The Monarch Rooftop on top of the Marriott at 35th and Sixth (71 West 35th Street) is one of my favorite new spots not just because it has the most closeup view of the Empire State Building that you will ever encounter (you will swear that you will be able to reach out and touch it as you sip your Lychee Martini) but because the bites are fast and fresh (not to mention perfect for sharing)!
The aforementioned Lychee Martini is so refreshing on a hot summer’s day even though you will be having a lovely breeze going through your hair if you decide to sit in the outdoor part of the Monarch Rooftop. It is made with top shelf gin and served ice cold and the lychee through a toothpick on top is a class touch. I could easily drink three or four of these!
They have some of the greatest sliders in midtown. Meat is prime and juicy and it almost tastes like shredded tender prime beef cuts as opposed to simple chop meat. You get two in an order and if you have a big appetite, you might want to order a second round because these go down oh-so-easily.
I could not order the delicious sliders without getting the wonderful Pommes Frites–yes, these are perfectly cut Idaho potatoes fried in canola oil until they are golden brown and then topped with truffle oil, rosemary, sea salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese. I could probably LIVE on these fries. They have so much flavor that you will not even want to use ketchup!
The Monarch Rooftop also has wonderful imported burrata cheese served with artisanal heirloom tomatoes that I just fell in love with. The cheese was so soft and fresh and tasted like it was made within the last hour. The burrata is served with about five slices of firmly toasted rustic bread that is oh-so-crunchy and delicious!
The Not Your Mama’s Meatballs are phenomenal, as they are made with 1/3 pork, 1/3 beef and one third veal. You get four medium to large size meatballs and they are super-juicy and topped with a homemade red sauce not unlike my grandmother’s classic Southern Italian recipe!
Smokers will be pleased to know that smoking is permitted on the outside part of the rooftop (smoking areas are truly hard to come by in Manhattan these days as you surely already know). Reserved tables are available by calling in ahead of time. You can see the full menu at http:///www.addisongroup.com. This is the perfect place to take an out-of-town visitor for drinks and shared plates or for a romantic rooftop date! The Monarch Rooftop is also a legendary after work meetup spot for those who are employed in Midtown West. Plates range from $10 to $19. Reservations are suggested but not mandatory. Phone 212-630-9993.
