DEAR IRVING ON HUDSON Opens at Aliz Hotel Times Square

Editor's Note: We had the pleasure of visiting Dear Irving on Hudson and were charmed by the stylish venue, the fabulous drinks, and delicious food selections. We highly suggest it for theatergoers, visitors to Times Square, and people commuting to and from Penn Station or Port of Authority. It's an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of the area where you can relax and enjoy good company.

Yves Jadot Restaurant Group, creators of New York City's most romantic bars has announced the opening of Dear Irving on Hudson, the first expansion of the group's beloved and critically acclaimed Irving Place bar. The bi-level space, which accommodates more than 200 guests, is located on the 40th and 41st floors of the new Aliz Hotel Times Square (310 W. 40 Street), making it one of the loftiest spots in the city for enjoying craft cocktails.

With James Bond and Art Deco time travel themes, sublime cocktails by Bar Director and Partner Meaghan Dorman, spectacular views of Manhattan through floor to ceiling windows, luxurious terraces, as well as dining options, Dear Irving on Hudson is now open on the 40th floor and will open on the 41st floor in March of 2019.

The original Dear Irving opened in 2014 in Manhattan's Gramercy Park neighborhood and it is a favorite of New Yorkers and visitors to the city alike. The bar was a top 10 finalist for a 2015 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for "Best New American Cocktail Bar" and was included among Esquire's "Best Bars in America" that same year. Dear Irving on Hudson represents the bar's first expansion to a new location.

Craft Cocktails Celebrate New York State Spirits and Old Favorites

"We are creating a transportive experience that whisks our guests from the hectic city to a sophisticated sky-high aerie," says Dorman. "We are celebrating New York State producers to give hotel guests a direct way to connect with the energy of the Empire State. We are also reprising some of our 'tried and true' cocktails, because we want our regulars to feel at home. They are in a new space, but will immediately recognize the Dear Irving DNA in terms of the drinks and atmosphere."

The opening cocktail menu includes "Ode to the Empire State." They include Balto Old-Fashioned with Hudson Baby Bourbon, American Fruit Barrel Aged Apple Liqueur, maple and Angostura Bitters; Vice Versa with Dorothy Parker Gin, Giffard Pamplemousse, Luxardo Bitter, Raventó Rosé Cava and grapefruit; and Half Moon with Mister Katz's Rock 'n Rye, Ragtime Rye and blood orange. There are also "Tried & True" selections like the Boulevardier, Gibson and La Paloma.

Sunset Hour Drinks Specials and Specialty Serves

Dorman is planning "Sunset Hour" drinks specials, as well as large format and specialty serves, for example, a whiskey decanter of Boulevardier served with specialty glasses. The beverage menu also includes a selection of sparkling and still wines from France, Spain and the U.S., as well as beer, both local and imported.

Bringing James Bond and Art Deco to Midtown's Skies

Dear Irving on Hudson's interior was created by Dauphine Mauroit, who designed the original Dear Irving. She continues its sumptuously realized theme of time travel, in this case, 1960s James Bond and Art Deco.

On the 40th floor's north side, guests enter a milieu inspired by Sean Connery's 007 through a wood closet accented with round mirrors that leads to the main space. An oval-shaped ceiling with geometric painted shapes is echoed by an oval rug, along with pink sofas, wood tables and sputnik chandeliers. Wallpaper depicting sexy orchids lends a feminine touch. For libations, there is a sophisticated bar with leather tiles and antique mirrors reminiscent of upscale hotel bars of the 1960s. Behind a wood panel screen, there is a living room area with a library and a gray sofa with gold metal tables and blue velvet armchairs.

On the south side, guests are treated to another spectacular view. There is a huge bar in the center of the room covered with mirrored tiles that reflect the vista, along with ample standing room conducive to socializing. Flanking the bar are two living rooms with a leather sofa and velvet color armchairs, as well as a round fireplace and a plush area rug. All of the furniture is mid-20th century themed. There are also large terraces on each side with two suspended transparent egg armchairs that afford the ultimate perches to take in the spectacular panoramic view. It accommodates 40 seated and 80 standing guests.

The reservations-only 41st floor's theme is Art Deco, an equally glamorous era. It is designed to be sophisticated, elegant and comfortable with ample seating for 75 guests, including a long banquette, facing the panoramic view. Strong colors of the period, a mix of blue, pink and orange, create a warm atmosphere, where crystal beads serve as partitions. All of the furniture, velvet-covered, is 1920s-themed. Stunning blue wallpaper, large mirrors reflecting the views and a perforated metal screen complete the mood. There is an intimate bar, reminiscent of those found in old hotels, along with a full kitchen that serves both floors. The space also includes two large terraces on its north and south sides.

Favorite Dishes from the Original Dear Irving and More

The opening food menu includes best-selling fare from Dear Irving downtown. With a larger kitchen, Dear Irving on Hudson will be able to expand the offerings, while maintaining a focus on finger foods. The opening food menu includes Fried Mozzarella, Anchovies, Basil; Peel & Eat Prawns, Tomatillo Cocktail Sauce; Croque Monsieur, Truffle Béchamel;1998 Petite Abeille Sliders, Cheddar, Pancetta; and Prosciutto di Parma & Breadsticks. And on toast, guests can enjoy Smoked Sturgeon Rillettes; Kobe Steak Tartare; Avocado, Smoked Aleppo Pepper; and Wild Caught Smoked Salmon, Crème Fraîche.

About Dear Irving on Hudson

Dear Irving on Hudson is the latest bar from Yves Jadot Restaurant Group, which is led by Yves Jadot and Alberto Benenati, with cocktails by Bar Director Meaghan Dorman. The group is behind New York City's most romantic bars, the original Dear Irving and The Raines Law Room, and restaurants Jones Wood Foundry and Farm to Burger. Dear Irving on Hudson is located on the 40th and 41st floors of the new Aliz Hotel Times Square at 310 W. 40 Street. It offers James Bond and Art Deco themed deécor, spectacular panoramic views, sublime craft cocktails, elevated dining and outstanding service. Dear Irving on Hudson is open seven days a week, 4pm to 1am. For more information, visit https://www.dearirving.com/ and follow them on Instagram at @dearirving.

About Aliz Hotel Times Square

Aliz Hotels is a new experiential, design-driven independent lifestyle brand in New York City with a Times Square location. Aliz Hotel Times Square is owned by Aliz Group, LLC, a privately owned and operated property management, acquisition, and development company headquartered in New York City. Managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts, Aliz Hotel Times Square is also a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dear Irving on Hudson

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