Classic Harbor Line is waiting to take you on relaxing cruises up the Hudson
Being a city dweller, we may not always find the time or have the opportunity to get out of the city, breathe the fresh crisp air, and take in the stunning fall colors.
If you are like us when we think about packing a day bag, renting a car, or taking a train, car service, and figuring out where to go to see the best view for fall foliage, by the time we get through all the planning conversation, were already exhausted.
What if I were to told you that you can take a quick cab to Chelsea Piers, from anywhere in the city it’s about 10 minutes, walk just a few steps to find the most luxurious yachts awaiting you, quickly whisking you away for a 2.5-hour yacht cruise up the Hudson River?
Yacht Manhattan
Sail up the Hudson River to the Grand Palisades
Well then, I’m telling you to pack a small bag with just your camera and a snack, as Classic Harbor Line is waiting to take you on relaxing cruises. Sail up the Hudson River to the Grand Palisades, where you and your guests will see sites such as:
The beautiful Upper West Side of Manhattan
The majestic George Washington Bridge & the Little Red Lighthouse
The Riverside Cathedral, Grant’s Tomb & the Cloisters
Hudson River Valley up to within view of Tappan Zee Bridge
Palisades Park – one of New York’s most dramatic geological features riverside features
Yacht Kingston
Classic Harbor Line’s Grand Palisades Fall Foliage Cruises
Motor up the Hudson River on Friday-Sunday only, until November 15. This 2.25-hour excursion is offered on Fridays with a 2:00 pm departure, and on Saturdays and Sundays with departures at 10:00 am, 10:15 am, and 1:00 pm on either Manhattan or Manhattan II.
$104/Adult when purchasing 2 or 3 tickets; $88/Adult when purchasing 4 or more tickets. Indoor climate-controlled assigned seating and outdoor seating available (Merv-rated Hepa filters installed for indoor air circulation). Hot beverages like homemade cocoa, tea, coffee, as well as fall-themed cocktails like the New York Apple with made-in-New York components of apple whiskey, apple cider, and sparkling wine are available, first-round complimentary.”
Schooner Sails travel up the Hudson River on Saturday and Sunday only until November 8. This 3.5-hour excursion has departures at 11:00 am on schooner Adirondack, their 80-foot sailboat and at 11:15 am on schooner America 2.0, their 105-foot sailboat. $88 per adult, $64 per child (Please no children under 3). Complimentary beverages included; warm coats, winter accessories, and lap blankets encouraged.
When you are sailing, the feeling and sounds of the wind, water, and the warm sunshine touching your face somehow force you ever so gently to let go. It’s my one and only place where I can just…be.
To say that sailing is one of our company’s favorite pastimes would be an understatement. We are huge fans of Classic Harbor Line, their captains, and crew.
Over the years we’ve had the great opportunity to meet and get to know the Captains of their fleet. This season we wanted to share our one-on-one interviews with some of CHL female captains
Meet Captain Kat.
Adirondack Classic Harbor Line
DTM: How did you get started in this line of work and where are you from? Capt Kat: I taught sailing on 24- 50 ft boats. I grew up in Seattle and moved to New York after college.
DTM: What brought you to CHL? Capt Kat: Adirondack has been the prettiest boat in the Harbor since 1999. One of my colleagues from teaching sailing was the full-time captain and another colleague got hired as a relief captain and asked me if I wanted to sail Adirondack too. This is back when Adirondack was the only boat CHL (before it was CHL) had in New York.I have been one of Adirondack’s captains since 2006.
DTM: What type of education or updated education are you given with CHL? Capt Kat: We do safety training once a month and have checklists and training for the crew to advance to first mates and captains.
DTM: What is your favorite thing about working for CHL in New York,
share one of your most memorable/rewarding moment? Capt Kat: New York Harbor is a beautiful and challenging place to sail.It is rewarding to feel the boat spring to life with a lovely breeze and see the joy in our guest’s faces as we sail by stunning views of NYC powered only by wind and current (when conditions allow).
