THE SUNDOWNER YACHT CLUB in Tulum Mexico-Preview Dinner at Burke & Wills on the UWS

Broadwayworld.com had the pleasure of visiting one of our favorite restaurants on the Upper West Side, Burke & Wills, where there was a special preview dinner for The Sundowner Yacht Club that is scheduled to open in Tulum, Mexico in the fall of 2019. The design of the Club is meant to give you the feeling that you are aboard a luxury yacht that has just tied up in the jungle. We are impressed that the Sundowner Yacht Club's construction and planning for guest experiences has been environmentally conscious in every respect.

We sampled a few of the Yacht Club's specialty drinks created by Mixologist, Zane Harris that were served during a cocktail hour at The Manhattan Cricket Club. These original and refreshing selections conveyed the true sense of a tropical Mexican vacation. The "Siren's Song" is blend of Pea Flower infused Citadelle Gin, Giffard Passionfruit, Lemon Aquafaba and Simple Syrup. The "Man Overboard" combines Cinaco Blanco Tequila, Los Vecinos Mescal, Lime, Fresh Pineapple and Agave Syrup.

The new restaurant will be helmed by the renowned Executive Chef, Stanley Wong, who has over 25 years in the culinary industry working with noted chefs and venues around the world. Menu offerings will highlight Australian cuisine with Asian influences. We were very impressed by the flavor profiles of Chef Wong's creative fare. It included Grilled Baby Octopus in a black peppercorn, ginger and garlic reduction, topped with dehydrated pineapple and jicama; Chicken Kara'age dressed in a chili and yuzu kewpie; Mentaiko Spaguetti prepared with red pepper and onion, topped with ikura (Alaskan salmon roe) and nori; Turmeric Marinated Wild Striped Bass topped with crushed peanuts, a fresh dill and scallion salad and crispy rice noodles; Whisky Brined Pork Loin paired with a macadamia nut and coffee relish as well as a sweet potato mash; and Mango Pavlova with a coconut and mango curd and cream topping

Wine pairings for the The Sundowner Yacht Club's preview event were provided by the Australian wine producer, Penfolds. The wines presented paired beautifully with each of the courses. Some of our favorites included Penfolds Bin 51 Eden Valley Reisling, 2017, Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2016, and the Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2015.

Stay tuned. We will have a "Chef Spotlight" coming up for Executive Chef, Stanley Wong and will be following the progress of The Sundowner Yacht Club for our readers.

Burke & Wills/Manhattan Cricket Club is located at 226 West 79th Street. For more information, please visit https://www.burkeandwillsny.com/.

Image Credit: Courtesy of Sundowner Yacht Club