Manrico Cashmere Madison Avenue Windows June 2013 Our Coverage Sponsored by Orient-Express
The
famed vintage train continues to ride with its latest stop in Manhattan’s West
Village. Osman Cakir, owner of Turks and Frogs, re-conceptualized its famous
voyages into a posh, time-reversing cocktail bar with a flair for the spirits
of yesteryear. The bar reflects the nostalgia of train travel with an amber
glow, warm vintage-tinted beech wood panels, faux windows and bronzed luggage
racks. There is a story for every item on the menu at Orient Express. The
Nagelmackers, a blend of port, tequila and Pimm’s served with a lemon peel and
Angostura bitters barrel aged to perfection is their ode to the man who financed
the train in its infancy. The Agatha (Gin, lemon and honey topped with
house-made grapefruit-thyme soda) refers to the infamous writer who brought us
“Murder On The Orient Express”. The beverage menu also pays homage to forgotten
spirits such as Kummel, St. Germaine and Cocchi Americano. Orient Express
introduces a menu of small plates inspired by the Orient Express and its stops,
with Istanbul—the culminating destination—given special attention. Cold dishes
like Hummus, and pastirma, take a cue from the Turkish endpoint, while a
carefully chosen cheese plate sourced from nearby Murray’s voyages through
Italy and France. More substantial eats are served in skillets, such as
Ratatouille and a presentation of cabbage with ultra-thin apple slices and
Hungarian sausage—a nod to Eastern Europe. For dessert, the Milles Crepes, a
layered crepe cake with praline filling, a nice touch befitting the
concept.
Whom
You Know has Highly Recommended Orient-Express
Sip and
stay, and sip some more—this destination is unlike any other.
