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Eating at The Pavilion

Drinks, Lunch, New American, Outdoors, CoffeeLizComment

A Ladies' Lunch to Celebrate my Graduation

My mom and I met up with my Aunt Shirley for lunch. The weather was cooperating so I was pleased with my restaurant choice: The Pavilion (http://www.thepavilionnyc.com/). I went here nearly 8 years ago when it was Luna Park (you may remember it from Sex and the City (Episode: The Monogamists) when Carrie went there and met Jared (the hot shot writer)and Big couldn't find the entrance).

It opened up three weeks ago and occupies a controversial part of Union Square. The photo below shows the stone structure that is part of the park. Opponents of the restaurant claim that it is "unfairly commercializing" public space. This battle has been fought for two years and the restaurant owner (Simon Oren, also the owner of Five Napkin Burger)  invested several million dollars to restore the structure. Oren has a 15-year contract with the city and will pay $300K per year to lease the space. Read more here: http://www.zagat.com/b/new-york-city/the-pavilion-in-union-square-park-is-finally-open

The Pavilion!

The Pavilion!

Doesn't the menu and glassware look like it just feel out of Anthropologie?

Doesn't the menu and glassware look like it just feel out of Anthropologie?

A celebration is not complete without Champagne!!! My mom and aunt ordered a glass and I opted for a unique cocktail. The waiter instead brought out three flutes - I was more than ok with that! Cheers! :)

Champagne

Champagne

The Park-Side cocktail features light & dark rums, fresh mint & lime, guava "foam" and local pollen. It is a very unique drink - the guava foam has some seeds in it from the fruit. Also, you're not supposed to mix it up. So, don't drink it with a straw. In order to get all the flavors, sip it!

Park-Side Cocktail

Park-Side Cocktail

I read a lot online about how great the complimentary bread basket was, especially the spread that comes with it. I'm not sure what the spread was, I should have asked, but it tasted delicious! I had to ask the waiter several times (maybe 5?) for the bread. The service is still lacking a bit. Hopefully it is just because the venue recently opened and isn't going to continue - this place is simply too great for poor service.

Bread - don't you love the ceramic fruit carton - again, Anthropologie for the win!

Bread - don't you love the ceramic fruit carton - again, Anthropologie for the win!

I ordered the Blue Maine Mussels & Fries. As you can see below, the fries are beautifully presented. They were SO tasty!

Delicious Fries

Delicious Fries

The mussels were delicious, prepared with white wine, garlic & shallot puree and butter.

Blue Maine Mussels

Blue Maine Mussels

Our server recommended the Greek Salad, made with tomato, cucumber, peppers, onion, olives, croutons, local feta cheese & lemon vinaigrette. My aunt ordered it and I tried a nibble. It tasted really fresh and light.

Greek Salad for the win

Greek Salad for the win

I took some photos of the enclosed area of The Pavilion. The weather was nice so we chose to eat outside, also the inside area is a bit louder. The structure amplifies sounds so it can get a bit loud. This makes conversation with your mom and aunt difficult! I love the ceiling lights - white globes are simple and beautiful.

Inside of The Pavilion

Inside of The Pavilion

The bar

The bar

I ordered a cappuccino. I was really disappointed when it arrived cold! If you're paying $5 for a cup of coffee, it better be piping hot. I asked the server to bring a new cup and it was hot! I think the issue comes back to the slow service - the coffee was likely made and just sat there. Get your act together on the service Pavilion! This is a great venue, so don't mess it up so early!

The replacement Cappuccino

The replacement Cappuccino

Can you even handle all this beauty?

Can you even handle all this beauty?

I look forward to coming back here for brunch or dinner and hopefully much improved service!

Cheers,

Liz