Monday, April 29, 2013

Dinner in Central Park - The Loeb Boathouse, New York, NY

East 72nd and Park Drive North, New York, NY 212-517-2233, www.thecentralparkboathouse.com

Dinner in Central Park - The Loeb Boathouse, New York, NY

A business associate of Brian's was in town for the weekend with his wife and we took them out for a lovely dinner at the Boathouse. Whenever we entertain, Brian always leaves it to me to choose a place that out-of-towners would like and that would show off our city. Since we're in Manhattan, there's no shortage of impressive places but I like to feature the quieter, less touristy aspects of this city.

Dinner in Central Park - The Loeb Boathouse, New York, NY
A lifetime of living in Manhattan has not lessened my love and appreciation of Central Park. Sitting on 843 acres of prime Manhattan real estate, it's the most visited and most filmed urban park in the country but it's also a peaceful oasis for us big city dwellers. Rowing, skating, bicycling, horseback riding...the park offers all that plus an outdoor theater, concerts, a zoo and lots of bird watching. And, of course, lots of people watching from the numerous benches and grassy areas. Brian and I particularly love to sit by the model boat pond and watch them being raced.

Dinner in Central Park - The Loeb Boathouse, New York, NY
You won't go hungry or thirsty in the park. Apart from the numerous refreshment cart vendors, there are also several casual cafes, concession stands and, until recently, two elegant restaurants. Although the famous Tavern on the Green is currently closed due to a managerial flux, the Loeb Boathouse is bustling with lunch and dinner patrons. Located at the northeastern tip of the lake, it offers waterfront fine dining with a seasonal menu.

Dinner in Central Park - The Loeb Boathouse, New York, NY
We booked our table for 6:00 pm so that we could enjoy some late day sunlight over the lake before dusk settled over the park. We scored a table by the sliding windows and watched the last of the row boaters enjoying a beautiful spring day while we sipped selections from their wonderful specialty cocktail menu.

This restaurant is definitely pricey and the portions are a bit small. But, the food was delicious and the atmosphere delightful. There's an easy elegance about the place that makes you feel comfortable despite the elegant surroundings. The service was friendly and attentive and, although the dining room was packed, we were not rushed out. We lingered over coffee and dessert before strolling out through the now quiet and peaceful park.

Dinner in Central Park - The Loeb Boathouse, New York, NY
Mango Mojito

Dinner in Central Park - The Loeb Boathouse, New York, NY
Boathouse Salad with red oak lettuce, herbs and smoked almonds in a Cabernet vinaigrette.

Dinner in Central Park - The Loeb Boathouse, New York, NY
Heirloom tomato salad with English cucumber, kalamata olives, red onion and imported feta cheese

Dinner in Central Park - The Loeb Boathouse, New York, NY
Seared sea scallops with parsley salsa and cherry tomatoes

Dinner in Central Park - The Loeb Boathouse, New York, NY
Roasted Amish chicken with wild rice, charred corn, lingonberries and chicken jus

Dinner in Central Park - The Loeb Boathouse, New York, NY
Roasted Colorado rack of lamb with potato croquette

Dinner in Central Park - The Loeb Boathouse, New York, NY
Halibut with roasted white asparagus

Dinner in Central Park - The Loeb Boathouse, New York, NY
Sour Cream Cheesecake

10 comments:

  1. Ooooh I was thinking about maybe going to the boathouse for mine & Michael's anniversary (but probably not-too expensive. I think we are gonna take one of the row boats out though!)--it does look gorgeous!

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  2. I've never eaten anything but a pretzel in Central Park. A good pretzel but still nothing like this. Can't wait to get back to NY to try it. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  3. Looks like you had a great time!!!!! Love NY... Never get enough of it...

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  4. It looks like you had an amazing time. The food looks delicious. I think my favorite part would have been that fruity cocktail. Yum!

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  5. This looks so serene. I've had the pleasure of being in Manhattan twice and look forward to going back.

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  6. Dinner looks delicious and you cannot beat the views. I haven't ever eaten in Central Park. I am going to be in the city on Saturday...always so many options for dinner I have the hardest time picking.

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  7. OMGosh... That rack of lamb is screaming my name!! Your dinner looks like it was amazing!

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  8. Such a beautiful setting! I think when I picture you I see you quickly walking your sous chef down the sidewalk in between buildings so high it's hard to see the sun. Also, some of the most gorgeously plated food I have ever seen - Thanks for taking us to dinner with you!

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  9. Good food, beautiful atmosphere...this sounds like my kind of place. Thank you for sharing! I wish Ryan and I could steal away to the boathouse this weekend!

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  10. Looks delightful, and I'm loving the sound (and look!) of that sour cream cheesecake. Dining in New York is always an adventure -- have to get back one of these days!

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