Photography by Nicholas Lee Ruiz
Park Rose, a blooming new jewel of a restaurant, has arrived for locals and those who like a sophisticated, yet warm spot to go for elevated Italian dining and cocktails. Located in NoMad’s Hotel Park Ave NYC, its decor is rich yet subtle, boasting iconic dishes from the newly minted menu by Chef Carsten Johanssen, who is also a Managing Partner.
Enjoy a cocktail from Park Rose’s Vermouth Cart.
Park Rose’s bar is the perfect spot to enjoy their signature starters Oysters Casino (my personal favorite) or Island Greek Oysters Scallops sourced from Montauk and Prince Edward Island. I had a delightful seat at the bar and conversation with the mixologists serving up a bevy of Vermouth drinks from their bar cart and plant based apéritifs.
Scallops a la Plancha
The menu boasts Pizza Romano, a thin crust pie, with a choice of Margherita, Spicy Pepperoni, Truffle and their special the Smoke Show: traditional pancetta affumicata, taleggio, topped with a basil pesto, white balsamic drizzle. At their suggestion, I ordered Scallops A La Plancha sautéed to perfection in Banyuls, a vin doux naturel and served with a Gremolata and celery root sauce. A truly amazing dish for the palette.
Entrees include a wide variety of fare with an Italian Smash Burger, and their most popular dish a Meatball Sandwich served with their own flair of sesamo, pesto, ricotta, and pecorino sardo. Truly eclectic in taste and presentation. Vegetarians can enjoy a uniquely delectable Cauliflower Steak with Eggplant caponata and wine-soaked tomatoes. A favorite of mine! Other entree highlights include Chicken Milanese, Flat Iron Steak, Veal Chop Saltimbocca with prosciutto, sage and roasted peppers. Local Black Bass is served with a confection of opal basil, oyster mushrooms, simmered with garlic and chives consommé. The couples’ favorite is a Dry-Aged Rib Eye for two.
The restaurant is elegant and tasteful, with low lighting and adjustable lamps at the tables and bar. The room was vibrant and engaging as fellow diners reveled with the dishes served table side. I highly recommend the bar seating for both light fare and again The Oysters. This crustacean lover could not get enough of their superbly shucked oysters and scallops.
Park Rose encourages its guests to dine and drink with a spirit of celebration and care. While there’s no strict dress code, they invite you “to bring a touch of polish — think of it as dressing to match the beauty of the Rose, where every detail (down to the last petal) is curated to be exceptional.”
As the holiday season approaches, do consider reserving Park Rose for a private or corporate event. It’s a beautiful room to entertain, with a splash of elegance and class. The decor and menu celebrates the area on the block known to locals as Rose Hill. Park Rose is an insatiable flower for both young and old to enjoy.
Managing Partner Gary Wallach has curated an extensive beverage menu to complement his Italian Rustico menu, including non-alcoholic beverages plus iconic classics of the Manhattan and Martini with a garden touch of perennials.
Park Rose, Hotel Park Ave NYC at 444 Park Ave South in New York City (30th and Park Ave cross street). Enter through the Hotel Park Ave’s glass doors and restaurant is to your left. Accessible by MTA 6 train at 28th St. parkrosenyc.com