Heading to the Big Apple any time soon? American fashion power house Ralph Lauren has expanded its love of everything equestrian by opening The Polo Bar, the brand’s first bar-restaurant in New York. While NYC is hardly short of bars, the newish hot spot (it opened in January) combines the relaxed luxuriousness of a country club with the coolness of a bar that’s already got a waiting list.
Located next door to the brand’s also-new Polo Ralph Lauren flagship store at Fifth Avenue and East 55th Street, look for the Henry Koehler polo match-inspired mural on the exterior wall, while the inside is adorned with portraits of thoroughbreds and equestrian art. But much more than the royal sport, the new eatery is inspired by the brand’s founders love of gathering friends and family around a table to eat. “I’m drawn to the kind of food that people truly enjoy — vibrant food that people want to return to time and again,” Lauren says of the venue.
The menu is filled with Lauren’s favourite dishes (corned beef sandwich, kale salad and grass-fed steaks are all ones to try) and beef from Lauren’s Double RL ranch in Colorado will be offered at select times throughout the year. The star of the dessert list is Ralph’s Coffee Ice Cream, homemade with Lauren’s own custom coffee blend, while a bar upstairs serves top-shelf liquors adorned with stirrers shaped like polo mallets. A private dining room for up to 14 people offers a more intimate dining experience, but this is definitely a place to be seen.
Located at 1E 55th Street, New York, 10022, or visit RalphLauren.com
AND CLOSER TO HOME…
For after work drinks | Caramel
While it’s not strictly new, Caramel has renovated its outside terrace area, making it a breezy place to go for an old-fashioned or two after work. While the cocktails are excellent, the Shared For The Table dishes deliciously put all other bar snacks to shame. Try the Kobe chilli pommes frites, TNT shrimp and truffle-infused mac and cheese.
Located at DIFC, Dubai +971 4 425 6677
For dinner | Em Sherif
The first branch outside of Beirut, famous fine-dining restaurant Em Sherif has just opened in Dubai with some of the best Lebanese food you will ever eat. We promise. A set menu of 35, excellent small dishes will leave you full for days, plus it’s also licensed. Make sure you book a table — this is Dubai’s hottest spot of the moment.
Located in The Address Downtown Dubai, +971 4 424 3000
For after dinner | Armani/Prive
An after-hours party place for the city’s stylish crowd, head to Armani’s polished nightclub where international and celebrity DJ’s host the city’s most fashionable nights until 3am, Tuesday to Saturday.
VIP tables start from Dhs3,000, located at Armani Hotel, Dubai, +971 4 888 3308