DTM: Have you ever raced or sailed the ocean? Capt Kat: Yes. I like sailing places I’ve never been to before and take my vacations sailing in locations all over the world.
Captain Kat and Crew
DTM: Do you ever get bored with sailing the same route? Capt Kat: No. For me, the challenge of being under sail for as much of the trip as possible, the changing current and wind conditions, and having to get to the Statue and back in the allotted time all combine to create essentially a game of chess.It’s different every time.
DTM: What makes a good captain? Capt Kat: An awareness of the overall safety of the vessel, crew, and guests.
DTM: Is there a difference being a captain for sailing vessel vs motor yachts? Capt Kat: Not really, you have the same responsibility for the safety of the vessel and all on board.For me, the sailboat is much more fun because of the challenge of getting the boat to move with only the power of the wind and current.It’s a combination of science and art.
DTM: What’s the last thing you do on your ship before you depart for the day? Capt Kat: At the end of the day, the last thing I do is check the dock lines.
DTM: Because we are Downtown Magazine, what is your favorite place in Lower Manhattan Chelsea to the Battery to just get away and relax? Capt Kat: I love lower Manhattan. My favorite sculpture is the WTC Sphere. I loved it in its original location, bringing humanity to the tall towers.It spoke to my heart standing damaged but still strong in Battery Park. And now in Liberty Park, it still brings tears, but also a path forward.
Captain Kat Adirondack
DTM: Tips, I’m all about tips for the crew its very important to show your gratitude, they work so hard in such a short time, why is it important to tip? Capt Kat: Our crew is amazing. For me to maneuver the boat under sail, the crew must man the sails.We are sailing the boat as a team. They have an awareness of the safe operation of the vessel while also chatting with guests and serving drinks.
DTM: What’s is the best advice to give new captains when working with the public? Capt Kat: If you have joy in your job sailing the boat, chances are the guests will also enjoy sailing.
Captain Kat’s Bio Katrina van Zee, aka Captain Kat, is a captain for Classic Harbor Line, sailing in New York Harbor for over a decade. She holds a United States Coast Guard (USCG) 100-ton Master License with a sailing endorsement and is a U.S. Sailing Certified Instructor at Basic Keelboat, Cruising and Coastal Navigation levels. In the off-season she enjoys sailing in places she’s never been before; favorites include Sea of Hebrides, Baltic Sea, and the Gulf of Thailand.
Classic Harbor Line is the operating company of the Schooners Adirondack & America 2.0 and the Luxury Yachts Manhattan, Manhattan II & Kingston of Chelsea Piers. Operating sightseeing trips on New York waters since 1999, Classic Harbor Line specializes in bringing beautiful, classic-style vessels to the New York City waterways and creating special and memorable excursions.
Our Crew, including all captains, mates, chefs, and on-land representatives at Classic Harbor Line, is what makes the experience on our beautiful yachts truly magical. We have maintained a consistent history of not only operating with professional staff but also with warm and inviting hosts. You will, without a doubt, have fantastic views of the city and find the boats beautiful and comfortable, but what will surprise you and stay with you when you leave is the warm and special treatment you receive from our extraordinary team.
Every Spring downtowner’s look at the marina to test the seasons, when we see the boats in Brookfield Marina, we know it’s time to get out for the warmer weather. The winter blues are removed and quickly forgotten.
This year was sad for many as we did not see our local marina buzzing with boats and movement. I can assure you that the minute we saw your sailboat (Tribeca Sailing – Tara) smiles and hope was on everyone’s mind, and it was time to book our Staycation.
Tribeca Sailing
We had the pleasure of catching up with Captain Dave Founder of Tribeca Sailing. Our COO Luigi and I were his guests on Tara, oh yes, she is a beautiful as her name. “one of only five 1964 Hinckley Custom Pilot 35s and is the prettiest sailboat in all of New York City.” Captain Dave
I’ve never been on this size sailboat, at first I was a little concerned but as we left the marina, Captian Dave, handled her like a newborn babe. The sails were up and we were underway.
