Here are a few place in NYC that are excited to host Kentucky Derby-themed happenings and specials in celebration of the races.
Refinery Rooftop
It’s time to grab your seersucker blazers, floral dresses, bright pastels, and wide-brimmed hats as the Refinery Rooftop saddles up with its annual Kentucky Derby Party viewing party
On Saturday, May 6th (3:30 pm – 7:00 pm ET), attendees can channel their Derby-est look and join in on the following:
- Open bar
- Passed appetizers and desserts
- Live entertainment and streaming of the Derby
- A contest for the best dressed Derby outfit
The highly-anticipated event also features a signature cocktail created specifically for this event, live DJ’s and music, and hours of Derby fun.
Civilian Hotel
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby on May 6th in your best derby attire at Starchild Rooftop and Rosevale Kitchen and Cocktail Room located at the Civilian Hotel in Hell’s Kitchen. Mint Juleps, shareable cocktails and food specials will be available beginning at 5pm at Starchild Rooftop and from 9pm-11pm as well as Live Jazz at Rosevale Kitchen.
ROOF at Park South
ROOF at Park South has recently opened for the season and will host a Derby Soirée this Saturday, May 6th, to celebrate the Kentucky Derby in style.
This event will be a partnership between the rooftop, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, and Herradura Tequila, providing guests with a selection of delicious beverages, including the classic julep. In addition to the delicious drinks, there will also be Derby-inspired bites and exciting giveaways, including gift cards to Sweetbriar, the sister restaurant. To top it off, the rooftop will host a friendly competition for the best dress outfit, so be sure to inform your reader to wear their best hats and seersucker fits!
The event will run from 4 pm to 8 pm, and tickets are available on Resy for $55.
The Bar at Moynihan Food Hall
Guests can sit back with an Old Forester Mint Julep in their own souvenir cup and watch the big race on The Bar at Moynihan Food Hall giant screens. Pair the Mint Juleps with some delicious Loaded Fries from Jacob’s Pickles and you’re celebrating the Derby like a real Southerner. DJ’s keep the party going all day and night.
Cinco de Mayo Recipe Tips From Rosevale Kitchen + Cocktail Room
By Cheddar Staff
Mixologist Alec Kass and executive chef Justin Romine from Rosevale Kitchen + Cocktail Room in Manhattan visited the Cheddar News studio to share their favorite Cinco de Mayo drink and food recipes, from spicy margaritas to octopus al pastor.
SUGAR MONK
Winter brings early sunsets, frigid temperatures, and a whole lot of nasty gray slush to the streets of New York—but fortunately, there’s no shortage of cozy watering holes to take your mind off of the sleet and snow. Whether you’re in the mood to dine on fresh sushi paired with sake, sip craft beer to the tune of live jazz, or take the edge off with a little tej, these bars, restaurants, and lounges are sure to leave you and your partner with a whole lot of fond memories.
grotto
GROTTO
Disappointed by the lack of sapphic-centered bars in New York City, Brooklyn couple Austa Somvichian-Clausen and Victoria Geddes took matters into their own hands, launching grotto as a two-month pop-up in the Parlor Room of the Ludlow House. Since then, the venue has become one of the city’s most romantic getaways for queer couples. There’s a wealth of elegant flourishes to admire during a visit—intricately-carved statuettes, a roaring fireplace, and edible chocolate pearls at each table, to name a few—and there’s a small-but-mighty cocktail menu offering sweet selections like the fig-forward Sapphic & Soda and the Pandan-Colada, a zero-ABV drink with refreshing coconut and lime notes.
La Marchande
LIZ CLAYMAN
Equipped with cozy booths, a polished marble bar top, and intricate wildlife-loaded wallpaper, La Marchande brings a touch of French elegance to the edge of Wall Street. Complex cocktails, fragrant orange wines, and refreshing mocktails all make an appearance on the drinks menu, but for a truly romantic start to the meal, kick off the date with a vermouth flight featuring carefully-curated bottles from across the Mediterranean. Once you’ve whet your appetite, the brioche pull aparts with scallion crème fraîche pair perfectly with your last few drops of vermouth, while the pot au feu embodies the world-famous sophistication of French cuisine, serving as the perfect ticket to a memorable night on the town.
