October 30, 2005
Bryant Park opens The Pond for winter ice skating
The Pond at Bryant Park opened for ice skating this weekend, attracting crowds not just to the Olympic-sized free rink open until January, but also to its Ice Cafe, serving beer, wine, and the likes of a Jacques Torres chocolate fondue.
Although the skating itself is free, skate rental costs $7.50, locker rental is $3.50 and a helmet rental is $3.25. The free entry ticket is good for 90 minutes of skating, but on the first uncrowded Sunday afternoon, there was no limit at all.
 The Ice Cafe, operated by the Bryant Park Grill and Café, sits closest to the public library, with heated indoor and outdoor seating looking out onto the ice rink. The menu is heavy on the snack side, with sticky toffee, French crepes -- one stuffed with gruyere cheese and caramelized Fiji apples -- and macaroni and cheese. The chocolate fondue, which a tableful of kids said was excellent, was priced at $15.
Private ice skating lessons are also offered on a drop-in basis for $25 for 20 minutes. The coaches have a rack of credentials including a U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist, a national Short Track Speed Skating Champion and performers with the Ice Theatre of New York and Disney on Ice.
Hours (subject to change):
Monday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Tuesday 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Thursday 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Special exhibitions are scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:30 and 5:40 p.m.
The Pond will remain open until January 16.
Earlier: Free ice rink to open at Bryant Park in late October
Bryant Park hopes to install ice rink next winter
October 30, 2005 10:45 PM in Cheap Stuff, Drinkology, Foodology, Kids, Midtown, Romance, Sports
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