I have been to the Tribeca Grand many times before but this time I took a friend for dinner as I've been meaning to do many times. Last Thursday, February 18, I decided it was a good opportunity to have dinner at the Church Lounge prior to going to a closing night party for Fashion Week. We were greeted by Sal Monaco, the Food and Beverage Manager. I met Sal a few years ago when he managed another restaurant and from the first day I met him, he has been a very hospitable host. The Grand family is very fortunate to have him at the helm.
Sal Monaco, Food & Beverage Manager and Annemarie Davin, FameHampton
We were seated at a cozy table with plush banquets that were very comfortable. There were a good amount of people at the tables and sitting at the bar. I've always noticed that people are always smiling and having fun when I've been there and this night was no exception.
We received our menus and each ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio which is my favorite wine! I had no idea what to pick to eat because everything on the menu looked so appetizing. I decided to try the Shrimp and Avocado Sandwich which came with arugula and lime mayonnaise. My friend tried the Seared Salmon that came with pink grapefruit, avocado and beet salad with a pomegranate vinaigrette. For sides we had Truffle Creamed Spinach and Baby Carrots with Butter and Thyme.
The service was pretty quick. Before we knew it our plates were set before us and it all looked so delicious. As I took my first bite, the combination of the shrimp, avocado and lime mayonnaise blended so perfectly together it made my taste buds dance! This was a dish I was definitely glad I ordered. I kept eating and didn't stop to have a conversation like I normally do. This was too good! My friend commented how perfect her salmon was and she continued on eating just like me. Two plates that were made to perfection by Chef Max Bartoli. Sal came back around to ask us how we liked our meal and the first words out of my mouth were "Oh my God! This is so good!" He smiled and was delighted that we were enjoying it. I went on to try the baby carrots and of course as I suspected, they were quite mouth watering and again just the right blend of butter and thyme. The truffle creamed spinach melted in my mouth as I tried a sample of that as well.
If you've ever gone to the Church Lounge just for drinks, you really must try dinner there. I promise you won't be disappointed. In the summer the Soho Grand opens up their restaurant, The Yard, and I can't wait to try a meal there as well. Sal manages The Yard in the summer as well and both hotels boast the terminology "The Grand Life". The word grand certainly is a word I would use to describe the service, the atmosphere and the food. If you think of how many choices you have in Manhattan alone, it's no wonder why many people choose the Church Lounge.
Dinner is not the only thing served. They also serve breakfast and lunch and on Sundays you can have the Grand Brunch which is served from 10am to 3pm and comes with a wide array of choices. Breakfast is served daily from 6am to 11 am, lunch is served from 11am to 4pm and dinner is from 4pm to 11pm.
If you are planning a weekend in the city, you should take advantage of the special offer they have right now which is a two night weekend stay from $450 and includes a complimentary $100 food and beverage credit. Also keep the Tribeca Grand in mind if you are attending the Tribeca Film Festival.
If you're looking to book an event or want to book reservations in the Church Lounge, be sure to ask for Sal Monaco and tell him I sent you!