It was our first sail of the season, and certainly set the standard for others to follow. Captain, is funny, charming, and extremely knowledgeable. He is a true Captain and follows all the rules ensuring his guest’s safety.
No one can know what will come of COVID-19 and or when we will return to “normal life”, one thing is for sure, we live in the greatest city in the world and more so the best area in all of New York. It’s like being on vacation 365 days of the year, we are blessed to have met Tara and Captain Dave.
We give them both 10 out of 10 Sails.
DTM: How difficult was this delay for your business? DC: As a unique small family business and living in downtown Manhattan I spent my time watching our governor and waiting for the curve to flatten. As Spring approached, I would have started working on my sailboat Tara for an April 1st opening but instead, I stayed home and did my part to stay healthy and help our essential workers.
The most difficult part of the delay in opening was a financial hardship. Tourism is a large part of my pre-season bookings and due to COVID 19 travel plans were canceled and I was refunding almost all pre-booked charters. (I changed my policy to give full refunds due to the pandemic.) My business relies on pre-bookings to pay bills. Bookings stop but bills continued.
DTM: Who makes the decision for the marina to open? DC: Marinas were considered essential and access to North Cove Marina was permitted. During the stay- at- home order North Cove was primarily used by NYPD Harbor Patrol and perhaps a transient boater as a leg (stopover) of their cruising journey. They left it up to me to decide when I wished to return.
Tribeca Sailing
DTM: What comments have you heard the most once you were back at the marina.? DC: On May 28 I arrived back to North Cove Marina to my seasonal docking slip. It was a beautiful day and NYers were out on the promenade. As the joggers and dog walkers passed I got lots of thumbs up and comments like “Great to see you back!!!”, “Tara looks fantastic”, “The first boat back gives me hope”, “When will you open I need to get out of my house!”. I was so happy to bring Tara back and the positive energy gave me hope for NYC and for my business.
DTM: You’re the only boat we see now, is there a reason other are not coming back? DC: As Phase, I approached I returned to North Cove Marina to be prepared to start the season. This decision was not easy, as North Cove Marina is a premier marina in such a unique location, and a seasonal business slip is very costly. I am rolling the dice that NYers will take advantage of a staycation and want to go sailing and book a charter with Tribeca Sailing.
The marina is a mix of seasonal tour businesses, personal boat owners, and transients. The tour business charter companies are a close community and we speak frequently. Due to the dockage costs, lack of tourism, and corporate business bookings many of these charter companies are uncertain when they will reopen as they rely on this revenue to pay for their dockage. Transient boaters usually visit the marina to take advantage of NYC in the warm weather along with wonderful restaurants and shopping. This will hopefully be during the next few phases of opening and you can be certain I will be waiting on the dock to welcome them when they arrive.
Tribeca Sailing
DTM: What hours are you open for sail and how do client’s book? DC: Tribeca Sailing sails five times a day, seven days a week at 10 am, 12:30 pm, 3 pm, 6 pm, and 8:15 pm. Longer sails are available on request. The easiest way to book is by clicking the following link and booking on-line.
DTM: What changes should your customers expect and what protective procedures have you put into place if required? The number of people per sail, social distancing, etc? DC: I have been following the local authorities and adjusting accordingly. I have purchased extra masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant spray/wipes.
Three major changes are now in effect:
Private Charters Only. Per Person, booking is no longer available.
Pricing based on; 1-3 guests or 4 to 6 guests
All passengers must arrive wearing masks and all social distancing requirements apply.
Extra masks will be provided if needed.
“Tara” is wiped down with disinfectant before and after each sail and hand sanitizer is available. Every night the boat is cleaned with a CDC recommended disinfectant.
Tribeca Sailing
DTM: What has been the most difficult thing about this situation for you, and your business?
DC: As a small business with limited resources it is challenging to get the word out to the local resident, we are open for business for a perfect staycation. I rely a lot on my Trip Advisor ratings for referrals and I am grateful for repeat local customers but because tourism is limited bookings are soft. We are a hidden secret and it is time to get the word out.
