The Sanctuary Hotel on West 47th Street already has one big dining draw in its Haven Rooftop, which throws al fresco soirees and ski lodge summits depending on the season. Last night they add another notch in their hospitality belt, with the opening of Tender, a glitzy restaurant and lounge created as an all-in-one party palace geared towards the high heels and sports coat set. The space is meant to "evolve" as the night moves forward, from aperitif to dinner to "late night revelry."
The cuisine could be dubbed steakhouse chic, with four different cuts of beef, a selection of sushi rolls and the requisite Caesar ($14) and Wedge ($16) salads up front. There are avocado Fries ($14) with ranch dip and an Asian Chicken Salad ($18) on the appetizer list plus maki stuffed with all manner of ingredients like eel, pickled squash, avocado, cucumber and cream cheese (White Dragon, $16).
Larger dishes are on the pricier side, which isn't uncommon for flashy hotel restaurants. The Tender Burger ($18) is the budget choice, topped with aged cheddar and served with fries. Truffle Tagliatelle ($32) with black truffles, peas and cheese wouldn't be good for intimate encounters later in the night but the Braised Short Rib ($48) with cauliflower and mashed yukon potatoes should fortify the evening's festivities.
The low-lighting makes for an intimate meal or discreet glances over one of the house cocktails ($14) or a glass of sake. Flavors in the prior include the Scarlett, with Mount Gay Black Barrel rum, amaro nonino, Aperol and lemon and the fresh Mandarin Retreat, with Beefeater 24 gin, Mandarin Napoleon, cucumber and lemon. There's only one beer on draft (Sapporo, $8) but Alagash White and Lagunitas IPA should be sufficient to satisfy the beer snobs in your party.
130 West 47th Street, (212) 514-6000; tenderynyc.com
