I don't think I'm the only one who's noticed that New York City has become frustratingly crowded with everything from people to scaffolding to traffic jams. For this reason alone, seeking an oasis to escape the honking, the service delays, the sidewalk snail-paces and the Pac-Man-like meandering through concrete and steel has become a welcomed respite. If you're anything like me then your oasis must have a something savory to nosh, a bartender who pours and a feeling of welcome while you escape the city's oftentimes unwelcoming disposition.
I'd like to focus on the bartender who pours who at the right establishment is only as good as the mixologist who suggests. That's when I think of Cantina Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge. Located in the west side of Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen nestled inside one of the city's popular event space/club shrines, Stage 48 and Level 3 Loft, Cantina Rooftop completes the trinity by being a fabulous Mexican restaurant whose seasonal newly-reopened rooftop dining space aims to make your oasis festive and relaxing, tequila included. I got to experience the magic of their reopening last week at the kick off event. Boasting a nicely cultivated drink menu with several cocktails from renowned mixologist Miquel Sanchez, the Cantina Rooftop offers up a sweet selection of wines, spirits like premium mezcals & tequilas, as well as a host of refreshing beers.
What struck me as comforting about the drink menu was that it wasn't fussy but certainly wasn't tame. The balance of notes and flavors in each drink were evident as described and left me with a feeling of satisfaction and not like I was part of some mad mixologist's experiment. Sanchez' 'Spicy Summer' is not to be missed as it takes a key fun fruit of the season, watermelon, and brings out the sweetness with the presence of heat and the tango of fresh lime & agave syrup. What's also nice to note is the nicely done margarita and mezcal-rita menu utilizing smoky mezcals and fresh ingredients with Caribbean kick.
The Cantina Rooftop with their impressive outdoor space that allows you to look at the thick of the city without besides nestled too deep in it is now open for business at 605 West 48th Street and 11th Avenue. In addition to the specialty cocktails from Mixologist Sanchez is the new debut of a flavorful menu of interesting traditional and contemporary Mexican fare from Executive Chef Saul Montiel (the spicy guac is NOT to be missed). With the weather spinning in a more favorable direction, it's the perfect time allow Cantina Rooftop to end your search for that welcomed oasis.
Mixologist Miquel Sanchez preparing one of his signature cocktails as captured by my dear colleague Glasgow Skinner of My Life On And Off The Guest List. For an enticing recap of the deliciou menu from Chef Saul Montiel please read her review of some of Cantina Rooftop's new culinary offerings here at www.MyLifeOnAndOffTheGuestList.com.