As NYC re-opens, I am hoping to find locals and day visitors starting to venture into NYC to book an intimate sail around the harbor with Tribeca Sailing. Some might hesitate for a bit, but I am optimistic the locals will want to be outside and finally enjoy this beautiful weather on the water. The most frequent statement I hear is: “I never knew this existed in NYC and I can’t wait to tell my friends and family.” I know you are out there……….
DTM: Is there a silver lining for you from this pandemic?
DC: As a downtown resident I have seen the community come together and support the local neighborhood businesses. I think it is important to maintain a community and watch out for each other. The silver lining is knowing NYC will be back as it is still the greatest city in the world and has even a better view from the water. With the lack of ferries sailing in the harbor is a dream to sail with no traffic and no wakes!
Tribeca Sailing
DTM: As we are now hopefully on the downslope of this battle in New York, and discussions have turned to open up our economy, what are your concerns about that and what would you like to see happen, both in society at large and in your regular work environment?
DC: People need to continue to be aware of personal space and their environment. I am proud of how NYC responded to reduce this virus and worked to adhere to the government requirements. Small businesses continue to need support from the community for survival. Please do not ask for a discount, save that question for the larger companies. Go the extra mile and share your experience on social media and refer your friends and family, or just buy a gift certificate. Small acts of kindness will help NYC survive and bounce back as small businesses are its backbone.
DTM: What do you miss most about pre-COVID New York City? DC: As a long time, NYC resident, I miss the energy that the city provides including the tourist that flock to downtown. As a foodie who misses the great restaurant options in NYC, I can not wait to go back to my favorites which I have also listed on my website.
DTM: Tell us how you got into sailing?DC: When I was 16 years old my mom received a phone call from a friend who was looking for crew for a sailboat race and asked if I would be interested. When she asked me about going, I refused to say “Sailing sounds boring”. She made me go anyway and that race changed my life. Falling in love with the sport, I raced sailboats for the next 30 years. I never thought I would turn that passion into a viable business.
DTM: During your time aboard Tara, Captain David will share facts about New York City, stories about personal experiences, and expert sailing techniques. In short, Captain David wants you to have a good time. He’s a United States Coast Guard Licensed, Master. (Anything you want to add)
DC: As a real NYer I like to bring a local personal aspect to my charters. I love telling stories and giving little known tidbits about the sights and not just a canned speech. People are always asking me about restaurant recommendations and I have devoted an entire section on my website to help them by budget, cuisine, and location.
DTM: What do you like to do in your spare time?
DC: Tribeca Sailing season starts April 1st through the end of November. During the off-season, Tara requires maintenance and winterization. This is also the perfect time to work on website updates etc. When not working on the boat I like to take advantage of new restaurants, go to the theater, and visit museums especially when they are holding a special event that I find interesting.
DTM: What do you love about living in Lower Manhattan?
DC: I love that Battery Park City is so beautiful and tranquil also the energy from visitors to the area. Although I am on the water all day, I still love walking along the promenade. Walking by Alexander Hamilton’s grave and through the Oculus makes me smile and reminds me that Lower Manhattan is such a unique and wonderful destination.
DTM: For anyone reading this who may have dreamed of becoming a ship Captain, what’s it like?
DC: Safety is paramount and thinking of that tropical destination is secondary. People always ask me what it would be like to sail long distances, my reply is that it is hard work. For example, you’re on three-hour shifts, sleep is hard as you are always moving, the food is so-so and then the storm comes in the middle of the night. The reality of being a ship Captain vs the dream is quite different. The reward comes when the wind is perfect, the sun is shining, my customers are a joy and laughter abounds. The great news is that this happens most of the time. I am incredibly lucky to have my passion as my way to earn a living.
DTM: Anything you would like to share with our readers we have not asked?
DC: I have had a very, special guest on board. I received an anonymous phone call asking if I was available to sail and was told to show up at 3 pm for a special guest. Next thing I know the Secret Service showed up and soon thereafter the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie came on board Tara. What an amazing sail we had. They sat on the bow (front of the boat) and enjoyed the spectacular sights of NY Harbor. Before they departed, we had a great personal conversation and they were gracious enough to allow a photo op. I had a real connection to them, and the memory will stay with me forever.