Lee’s Tavern
LEE’S TAVERN
Just west of Ocean Breeze Park, Lee’s Tavern has been a Staten Island staple for nearly a century—and the secret to their success? Piping-hot pizza served straight from the oven since 1940. This tried-and-true classic is definitely the main attraction around here, with options ranging from white clam to homemade mozzarella and basil, but for a truly delicious date night, spring for an order of ultra-crispy buffalo calamari to pair with your pie. Add in a glass of red and some foamy draft beer from The Flagship Brewing Company and you’ll be well on your way to the perfect night in Richmond County.
Coney Island Brewery
GREG RHEIN PHOTOGRAPHY/CONEY ISLAND BREWERY
While Coney Island is particularly lively during the warmer months, this iconic bayside neighborhood still has some cozy watering holes to visit when the weather turns cold. Case in point: Coney Island Brewery, a colorful outpost that’s been dishing out top-quality beer since 2007. Brews range from the crisp Nathan’s Famous Lager to the Sideshow Seance—a 8.5% stout packed with chili pepper, cocoa nibs, and raisins—but beer isn’t the only thing drawing in winter visitors. Be sure to swing by on Thursdays to test your music trivia knowledge, while live jazz, brewery tours, and themed dinners occur all throughout the season.
Sake No Hana
SAKE NO HANA
The refined culinary prowess of Japan is on full display at Sake No Hana, a vibrant izakaya-style restaurant beneath the Moxy LES. Short rib yakimeshi, black truffle steak tartare, and crispy Tokyo gyoza are just a few of the dazzling dishes awaiting visitors, while seafood fans have a treasure trove of options to parse through, with savory selections like barbecue and black truffle unagi gracing the menu. Spirits aficionados take note—the drinks program around here is just as carefully crafted as the food menu, offering visitors an opportunity to sample intricate cocktails like the agave and chili-loaded Gyaru Girl, while the Women’s Flight highlights some of the finest sakes produced by women brewers.
Rosevale Cocktail Room
NIKOLAS KOENIG
Once you’ve ascended the Civilian Hotel’s grandiose staircase, Rosevale Cocktail Room is fully prepared to make your wildest spirit-forward dreams come true. Concoctions like the tequila-heavy Spicy Encounter and Irish coffee are certain to warm up the palate, and as an added bonus, it’s tough to find a more picturesque hangout spot than the Rosevale’s Blue Room. Designed by esteemed architect David Rockwell, this sophisticated lounge perfectly matches the elegance of the cocktail program, draped in rich navy blue flourishes and adorned with vintage decorations sourced straight from Broadway.
Sugar Monk
SUGAR MONK
In need of a complex cocktail crafted by one of Harlem’s most talented bartenders? Head to Sugar Monk, a polished lounge just a block away from the Apollo Theater. There are 29 tantalizing cocktails up for grabs, with options ranging from intricate spins on the classics to eclectic new creations, with many of them containing rare herbs and roots foraged from the wilderness by the renowned Tama Matsuoka Wong. On a cold night, the applewood-smoked Marie Laveau is a must-try, while the house-made Akhenaten amaro stands as a testament to Sugar Monk’s masterful command of botanicals, with more than 40 different ingredients mingling in each bottle.
Paraiso Colombiano
PARAISO COLOMBIANO
Paraiso Colombiano is one of Corona’s top spots for—you guessed it—Colombian cuisine, offering a wealth of tried-and-true favorites from all across the nation. Start your date off right with a round of spicy margaritas or passion fruit martinis, then toss in an order of tostones con hogao to snack on as you enjoy the ambiance. It’s tough to go wrong with any of the main dishes around here, but if you’re in a seafood mood, the cazuela de mariscos is the perfect antidote to a cold winter night, while the bandeja paisa is a must-try for newcomers to Colombian cuisine.
Brunna Cafe
BUNNA CAFE
A paradise for plant-based dining, Bushwick’s Bunna Cafe specializes in classic Ethiopian cuisine that’s prepared without a single molecule of animal protein. Colorful menu items like the keysir selata and yatakilt alicha are sure to wow any potential partners, and the communal dining experience is perfect for crafting a memorable first date. While the food at Bunna Cafe is pretty stellar, the venue also excels at the art of cocktails, offering unique concoctions like the tej mimosa, a take on the classic drink that ditches the typical Champagne in favor of tej, a type of honey wine that’s been enjoyed in Ethiopia for thousands of years.
