relaxed atmosphere are worth a visit or two. Feel free to treat yourself to a spectacular experience, in both taste and presentation, you’ll be so glad you did.
For more on JBird Lounge, visit www.jbirdny.com/ or to make a reservation Email Here.
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[…] SPOT – JBIRD Upper East Side April 17, 2012 The JBird cocktail bar is a grand new space, decorated by the masterful team who created the opulent XVI. Located at its […]
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