Other fun facts about Tribeca Sailing
over 200 successful engagements on board (and I still get teary-eyed when it happens)
location, location, location…always front and center for the Macy’s July 4th fireworks display.
“Tara” is one of only five 1964 Hinckley Custom Pilot 35s and is the prettiest sailboat in all of New York City.
Tara – Tribeca Sailing
Our Tours
Set sail on a private or semi-private tour of New York Harbor perfect for: Birthdays, Anniversaries, Engagements, Private Tours, Corporate Team Building
Location:
North Cove Marina 225 Liberty Street Corner of Liberty St. & South End Ave. Contact: Captain David Caporale Email: david@tribecasailing.com Phone: (917) 593-2281
Owning a yacht is a luxury in itself, however, luxury often comes with challenges as well. For yachts, the challenge is in coming up with a design that not only improves the look of the yacht but also maintains or improves its functionality. Not sure where to begin? Read on for some useful tips.
Consider Your Yacht Space
Despite the perception that yachts are huge, limited interior space can be a problem. It is important to make use of every square inch of interior space without overcrowding to ensure the best functionality and aesthetics.
The best way to achieve this goal is to use dual-purpose furniture. Choose tables and stools that have built-in storage underneath. Another option is to choose furniture that can serve as a bed and a couch, for example.
Think About Your Environment
One important factor that you should know when designing a yacht interior is to avoid using materials made from metals like wall claddings. Materials with metal content can easily rust if they are not treated regularly and can cost big money in future repairs.
It is the designer’s responsibility to incorporate their design with the unique limitations of the environment and to choose a plan that will function properly.
Factor in Preservation
A yacht’s design should also prepare for its deterioration. A good designer will look into how to maintain the good quality of the boat, especially with the wear and tear it receives from the environment. It would be nice to keep your boat looking like new. To do this, you must know the factors that degrade the quality over time. A yacht’s main problem is the harsh environment it endures every day.
The wind and salt air are the main contributors to a boat’s exterior issues. You can keep a can of wall paint to deal with little scratches and scuff marks on the surface. While it’s hard to blend the new and old paint, it would at least cover the unwanted scratch marks. Remember to apply a small amount of paint using the paintbrush. Use an up and down stroke for the touch-up. This type of procedure will create and blend the paint from the old application.
A wax application can also be preventive maintenance for the yacht. It gives the shine your boat deserves, and the protection from rain and watermarks. A wax application requires hard work and a lot of patience to make the boat shine like new.
If the yacht gets ink on its wall, hairspray will do the trick of removing it instantly. And if you have glass cooktops stains wax is a great product to solve the unwanted marks as well.
If you are planning to improve your yacht, you can do so by installing additional accessories to it. One upgrade that is gaining massive popularity on the market is Stryker T-Tops . You may consider installing one as a good investment for your yacht. It adds the value, beauty, and function that every boat owner needs.
Investing in a GoodYacht Design
The principles of a luxury yacht design are more like a high-end interior design of a house. The home is where you build your family and give them the protection and joys of life. A yacht is similar to your home, which also needs good design, proper maintenance, and great functionality. Your boat can be like a second home but a lot more fun.
metrica, a global company with a focus on luxury superyacht and residential interiors, recently expanded to the US under its new North American CEO Mark Mantione. With a serious concentration on custom craftsmanship that translates to residential interiors as well, metrica is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of residences on and off the water. The German-born company’s portfolio of projects includes superyachts such as Odessa II, Al Mirqab, and Z, a plethora of high-end residential interiors around the world, and relationships with designers such as Tom Dixon, Terence Disdale, and Jon Bannenberg.
Mark Mantione, North American CEO of metrica.
Downtown: How would you describe metrica to our readers?