Aldama
SANDRA GRATTAROLA
With a massive array of tequilas, mezcals, and sotols all up for grabs, Aldama is a dream come true for the agave lover in your life. To kick off date night, toast with a tropical fruit-forward Lava Paradise—or grab a neat pour of tequila to really get the party started—and make sure you’ve worked up an appetite, because Aldama is a star player in Brooklyn’s Mexican dining scene. There’s a wealth of seafood dishes to sample including pulpo zarandeado and yellowtail ceviche, but if you’re in the mood for some truly flavorful beef and pork, don’t miss out on the taco de trompo.
Angel’s Share at Hotel Eventi
ANGEL’S SHARE
Opened during the tail end of the 20th century, Angel’s Share revolutionized the national cocktail scene, earning a stalwart reputation and hordes of adoring fans by the 2010s. The bar was forced to shutter its doors in early 2022, but fortunately, Angel’s Share has risen like a phoenix, taking on new life in the form of a tiny pop-up speakeasy in the Hotel Eventi. Cold weather cocktails like the Sleep Warm and Danny Boy are two particular standouts on the current menu, while visitors who prefer their spirits neat can make a selection from the bar’s lengthy list of Japanese whiskies.
See her favorite new releases in movies, music, celebrity skincare, and more.
“The World According to Gayle” is Oprah Daily’s new video series spotlighting all things Gayle each and every month. Our editor at large is sharing her favorites of the moment, from buzzy new albums to fantastic restaurant finds you’ll want to try. Check back each month to see the latest!
In the month of February, many people are excited for love on Valentine’s Day (which for single me is just a regular ol’ Tuesday) or for Black History Month. So why is it that the two most important celebrations get the shortest month? We need love all the time, and Black people should be celebrated all year long! Either way you put it, February has a lot of offerings. See below for all the releases I’m looking forward to in “The World According to Gayle.”
Loved01 by John Legend
Every morning before heading to my day job at CBS Mornings, I set my alarm for 3:24 a.m., and after snoozing once (or thrice), I start my day with a special ritual: a bath. What made it extra special this month? John Legend’s new bodycare line, Loved01. As a disclaimer, I love anything John Legend makes. To me, he is all things quality and class, and although the celebrity skincare industry is booming, I don’t think he’d do anything for the cheap, which means having a line made for melanin-rich skin with affordability in mind is something he is going to give his all. I got to try this new line, which is officially out February 1, and it spruced up my bath time, which is just usually me in my Black girl bonnet with Johnson & Johnson. My favorite is the cleanser, which is the perfect creamy consistency, and the exfoliating scrub has just the right amount of scratch.
Your Place or Mine? on Netflix
I always love a good rom-com, but I really love Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher together—I’ve never seen them together before! In this movie, they play Debbie and Peter, and their story goes like this: They are both the one that got away, but neither of them wanted to admit that they got away. What I loved about this movie is that there are so many realistic trials and tribulations. They have a 20-year friendship, and both were in relationships with other people, but they always had each other’s back. The cast includes Jesse Williams, who was described in the film as “the sexy cherry on top” and yes, we can agree! Like any good rom-com, there’s a little bit of cheese to it, but it shows that love can come later in life and that second chances may be your best chance yet. The film is titled Your Place or Mine? And by the end of the movie, you get the answer to that question. See it on Netflix February 10.
Rosevale Kitchen + Cocktail Room
There’s nothing I enjoy more than a delicious meal, so when I heard there was a new cool, hip restaurant in town, I made a reservation for me and some foodies in my life to check it out. Rosevale Kitchen is tucked inside the Civilian Hotel in the theater district, which three years ago was just a parking lot! For lunch, I recommend the savory vegetarian tart, which consists of a flaky crust with eggplant, slow-roasted cherry tomatoes, summer squash, and basil. Their French fries are made with beef fat, so you know that was a hit with us potato connoisseurs. And a surprise winner was their Caesar salad: the anchovies. Don’t usually like them, but I didn’t mind them here. So next time you’re in the Big Apple, be sure to make a stop at Rosevale Kitchen for all their deliciousness.
