We had a long awaited wedding which was pandemic postponed several times. Originally slated for The Plaza, at some time during the pandemic they closed so the new venue was The Rainbow Room @ Rockefeller Center.
Added bonus for me personally was the rooms were at The Palace, a long time favorite hotel of ours from our many weekends in the City. First and foremost I was quite apprehensive of spending a night in the City and especially walking around in our black tie apparel. I’m very pleased to say that area of the city seemed to be business as usual, the city is back!!!
It’s been awhile since we’ve stayed at The Palace (discovered The Kimberly just a few blocks up 50th and really like it better) and I was eagerly looking forward to it. While it’s as beautiful as ever there was NO food or beverage service on the property!?!?! Look, I thought we were supposed to be returning to “normal”? No glasses in the room only plastic cups individually wrapped in plastic. There was also no mini bar options so no cold water or beverages, I called for a bucket of ice and glasses, I received a plastic bucket with a zip lock bag on ice inside, no glasses.
Sad to say I was quite disappointed with our stay. Beds and pillows are still good and the property is still beautiful but I think they can be doing “better” at this point.
Had lunch at Del Frisco’s Cafe at Rockefeller Center yesterday and everything was very good. They had a large number of tables full for a Saturday afternoon which was good to see. Made a stop at Magnolia bakery for some sweet treats and they were delicious!
The Rainbow Room, where to start??? The views from 65 stories up is unbelievable. You get a whole new perspective for lightening when you are up that high and the stormy weather made it a true unique and memorable experience. The venue itself is well………dated. The air conditioning on many of the rooms were overwhelmed it seemed. It felt like a time capsule from 1986 I almost expected Johnny Carson and Dina Shore to come walking in. There were missing ceiling tiles - exposed duct work, the carpets were old and worn it has not been kept very well over the years.
The food was meh at best especially given the location. I would have hoped they would have true chef quality food instead of normal mass produced banquet food which was exactly what you received. There was filet mignon which was good, but not great. Literally a 6 oz filet, spoon of mashed, some mushroom brown gravy and a few mixed vegetables. Ho-hum, had this been anywhere else it would fine or expected but here?? I held my hopes too higher!!
On the way out of the city we required some hang over assistance so a quick stop at Sticky Fingers Chicken was in order and very satisfying! Cool smaller chicken chain!
Oh and check out the wiener I passed on the way home!!
Welcome back NYC, I’ve missed you!!! (Looking forward to my tickets to Van Gogh exhibit next month!!! FYI Van Gogh single espresso vodka, the clear one. Absolutely delicious after dinner drink on the rocks. Trust me you’ll like it!!)
Room with a view! St Patrick’s cathedral.
My nephew taking in the view
The “kids”
Burrata app
Filet mignon
Hot chicken sandwich
Bacon Mac fries