Mark Mantione: metrica is the global leader in iconic residential and superyacht interiors. We procure, engineer, fabricate, finish, and install the most luxurious and complex interiors in the world that include elements of wood, metal, glass, and stone. We also incorporate rare materials such as horn and mother of pearl as well as luxury elements like custom humidors into our work. metrica works with the world’s wealthiest individuals, and they keep coming back to us for the beautiful, high-end work we always deliver.
Downtown: How did a focus on luxury superyachts and interiors come about?
Photograph courtesy of metrica.
MM: The demand of our ultra-high net worth clientele seeking highly-customized interiors led us to specialize in this niche market. There are very few companies worldwide that can achieve the level of craftsmanship that has become synonymous with metrica. We are the leader in this sector.
Downtown: As the new North American CEO, what are your plans for metrica in the U.S.?
MM: As we move into this new market, I plan to continue metrica’s legacy as the gold standard for iconic craftsmanship that the world’s leading architects, interior designers, and clients continue to look for in their builds.
Photos courtesy of metrica.
Downtown: How does metrica work in both the luxury yachts and residential interiors sectors? Don’t they entail very different approaches? What are the similarities and differences in the design approach?
MM: Actually, yacht and residential interiors are similar in terms of methodology. The superyacht engineering and interior construction is now becoming the new way for residential interiors. In other words, residential interiors are now all engineered, fabricated, and finished in the shop the way yachts are. Once completed, they are shipped to the job site and installed with minimal cutting and only a few touch-ups to the finish.
Photo courtesy of metrica.
Downtown: What is one of your favorite superyacht projects to date? Can you describe the end result?
MM: My personal favorite is Aquila. It was a 85.6 meter (281’) refit of an American built yacht. The interior was transformed from a “classic” aesthetic into a cool and contemporary look. All 5 of Aquila’s decks were radically transformed within a 12-month period. This was an astonishing amount of work completed in an equally astonishing amount of time.
Downtown: How many superyachts has metrica worked on? What sets metrica apart from other yacht interiors’ designers?
MM: To date, we have completed over 100 new builds and more than 200 refits. As far as what sets us apart, designers like to use metrica because of our impeccable, old world craftsmanship combined with the most modern technology and machinery on the market. Our expertise in legendary interiors, both on land and at sea, is unrivaled in the industry, which is why the world’s wealthiest come to metrica for every type of residence.
Downtown: In what other countries does metrica work?
MM: We have current and past projects in the United States, the UK, France, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Qatar.
Photo courtesy of metrica.
Downtown: Is it true that your team is comprised of over 230 carpenters, technicians, engineers and architects? How much customization goes into each project?
MM: More, actually. We are now closer to 300 and growing. Every detail on every single project is fully custom, and everything we engineer and build is one-of-a-kind. We work on some of the most challenging and complex projects anyone has ever seen. Every new job sees new challenges that require research, development, and extreme attention to detail, and meeting each new challenge is a point of pride for our team.
Downtown: What about your team do you think separates you from other firms altogether?
MM: Our culture. We are all Metricans, which means we care as much about our employees as we do our clients. That results is a win-win for everyone and inspires us to provide our clients with the absolute best result we can. That’s why our motto is “your way to perfection” – our team makes sure that our clients never receive anything less than a flawless end result.
Downtown: Where is metrical located?
MM: We have our headquarters in Senden, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Our second manufacturing plant is close by, offering another 125,000 square feet. In the United States, our headquarters is in Greenwich, CT, and we will soon be running a large manufacturing operation in the northeast United States.
Downtown: What projects are you working on now?
MM: In the US, we currently have three large residential projects in New York City, one in Boston, one in Palm Beach, two in San Francisco, and one in Malibu, as well as yacht projects in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. In Europe, we have eleven superyacht projects throughout Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain, along with residential projects in Paris, Zurich, London, and Moscow.
When the weather is cooperative in Manhattan, one of the most fun things to do is visit a rooftop bar. New York has no shortage of rooftop bars, but Downtown had the pleasure of speaking with representatives from three of the city’s better establishments with rooftops:
How would you describe your rooftop bar to someone who hasn’t been there?