Trustfall, by Pink
We haven’t heard from Pink in a while, but she is back with her ninth studio album, Trustfall. In an interview, she said that this is the best album she’s ever done because she can be softer and has a chance to tap into a quiet power. In her first single, “Never Gonna Not Dance Again,” she says she “wants [her] life to be like a Whitney Houston song.” (I assume she means a dancing to a Whitney Houston song.) I especially love the part in the song when she says, “I got all good luck and zero f***s.” The album features dancing, ballads, heartbreak, and lots of fun—which means she has a song for everyone. Listen to the full album on February 17.
I want to hear from you! Let me know what you think of my list in the comments below. And what should I be looking forward to next month?
Paul Mescal looks as dapper as ever in a suit.
Tuesday, February 14, 2023 5:00 PM
Hell’s Kitchen
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner for two at Rosevale Kitchen! Menu: shorturl.at/ijsDZ
Valentine’s Day
- Three-course Valentine’s Day dinner ($79 pp)
- Choice of 5 starters, 4 mains, 3 desserts
- Live jazz from 8-10 PM upstairs in Rosevale Cocktail Room
Sorry, sale has ended
About
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner for two at Rosevale Kitchen! Live jazz by Charlie Roman Hot Club upstairs in the Cocktail Room from 8 – 10 PM. Menu: https://www.flipsnack.com/55AEEE77C6F/rosevale-kitchen-valentine-s-day-menu-tmqolicrzp/full-view.html
Chic With A Retro Twist
Warm and cozy with an edge” is how guests describe the spacious Rosevale Kitchen & Cocktail Room in the two-year-old Civilian Hotel. High ceilings and giant multi-paned front windows are perfect for people-watching while you dine. The reddish-brown leather booths are spacious and can fit as many as six people; it’s worth it to request the super comfy “VIP booth” in the far-right corner to get the bird’s eye view of what’s happening in the dining room and out on the street!
The crowd tends to be young food lovers who like all the surprises: Matzo Ball Soup that features homemade chicken broth, fresh chive and parsley mix with schmaltz poured into your bowl via an elegant rose-covered porcelain teapot! Other dishy options include the quirky Steak Tartare, which features minced locally sourced sirloin, Thai flavors, lime juice, and shrimp crackers. The French Fries are unique since they are fried in beef tallow instead of vegetable oil. Haven’t had a Fried Bologna Sandwich since you were six? There’s one on the Rosevale menu that includes Mortadella, Provolone, and Cherry Pepper-Dijonnaise, and it is truly an intense mix of flavors! There is no stopping Executive Chef Justin Romine from coming up with retro foods that are turned inside out and given a few outrageous new ingredients!
THE BACKSTORY
New York Lifestyles met Sean Christie, CEO of Carver Road Hospitality, the parent company of Rosevale Kitchen, and learned how its vibe and menu were created. Christie has a long career in hospitality having held positions as President of Events and Nightlife for MGM Resorts International and also Executive Vice President of Business Development for Wynn Resorts. He says he “spearheaded the development of multiple food and beverage concepts for both companies.”
He revealed to NYL, “The partnership with Civilian Hotel was born with Jason Pomeranc seeing the need for moreaspirational food and beverage concepts. David Rockwell’s involvement was also a big draw. With Rosevale Kitchen & Cocktail Room we can curate experiences from cocktail hour through dinner and into late night.”
AN ECLECTIC CLIENTELE
Christie categorizes his clientele to include theatergoers, those from the neighborhood and other parts of the city, and out-of-towners who visit thanks to good word of mouth. “We’ve had a great crowd of theatergoers, neighborhood residents, and tourists and have hosted a few celebrities, including Gayle King.”
RK also has plenty of artisanal beverages made with local liquors that they serve exclusively; some imported spirits that are obscure but flavorful, homemade syrups, and exotic fruit. But, of course, it goes without saying that what comes out of the RK bar is as creative as what comes out of the kitchen. Says Christie, “Rosevale Kitchen incorporates global influences into classic fare utilizing locally sourced ingredients. For example, our celebrated Steak Tartare is infused with Thai chili and lime, and the Orange Duck features Pho spices. The menu is designed to transform staple items into crave-able ones. We also incorporate seasonal ingredients and fresh produce for the spring and summer seasons.” 
