Ken Friedman, owner of The Breslin restaurant created restaurant-themed apparel! He teamed up with food blogger Joshua David Stein, and Eater says they will go on sale tomorrow at the Ace Hotel eatery. There are only 600 of them, and they sell for $25, so make sure to stop by early.
-Caitlin
The ginger sugar and mint topped grapefruit at the Ace Hotel
While Besen Retail’s weekly meetings usually consist of an abundance of Stumptown’s famous coffee, today Executive Director Matt Mager decided to mix it up a bit and order breakfast. Besides the freshly baked muffin and the oatmeal served with warm milk, Mager also ate a grapefruit topped with mint and ginger sugar for a fabulous flavor combination. Perhaps the full English breakfast at the Breslin will be next week.
-Caitlin
Clearly I’m obsessed with the Ace Hotel and all it has to offer. I told you about the No. 7 Sub shop that will make its debut on March 1st, and Time Out New York just released the menu, along with pictures of sandwich options. The menu includes (but is not limited to) fried tofu, braised lamb, imitation lobster roll, and turkey cubano. While the combinations are unique, like ham served with pineapple, maraschino cherries, and potato salad, they are not vegetarian friendly. Non-vegans can enjoy the “hot and sour egg salad,” with “bamboo shoots, wonton crackers and gloop.” Does anyone know what gloop is? Please let me know. Eaters will also have the chance to enjoy house made sodas, Route 11 Potato Chips, and half moon cookies. A sandwich will run you about $9.
-Caitlin
Our delicious Stumptown French press.
Because Besen Retail is ultra-trendy, we hold our weekly meetings at Stumptown Coffee, just a few blocks from the office. Today we sipped on a freshly steeped pot of their famously strong brew, and even spotted fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, who was sporting a bright green bandana and a tee shirt. Still haven’t taken my advice and tried the best coffee in town? Stop by the Ace Hotel on 29th Street and Broadway, and make sure to visit the newly opened boutiques Opening Ceremony and Project No. 8.
-Caitlin
Project No. 8 at the Ace Hotel
Hipster mecca the Ace Hotel expanded its empire this weekend with the opening of both Opening Ceremony and Project No. 8 boutiques. I stopped by both shops yesterday to see what each spot was offering. With it’s hard wood floors and animal skin rug, tiny Project No. 8 sells tee-shirts, chocolate covered pretzels, leather notebooks, and anything else “anti-souvenir.” The larger of the two, Opening Ceremony, displays a full selection of men and women’s unique fashion pieces, sunglasses, independent films on DVD, and spiky-looking jewelry. While on the pricy side, for visitors, it may be worth paying a bit extra for a one-of-a-kind item, rather than a $5 ” I Love New York” tee shirt. Visit the Ace Hotel/The Breslin/Stumptown/Opening Ceremony/Project No. 8 at 29th Street and Broadway
-Caitlin
Newly opened Opening Ceremony boutique
Eater gave us an inside look at the Breslin’s superbowl party along with a look at the new bar spot in the basement of the Ace Hotel, Liberty Hall. When the lobby of the Ace Hotel gets crazy, head down the stairs to this music-oriented spot. Stay tuned for more information about Ken Friedman’s Tin Pan Alley-themed bar coming soon.
-Caitlin
I can’t wait for Ken Friedman’s Tin Pan Alley-themed bar to open at the Ace Hotel. Rumors are flying that another bar just opened in the Ace Hotel basement that is separate from the Tin Pan Alley bar. The new spot is called Liberty Hall, and is located in the space usually reserved for events. Perhaps it will free up some seats in the packed lobby? Let me know if you’ve visited!
-Caitlin
The future location of Project 8 and Opening Ceremony (picture via Hotel Chatter)
Why is the Ace Hotel superior to all other New York hotels? Perhaps it’s because they have New York’s first farm to cup cafe, Stumptown. Or maybe it’s because of the meat and cheese filled Breslin retaurant serving french fries that make patrons tear up with joy. Or it could possibly be little cocktail bar surrounded by comfy couches in the lobby. If those weren’t reasons enough, I have another one! Two fabulous boutiques are opening in February at the hotel, Project 8 and Opening Ceremony. Yes, that’s right–Opening Ceremony. The ever-so-popular hipster shop is opening its 4th location on the Broadway side of the building. I’m overwhelmed by the coolness too.
UPDATE! Just minutes after writing about the Project 8/Opening Ceremony addition I found that the Ace Hotel has yet ANOTHER awesome idea in the works. Breslin owner Ken Friedman is thinking about installing a bar in the basement themed around Tin Pan Alley, “a century old mecca to music located just one block away from Ace.” A basement music themed bar AND Opening Ceremony in one building? NOW I’m overwhelmed.
-Caitlin
The bar at the Breslin
After weeks of suspense and empty promises of a meat and cheese-filled dinner service, The Breslin has finally opened its doors for supper. I suggest you visit the Breslin semi-starving, as the rich menu is bound to keep you stuffed for days. Complete with a snack selection, including items like caramel popcorn, pork fat fried peanuts, and scrumpets with mint vinegar, the menu has meaty entrees like stuffed pig’s foot for two, chargrilled lamb burger with cumin mayo, and braised shin of beef with polenta and black cabbage. The average snack is about $4, small plates $15, and entrees range between $17-$50.
-Caitlin
The lobby of the Ace Hotel has blown up as one of the hottest hangouts of the moment. With its high ceilings, long tables, and comfy couches,
New sign posted in the Ace Hotel lobby
Stumptown patrons and MacBook users, can’t help but wander in. The Ace is a weekend destination for fashion designers, models, and actors like Toby McGuire, and is right next to the recently opened Breslin restaurant. While the waiters of the lobby are not pushing people to order something yet, they have placed small signs around the area that have a little attitude. Will the bar/restaurant/hotel lobby continue to allow the usual crowd, or will it be reserved for hotel guests only?
-Caitlin
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