The BOATHOUSE CAFE, Is it food that enhances romance?
Written: Jul 03 '04 (Updated Jul 05 '04)
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Pros: Moderately priced and the most romantic place in all Manhattan
Cons: Romantic strolls or boat rides are limited in the winter months.
The Bottom Line: The boathouse has a relaxed atmosphere and a fine a mix of a moderately priced menu, beautiful scenery, and simple charm.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: The Boathouse Cafe |
Most everybody knows about the scene in "Harry Met Sally" where Meg Ryan has her big "O" at Katz's Deli in lower Manhattan. Less known is the fact that Meg and Billy Crystal had a quieter and more subdued scene while sipping drinks at the Boathouse Cafe in Central Park.
I don't think there is any spot in all Manhattan that can conjure up an overall romantic feeling the way the lake setting of this NYC landmark can. On the west side of Central Park is Tavern on the Green that becomes a winter wonderland with its thousands of lights and the possibility of a carriage ride to and from. It also has a superior menu, yet, it still doesn't have the simplicity and charm of the Boathouse for a romantic afternoon or evening.
BRIEF HISTORY and SUGGESTIONS
Originally built in 1873 the then Victorian two story building lasted until 1952 when it was razed. A new structure was built in 1954. It stands at the North East waters edge of the lake that is accessible from East or West 72nd Streets from outside the park. Part of the complex rents row boats that can be an excellent way to relax after a light afternoon lunch. Bicycle rentals are also available. Nearby and partially in view from the restaurant is Bethesda Terrace. This was the place to see and be seen by the NY upper class at the turn of the century. The fountains and views are lovely and it still serves the same function as a place to people watch. A short walk to the Bethesda Terrace is another romantic possibility.
A few days ago my wife walked uptown through the park from 59th street passing Walman's Rink and the Dairy. We then took a ride on the parks Merry-Go-Round that was salvaged from a Coney Island warehouse. We continued up Literary Walk to Bethesda Terrace. We then ate lunch at the Boathouse. We already had reservations that were taken care of by our hotels concierge. Afterward we walked uptown through the park to the MET, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where we saw a show by American artist Childe Hassom who is noted for his NY and Boston Cityscapes.
One could also visit the Central Park Zoo, Children's Zoo and then continue up to the Boathouse.
On most summer evenings Gondola rides can be had with a gondolier that is dressed in traditional striped form fitted top, a hat and this one is guaranteed to sing. I have heard him and he is very good.
I have mentioned all these possibilities because I feel they enhance the experience of the Boathouse Cafe.
SOME DETAILS
This is from their web site.
Row Boat Rentals – March through October, weather permitting: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$10 first hour and $2.50 each additional 15 minutes, $30 cash deposit required; Up to five people per boat.
Bicycle Rental: $9 to $15 per hour; Must leave credit card, driver's license or passport as deposit
Restaurants: Fast Food - Winter:Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Park View at the Boathouse – Winter: Brunch – Saturday and Sunday: 11:00am to 3:00pm, Buffet
Dinner – Wednesday through Friday: 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Reservations: 212-517-2233
Gondola Rides are available during the summer from 5:00pm to 9:00pm Mon.-Fri. and 2:00pm to 9:00pm Sat.-Sun.
Gondola rides cost $30 per half hour
Be sure to call and confirm all facts.
THE BOATHOUSE CAFE
This building shares a self serve cafeteria style restaurant that does not offer the views or ambiance of the Boathouse. It's still a nice stop if you haven't acquired reservations for the Boathouse. Also available are a VERY few tables that are set under umbrellas, right on the lake, where you can purchase a drink and light appetizers.
The Boathouse has a bar that is overlooking the dining area. It's a wonderful place to just stop by and have a drink while taking in the views. No reservation is needed for that. The cherry wood bar is flanked by water colour paintings of Central Park and NYC scenes.
