The Plaza Food Hall by Todd English: A Five Star Infusion

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Category: Chefs, Fine Dining

Published on Monday, 12 December 2011 22:05

Written by Janet Walker

Chef Todd English recently celebrated the Grand Opening Reception of The Plaza Food Hall located on the lower level of the iconic New York Plaza Hotel situated on the intersection of Central Park and Fifth Avenue.

Situation among the upscale boutiques of The Shops at The Plaza including Emmanuelle Ungaro and The Plaza’s most famous guest, Eloise, The Plaza Food Hall is a five star infusion with all the charm of a European style food court.

The design of the Food Hall is reminiscent of an old style cafeteria setting sans the aluminum and bright red trays. Think old English, old world charm, with contemporary classic curves. The Food Hall’s U-shape offers patrons bar stations of enticing edibles and tasty treats.

Additionally, The Plaza Food Hall offers delicious delicacies from the deep, exotic Asian entrees and classic American fare. Along with kitchen and culinary aids as well as pre-packaged pastas, sauces, and spices and of course, the delicious selection of Todd English Chocolates: Grahams, Smores, Pretzels and Bon Bon’s!

The evening was an invitation only opportunity to be among the first to sample the culinary magic of Todd English and his hand selected specialty Sous -Chef’s each creating a artistic masterpiece in his chosen genre. The event was a celebration of a year of work by Chef Todd, his partner, and his design team.

The invitees were greeted immediately by wait staff bearing food and beverages including Champagne and oven-baked Flat Bread Pizzas, each with a choice of toppings.  The beverage bar flowed freely with wine, champagne, top shelf and softer choices.

The Seafood Bar, located center station, had a artistic centerpiece of delicious delectable’s from the deep piled high including Oysters on the half-shell (east & west coast) Maine Lobster Cocktail, Woodbury Little Neck Clams, Alaskan King Crab and Jonah Crab Claws. All were served in abundance throughout the evening!

The Chef’s created several variations of deep sea delights including mammoth shrimp dishes from boiled to sautéed and char-broiled complete with several sauces from the classic cocktail sauce to Tellicherry Pepper Mignonette and whole mustard Aioli! Branzino, European Sea Bass, and a delicious grilled New England Lobster “roll” a variation on the classic summer must were both served and savored! All offerings were tantalizingly tempting and, yes, very delicious!

For this evening the Asian sampler included the classic California roll, Sushi, Steamed vegetable and Pork Dumplings and Porcini Soda. Just ahead of the Dessert Bar the classic European Fruit and Cheese selections offered many varieties of classic European chesses, breads and charcuterie.

The Americana bar station served up Classic Burgers and Sliders: The Prime Rib Sliders, piled high with tender Prime Rib, caramelized onions and Fontina on a plain grill toasted bun, and the classic Americana mini Kobe burgers, stacked with fried onion, grilled bacon, roasted tomato, gorgonzola and a special Todd English sauce. Kobe beef is rich, tender and juicy a staple on the most exclusive eateries; Todd offers both the mini and the quarter pounder.

The Dessert Bar was filled with exquisite, sensuous, smooth chocolates! From mini-tart filled and blackberry topped to chocolate grahams, pretzels, cookies, cupcakes, and for the brave and fun among us Todd English even created the Au Chocolate Sardines! A must for fun and foolery!

They didn’t stop with the mouth-watering, sinfully delicious chocolates to complete The Dessert Bar they offered Fruit tarts topped with summer selection of strawberries and blueberries. Also, Red Velvet Cupcakes, cookies and after dessert espresso and cappuccino’s!

It was a delicious evening in a luxurious iconic setting with an equally iconic Chef. The Shops, located on the lower shopping level of New York's Famed Plaza Hotel, welcome a delicious treat to their location. The Plaza Food Hall by Todd English has something for everyone even if you’re just window shopping! Come, eat, drink, enjoy!

The Plaza Food Hall by Todd English, 1 W 59th Street at Central Park South and Fifth Avenue; 212.986.9260. Call for hours.