Brenda Alvarez, Mr. Purple: Mr. Purple gives great aesthetic pleasure to all who get to experience the space. It’s a very exciting rooftop bar and super fast-paced, not to mention the phenomenal views from our not one, but two terraces!
Kia Williams, The Roof: I would describe The Roof as a yacht in the sky, with its anchor right in front of Central Park. You can people watch, gaze out on the unobstructed view of Central Park, and catch up with friends, while enjoying a delicious cocktail made with market fresh ingredients.
Roman Tartakovsky, North River Lobster Company: The rooftop is probably one of the most unique rooftops in the city. It has two booth-style rows that run along the sides of the boat and a long communal table that acts like a spine in the center. There is some coverage from the sun towards the front and bar area however most of the deck is a sundeck. It’s a fun roof with basically nothing to block your views on all sides, considering you’re on the third deck you also have a sustainable amount of height off the water which I feel adds a little thrill. Wood tables and trim complimented by white railings and red/navy details give the look and feel of a New England lobster shack while still having some very nautical theming. Concept has a strong coastal community atmosphere while still appealing to the modern millennial with fun music and casual dress codes. You will catch families recluse from the heat inside as millennials bask in the sun on the rooftop with buckets of beer and glasses of rosé. All of this balanced out by quintessential North/East American fare really gives an authentic and unique feel to the vessel without being pretentious or overbearing.
Brenda Alvarez, Mr. Purple: My favorite item on our cocktail menu is the bottled Negroni. It’s our signature negroni recipe, but carbonated and bottled in-house. The bottle is absolutely the cutest, no ice is needed! From our food menu, I’d have to say the sliders with smoked gruyere, three to an order with fries — cannot go wrong.
Kia Williams, The Roof: My favorite item on the menu is the GG Old Fashioned; mine in particular (laughs). I haven’t been to many places that can compare.
Roman Tartakovsky, North River Lobster Company: The rosé is the best choice for me. There is nothing like a glass of Cloud Chaser after a long day at work. To be able to enjoy this on a boat is even more special considering the festive atmosphere and valiant seafood options to pair with. In reference to food I would defiantly go with a new England classic lobster roll. You truly haven’t experienced NRLC unless you have a nice tasty sweet and buttery roll here. The marriage of sweet lobster, creamy sauce and buttery roll really completes the coastal feel of the concept.
When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?
Brenda Alvarez, Mr. Purple: In my spare time I study bees! One day I hope to be a full time beekeeper.
Kia Williams, The Roof: When I’m not busy behind the bar at The Roof, my husband and I check out other cool bars and restaurants around the city. People call us the Jay Z and Beyonce of hospitality.
The Roof / Photo: Gerber Group
Roman Tartakovsky, North River Lobster Company: Lately I’ve taken a huge liking towards photography. I never realized what an incredible release you get from immortalizing moments into frames. The patience in waiting for the perfect moment stabilized by the careful focusing of the lens. Holding your breath for that last moment as you begin to apply pressure to the trigger. The satisfaction of losing the visual for a split second and the sound of the exposure being captured. Finally releasing that pent up breath and looking at the preview of the exposure. It almost feels like elements of creation, I can’t explain it with anything less than a rush.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
Brenda Alvarez, Mr. Purple: Come by Mr. Purple to have a drink or two, and take some great, unforgettable pictures of our view!
Kia Williams, The Roof: When ordering a drink from your bartender or sever, I always recommend that guests look over the menu and first find their spirit of choice. I also suggest finding two cocktails that sound good and to ask your bartender or server to describe each one instead of asking, “What’s better?” Taste is subjective.
Roman Tartakovsky, North River Lobster Company: North River Lobster Company is an interesting product in the sense that we aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel but give you the best possible wheel we can give you. There isn’t a huge menu or a crazy amount of things to choose from. Just the right things to choose from to make you feel as though you have been transported on a mini vacation. With all the hustle and bustle in the city it’s hard to forget your in Manhattan. However, on The Destiny it can really feel like you’ve been taken away for a bit.