BRICK CHICKEN TO
BRISKET BURGERS
What dishes does Christie feel are the strongest, and what would he order if he was a first-time guest? “Our signature brisket blend, Rosevale Burger is one of Rosevale Kitchen’s most popular items,” he states. “The Brick Chicken and Meatloaf with the tableside mashed potatoes presentation also ranks among the must-have items. In addition, our menu offers a variety of shareable plates, appetizers, hearty entrees, and desserts. Rosevale Kitchen is a great option for theatergoers before or after a show.”
What is on the menu at Rosevale? Christie enthuses, “This spring, Rosevale will unveil its anticipated garden space. Chef Justin Romine is working on updating the menu with a few seasonal dishes for spring and summer. Rosevale Kitchen will offer brunch later in the summer on Saturday and Sunday. Rosevale Cocktail Room is preparing to introduce a world-class Vermouth program curated by master mixologist Francesco Lafranconi, Carver Road Hospitality’s VP of Beverage & Hospitality Culture. The Irish coffee at Rosevale Cocktail Room, located on the second floor of the Civilian Hotel, is a tableside show in and of itself.”
DECADENT DESSERTS
Speaking of coffee, the Illy cappuccino served at Rosevale Kitchen is off the charts. It’s strong without bitterness, and it’s possibly the best cup of coffee in Midtown West! Tea connoisseurs will appreciate that Dammann Freres Tea is served (it first got popularized by the Neiman Marcus holiday catalog). Be sure to team your caffeine with one or more of the fantastic desserts that RK has to offer. There is a rotating selection from week to week, but they are all house-made and unique. The Brown Butter Blondie with Macadamia Nuts is unforgettable. The Cheesecake Panna Cotta packs a significant wow factor because the Cassis Gelee on the bottom of the dish is oh-so-fresh tasting and slightly tangy. Finally, the Chocolate Lava Cake is made outrageously differently than anywhere else—it’s a Sansho ganache-filled cake with candied kumquats and puffed rice.
There’s something for everyone at Rosevale Kitchen, whether they are difficult to please or care more about having cocktails than eating! The staff is not only super friendly, and always check to see if diners need to “make a curtain.” The little courtesies like this and an outstanding menu make Rosevale Kitchen a “rising star”!
For more information on Rosevale Kitchen & Cocktail Room, visit rosevalenyc.com
Before The Broadway Show with Tamsen Fadal airs nationwide this weekend, we’re offering a first look at the episode. Hosted by Emmy winner Fadal, this episode will air in New York City on March 5 at 4:30PM ET on WPIX. Be on the lookout for The Broadway Show, the only nationally syndicated weekly theater news program, on your local TV station.
Featured this week:
- Host Tamsen Fadal sits down with three-time Tony winner Nathan Lane to talk about returning to Broadway in Pictures From Home, his Emmy-winning turn on Only Murders in the Building and more in the Rosevale Cocktail Room at the Civilian.
- Watch stars Colton Ryan and Anna Uzele discuss the brand new musical New York, New York, featuring a score by John Kander, Fred Ebb and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
- Broadway.com Editor-in-Chief Paul Wontorek catches up with screen stars Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan to talk about taking on The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window.
- Learn about the new revival of Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot, which includes a new book by Oscar and Emmy winner Aaron Sorkin.
- Correspondent Perry Sook takes viewers inside Broadway staple Ellen’s Stardust Diner and speaks with one of their talented performers and servers, Starduster Mitch Gray.
- Get to know Aladdin’s new Princess Jasmine, Sonya Balsara.
To find out where The Broadway Show with Tamsen Fadal airs nationally, head here.
March
3/13
- The cast of “Summer House” sipping Hampton Water rosé throughout Season 7 — including a magnum bottle in Episode 4.
3/9
- Swizz Beatz, Elizabeth Olsen and Gabrielle Union at the Kellogg Doolittle House in Joshua Tree, Calif., to celebrate Alicia Keys’ partnership with Hennessy Paradis.
