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Library Hotel
299 Madison Ave.
at 41st Street
New York, NY 10017
***The Library Hotel was featured in the February 5, 2001 issue
of New York Magazine entitled
"16 Hot Hotels"***
Fashioned from a landmark 1900 brick and terra cotta structure, set at the corner of
Madison Avenue and 41st Street near the New York City Public Library and the Pierpont
Morgan Library, this hotel has been beautifully restored into a mansion-style hotel
of the highest caliber. Mahogany paneling, 60 impeccably appointed themed guest
rooms, exquisite art work and wood-paneled elevators designed to resemble a cozy
gentleman's library and the ambiance of a private club. The hotel is a showcase of
tasteful design and functionality. Each of the ten guestroom floors of the Library
is dedicated to one of the major categories of the Dewey Decimal System; Social Sciences,
Literature, Languages, History, Math and Science, General Knowledge, Technology,
Philosophy, the Arts and Religion.
Each of the 60 exquisitely appointed accommodations have been individually adorned with a
collection of art and books relevant to one distinctive topic within the category of the
floor to which it belongs. Choose your favorite or explore the unique delights of
each room, one visit at a time.
The hotel offers complimentary deluxe continental breakfast buffet, freshly brewed gourmet
coffees, cappuccino, espresso, teas, biscuits, cookies, and fresh fruit served all day,
fine Mionetto wines, champagne, a selection of cheese and hors d'ouvres served weekday
evenings, bottled spring water, Belgian chocolate with turndown service, plush bathrobes,
hand-held hair dryers, makeup/shaving mirrors, Natura bath products, international
newspapers, magazines and books, 24-hour access to business center with computer stations,
complimentary daily guest membership to nearby fitness center, personal in-room safe, CD
player, TV, and VCR in room with a complimentary selection from the video library of the
American Film Institutes top 100 films, in room mini refrigerator with a stocked mini bar
for a nominal charge, two line cordless phones with data port and voice mail. It also
features a Mahogany-paneled Clubhouse room with working fireplace and terrace as well as a
greenhouse with French doors opening to a beautiful terrace overlooking Madison Avenue.
RICK MOONEN OPENS BRANZINI RESTAURANT AND BAR
AT THE LIBRARY HOTEL
New York, NY: July 2002--While it may be located at the Library Hotel (299 Madison Ave. at 41st St.; 212-557-3340), star chef Rick Moonen’s new BRANZINI RESTAURANT AND BAR is no place for whispers. Having just left Oceana and preparing for the much awaited Sept. 4th opening of rm his eponymous new seafood restaurant, (33 E. 60th St. bet. Madison & Park Aves.) Moonen took a little detour! Chef Moonen has partnered in Branzini as well as in rm with Richard and Matthew Harriton. And already the word is out.
Fueled by years of experience and work in some of the city’s most respected kitchens, the food here is 100% Moonen at his best. With it’s casual seafood, Mediterranean favorites and affordable prices, the neighborhood has already discovered Branzini. Filled with country-styled wooden tables and tiled floors, this rustic alfresco space offers only the freshest seafood from the Mediterranean with a full á la carte menu. After 8 pm, a tapas-like menu of only small plates is smoothly introduced to expertly cater to the mood of the neighborhood. Big Plates and Sides disappear.
At lunch Branzini overflows with diners (50 at tables, 10 at the bar) enjoying the European feel of the space with its relaxed ambiance. All doors on the E. 41st St. side of the room’s corner location are opened to the street. Lovely breezes waft in and bright yellow sunlight bathes the space and provides the opportunity for great people watching in the tradition of the classic café. The á la carte menu is divided into three distinct sections, plus dessert. The groups are Small Plates ($7-$12.), Big Plates ($14 -$23.) and Sides ($3 and $4). Small Plates offerings include Steamed Mussels with Toasted Garlic and Parsley; Fresh Grilled Portuguese Sardines drizzled with Olive Oil, Lemon and Parsley; and Beef Carpaccio with Pine Nuts, Olive Oil, Arugula & Parmesan. The Medium Plates section features Pasta Dishes; a Grilled Hanger Steak; a selection of Grilled Fish; a Grilled Chicken; Fontina; Roasted Pepper Pannini and a Pan Roasted Chicken dish. Sides include a Potato Purée, ‘Good Old’ Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce, and Russet Potato Chips. All diners are given a dish of mixed Mediterranean olives, citrus and spices when first seated.
The Grilled Branzino is Chef Moonen’s favorite dish on the menu, and thus the restaurant’s name. It embodies the very soul of the Mediterranean. The European sea bass is freshly grilled, and set to rest proudly atop a Tomato and Fennel Ragu base, then drizzled with artisanal extra virgin olive oil.
At 8 P.M. Branzini becomes almost another version of itself. Lights dim, music rises, and the menu shifts to only SMALL PLATES. Chef Moonen felt this was exactly what the neighborhood wanted…perfect with drinks, perfect for a light bite after work, before the train, on the way to theater or another dinner, after theater, etc. Plates are priced the same as at lunch and combinations of three plates for one price are also available (prices vary).
A mostly Mediterranean wine list complements the exciting Small Plate offerings. Plates will change often but current offerings include: Charred Octopus with Arugula, Frisee, Roasted Peppers & Lemon Vinaigrette; Rouget with a Caper Vinaigrette; Roasted Asparagus with Crispy Mortadella and Truffle Oil and Tomato Risotto Croquettes with Parmesan. A special wine pairings menu has been designed to suggest wines of the day with items on this menu.
Sean Cznadel, Executive Chef, joins Rick direct from Todd English’s New York City OLiVES where he was both Sous and Banquet Chef. Beginning this Fall, Branzini will offer delivery and accept take-out orders. Branzini is the exclusive caterer for Room Service within the hotel as well as for private parties and events in the hotel’s 14th floor facilities. They can accommodate up to 125 people for cocktail receptions and buffet dining.
Featured in New York's "Time Out" -
"The hotelier behind the Giraffe isn't resting for a second. The hotel
is a converted, turn of the century, 12 story office building located on "Library
Way" and designed to feel like a private club. Each hotel floor is assigned a
number based on the Dewey decimal system and classified by a category of knowledge
such as Social Sciences, Language, and Philosophy. Room themes are appropriate to
the floor; standouts include Erotic Literature, Botany and Paranormal.
Green with terrace open to guests, club room with fireplace, business center with computer
stations, continental breakfast, wine and cheese reception every night."
Please call for Rates and Availability
To see photos of the Library Hotel, please click here.
To see a map of the area surrounding the Library Hotel, please click here.
For more information or to schedule your stay please contact:
Small & Elegant Hotels, International
9425 Whispering Sands
West Olive, MI 49460
TEL: (616) 844-6000 / FAX: (616) 844-6042
E-Mail: res@smallandeleganthotels.com
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