The dining area, that is along the lake, is open to the elements. There is a glass paneled enclosure that can be rolled into position if the weather turns or it's too cold. The panels are floor to ceiling so magnificent lake views would not be hindered. The span of the waterfront restaurant is divided by large white limestone columns that add elegance to the simple decor. As you look out you will see many row boats lazily making their way through the water and many turtles will be nearby the restaurant borders.
The tables are all covered in white cloth and the seating consists of wicker and cane backed chairs that are comfortable. Our waiter was friendly but became scarce after we ordered. There was plenty of bus help that attended to our needs. Cloth napkins, ceiling fans, a piano, and the perfect view all added to the charm of the restaurant. I did find the place a bit noisy though.
People were dressed in a casual but neat attire. No ties or dresses were present at lunch. I imagine some would be seen at dinner time. This restaurant, however, is not a place where one must be dressed up bu too casual wear, like t-shirts jeans and sneakers, may be out of place at night. Remember you also may want to be comfortable for a row in a boat or ride in a gondola. All the same, I would call and ask about dinner dress. I would go with Smart-Casual.
The MENU
We were there for lunch. The menu has many like items on both the lunch and dinner menus. Appetizers like the Boat House Salad, $11. (Vine ripened Tomatoes, Cucumber & Red Onion, Imported Feta Cheese with Black Olive Vinaigrette), were priced the same for either sitting. This was also true of the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, $15 that was mentioned in local NYC reviews as excellent, and Carpaccio Of Black Sea Bass Filets $13.
There are a number of salads that could be shared with an entree. There were no salad entrees. The appetizer salad really did not look like it would be sufficient as an entree. The Roasted Red Beet, Arugula & Cherve Salad,(Toasted Pine Nuts & Red Onion with aged Sherry Vinaigrette) looked like an excellent choice.
ENTREES
The lunch menu has nine choices. My wife had the Tuna Club Served Rare, $19. (Homemade Potato Chips, Arugala, Tomato, Herb Aioli & Pancetta). It looked wonderful and tasted the same. This was a very popular choice. We saw many going out to the tables. The homemade chips were excellent too.
I had the Seared Day Boat Scallops, $19 (Black Rice Cake, Snap Peas & Honey Cilantro Glaze) . The scallops were cooked to perfection. They had just the right body, were warm but not hot inside and the glaze was a delicious addition.
The two items we had were also on the dinner menu but made in slight variations and had a price tag of an additional $7-$8. Other items that were both on the lunch and dinner menu, again with slight variations, were Sauteed Filet of Grey Sole, $22 lunch $29 Dinner and Pan Roasted Atlantic Salmon $19 Lunch $25 Dinner.
For lunch the restaurant offered a really fine looking Seasoned Boathouse Burger $16. I was very tempted by the looks of it.
At dinner other fish and meats were available.
Poached Jumbo Shrimp, $31
Sauteed Snowy Grouper, $28
Steamed Black Sea Bass Filet, $26
Colorado Rack of lamb, $34
Grilled Dry Aged Sirlion, $35
Tenderloin Of Beef Filet, $34
The presentations were fine looking and the servings were adequate even for this big guy.
A BIT MORE
I don't recall all the dessert selections but we shared a Banana Tart that had caramelized banana and a light whipped cream. It was the perfect ending.
I noted an extensive wine list of over 120 worldwide selections from moderate to expensive prices. We opted for their draft Stella beer that were served in tall 16 oz glasses.
After we finished we strolled slowly through the Rambles of Central Park. We sat on a bench for a while and then continued on our way to the museum. It was a perfect afternoon.
More Central Park and environs reviews by popsrocks
Central Park So much to see and do any time of year!
CENTRAL PARK ZOO
The Metropolitan Museum of ART A fifteen minute walk uptown from the Zoo on 5th Ave.
Museum of Natural History across from Central Park West
Tavern on the Green in Central Park
The Boathouse Cafe In Central Park
Gotham Bar and Grill
Katz's Deli A New York landmark deli
Recommended:
Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Be prepared for a short walk or a boat ride. It is part of the Boathouse experience.
Best Suited For: Romantic Evening
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