- Harvard lawyer Lieba Nesis celebrating her birthday at Pistache in Palm Beach, Fla., with Jean Shafiroff, Ray and Veronica Kelly, Harry Dubin and Ivan Wilzig.
3/8
- Nicolas Cage dining at Komodo in Miami.
- Wyclef Jean making a surprise performance at the Little Lighthouse Foundation gala in Miami.
February
2/27
- Simon Huck and “Bling Empire: New York” stars Richard Chang and Vika Abbyaeva celebrating the grand opening of Reyna’s elevated cocktail lounge, Le Louis.
- Travis Kelce and Rick Ross partying at Drai’s Nightclub in Miami.
- New York Mets owner Steve Cohen dining at Akira Back at the Ray Hotel in Delray Beach, Fla.
2/21
- Kevin Durant and Travis Scott hosting the second-annual Boardroom x Coinbase NBA All-Star brunch attended by Rich Kleiman, Fabolous, Sheck Wes, Rich Paul, Gayle King, Carmelo Anthony, and more.
- DJ Khaled dining at Queen Miami with his wife and two children.
- Quinta Brunson at Christian Siriano’s Fashion Week After Party at The Times Square EDITION.
- Dr. Dre celebrating his birthday at Catch Steak LA.
2/13
- Azealia Banks, Natasha Lyonne, Jeremy O. Harris, and more attending the Dion Lee after party at BOOM Atop The Standard, High Line.
- Leonardo DiCaprio at Cipriani Socialista, the Broadway play “The Collaboration,” and Rosevale Kitchen.
- Will Smith, Run-DMC’s Darryl McDaniels, actress Sidra Smith, and more at an over-the-top sit-down dinner at Queen Miami Beach
2/8
- Chris Rock, Lorne Michaels and Jimmy Fallon dining together at Le Rock in Rockefeller Center.
- Julia Fox seen with friends on Harbor Island in the Bahamas with an elite crew, including philanthropist and real estate mogul Patrick Carroll.
January
1/30
- “F*ck Off, Chloe!” writer Jeremy Murphy, photographer Kim Myers and model Garrett Neff at Alchemy Gallery in NYC where Myers’ retrospective “Kool Thing” premiered.
- Mike Tyson enjoying dinner at Akira Back at The Ray Hotel.
- Cuba Gooding Jr. attending the grand opening celebration of Queen Miami Beach.
- Drake, Lil Wayne, and 2 Chainz partying until 2 a.m. at Liv Miami.
1/23
- “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” stars Melissa Gorga, Margaret Josephs, and Jackie Goldschneider having a casual lunch at L’Avenue at Saks.
- Ivanka Trump dining with a friend at the INK Hospitality-owned Coconut Grove restaurant and lounge, Level 6 Rooftop, in Miami.
- Clive Davis dining at Komodo in Miami.
- Justin and Hailey Bieber having a date night at KYU in NoHo.
- Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, and Swae Lee partying at LIV Miami.
1/21
- Tabitha Brown and Ericka Nicole Malone at Ericka Nicole Malone Entertainment’s Directors’ and Creators’ Spotlight Lounge during the Sundance Film Festival at The Cabin 427 in Park City.
1/18
- ASAP Ferg, Fabolous, Busta Ryhmes, Waka Flocka Flame and NBA star Serge Ibaka attending nightlife vet Barry Mullineaux’s star-studded birthday party at the Whisper Room in New York City, hosted by the OVO team.
1/17
- Mario Lopez and his wife Courtney at LAVO San Diego.
1/10
- Cameron Crowe at the “Almost Famous” wrap party at Starchild Rooftop Bar & Lounge on the 27th floor of CIVILIAN Hotel where Questlove deejayed.
1/3
- Nick Cannon celebrating New Year’s Eve at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
- Marshmello and Khalid performing poolside at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach to kick off 2023.
- Jamie Foxx and Rick Ross partying with Busta Rhymes and Fat Joe at LIV in Miami.
- Emma Stone, Luke Grimes, Mischa Barton, Kelsey Asbille, and more attending Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse’s New Year’s Eve party at Silver Lining at Moxy LES.
1/1
- Billionaire philanthropist Patrick Carroll ringing in the new year in Paris after being recognized as one of the top successful entrepreneurs to watch in 2023 by Yahoo! Finance.