The Pierre Hotel has so many great choices for celebrating the holidays in style and I can tell you firsthand that they never disappoint. The history is amazing, too—totally unrelated to food, this is where Joni Mitchell penned “Woodstock” in 1969, the site of the biggest American jewel heist ever back at the beginning of 1972, where David Bowie stayed while recording some of his most famous albums and the scene of many famous galas over the years.
Executive Chef Michael Mignano has conjured up some incredible menus for Perrine, Two E and the Rotunda. From afternoon tea in the Rotunda, to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Perrine, merry making just got simpler. Mignano was unofficially known as the best hotel pastry chef in NYC bar none (although he is pretty modest about it) as well as an Iron Chef champ and he is now doing a “bang up” job as Executive Chef. Be sure to go into the lobby of the Pierre to check out the adorable gingerbread house he created by hand with a couple of talented staff pastry chefs.
If you want a really “classic New York” experience, try the exquisite Afternoon Tea in the legendary Rotunda — an event that transcends tradition with a royal touch and a holiday twist. The Rotunda is one of New York’s most famous hotel tea and cocktail rooms. It has been in many classic films and has these cute old-school dessert carts that your order is brought over in. Legend has it that the figures in the fresco that surrounds you on the walls features the faces of notable guests of the past and present, including friends of original owner John Paul Getty. The tea selection is exquisite and there is a big range of everything from Earl Grey to exotic fruit and herb teas. Tea is served in the Rotunda daily from 3:30 – 6:30 pm. $140 per person/children $75.
Regarding Christmas Eve…well, that is when the kitchen elves at Perrine will be busy at their stations to bring out The Pierre’s holiday best. There will be a special three-course menu and the festive sounds of holiday carolers from 5:00pm – 10:00 pm. Price is $180.00 per person/children under 10 are $95.00 per person. You can join in singing with the carolers even if you sing off key (it’s really the spirit that counts)! That is me enjoying Michael Mignano’s gingerbread house out in the lobby in the photo above—right down to the cute shopping carts I admit that I pushed around!
On Christmas Day, you can enjoy even more holiday cheer with a 3-course holiday menu. All Christmas Day dinner guests receive complimentary house made Christmas cookies. Service will be from 11:30 am – 10:00 pm. Price is $180 per person/children under 10 are $95.00 per person. There will also be regular breakfast and lunch hours.
On New Year’s, the hotel offers three ways to ring in 2024 with two seatings in Perrine and American Standards with KT Sullivan in TwoE. After a festive lite menu and a Tattinger toast to the New Year along with a “live” large-screen ball-drop broadcast from Times Square, dance the night away and welcome 2024. Masks, hats, party favors, cow bells and noise makers will be given out as the clock strikes midnight. Tickets are $300 per person.
Cap the celebrations with a Hangover Brunch served in Perrine or a Festive Royal Afternoon Tea in the Rotunda. I think it would be ideal to recover from NYE with a decadent brunch and specialty cocktails in Perrine including a Bloody Maria, Bellini and Mimosa. There is a three course prix fixe menu at $105 per person; children’s two-course menu for $55 per person. Service is from 11:30 am – 4 pm.
I recently ventured over to the Perrine as I write this to check out some of the holiday food and decor a little early and the one and only Steve Martin was sitting by me at dinner. You never know whom you might bump into there! If you are going to Perrine for any reason, let me make a couple of recommendations. They have amazing prime filet mignon with mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus that will make for a really classic holiday dinner but also check out the incredible freshly caught sea bass fetched out on Long Island only about an hour away and brought into the kitchen ultra quickly. Perrine is truly farm-to-table and all the produce is grown on select New York State and Connecticut Farms.
If you are enjoying any of The Pierre’s holiday event and are a fan of meringue, the Pavlova is a must for you. I do not have to tell you how hard it is to find meringue that is light and crunchy but on the Pavlova, the crunch and light raspberry taste bring out the creamy filling like a dream. It is hard to put your spoon into a Pavlova because it is so pretty—it is like you are damaging a work of art!
Book any of the aforementioned holiday events now before it is too late. Reservations are required in advance with a credit card. Call 212 940-8195 or email ReservePerrine@tajhotels.com or visit perrinenyc.com. I think that I am going to need the Hangover Brunch on January 1st and fortunately I live nearby so I can walk home after having “the hair of the dog,” LOL!
