Photos by Nicholas Lee Ruiz
If you’re a native New Yorker (as I am), dining by a hotel might not be the first choice that comes to mind. But I can honestly say the vegetarian forward menu at Lindens by Arlo Soho Hotel, along with the cocktails, decadent desserts, and relaxed atmosphere, will inspire you to make it a regular spot to dine downtown with friends, coworkers, or a date. (They’re also open for breakfast and lunch.) When the weather is nice, there is also a lovely courtyard, perfect for a hot summer night.
Lindens, named after the popular tree that lines NYC’s streets, pays tribute to nature within the downtown urban landscape, celebrating the essential tastes and flavors of each season. Owned by Gary Wallach and Carsten Johannsen, the two first met at Arlo SoHo seven years ago, Wallach tackled front-of-house operations, and Johannsen was executive chef. Today they head up Renwick Hospitality Group, and Adrian Nava is Lindens’ Executive Chef.
The cocktails are broken down into categories of herbal, vegetal, and floral-focused. You can also choose from a large selection of wine, beer, cider, and even tasty ‘zero-proof’ cocktails, such as the Persimmon Tonic, with Elderflower tonic, persimmon, and lemon. I went with the Bee’s Knees, that was perfect to kick off this pre-Memorial Weekend, with The Botanist Gin, apple, apricot, linden blossom honey, and lemon. My friend enjoyed a glass of red cabernet.
Appetizers proved to be tempting from the start. Please; if you love bread like I do, try the Thyme Parker House Rolls, with Grilled Scallion Butter. The butter has a lovely citrus and herb taste, the generously sized rolls are served hot and will melt in your mouth. We also loved the Giardiniera, a nice spring mix of pickled vegetables, hummus, and oregano, and the Fried Oyster Mushrooms.
For a nice mix of sweet and savory, a must entree is the Carrot Ravioli with Pancetta, Brown Butter, and 5 Year Aged Banyuls Vinegar. I also loved my hangar steak, with grilled scallions, chimichurri , and yukon potato. There are plenty of other vegetarian, fish, chicken, and pork options. There is a Lindens Harvest Dinner $75 price fix menu available daily.
Dessert also proved to be a bit of a mind bender, so many choices. A must is the rhubarb creme brulée, sweet but not heavy, super tasty. We also loved the fresh out of the oven prepared chocolate chip cookies, along with a heavenly mango cheesecake. There is also a generous selection of nightcap cocktails, coffee, and tea to complete the experience.
Lindens is located at 2 Renwick Street. For more information and reservations, visit lindensnyc.com