June 16, 2008
High in the Sky at Peninsula hotel's new Salon de Ning
NewYorkology contributor Vidiot commits journalism by night, edits Cocktailians and explores NYC by day. He's especially interested in the infrastructure, transit, architectural wonders, drinking establishments, and hidden corners of the greatest city in the world.
 Not long ago, I decided that my air conditioner wasn't quite up to the task of coping with the New York heat, so declared defeat and headed outside. To Salon de Ning, the new bar atop the Peninsula Hotel, to be specific. Occupying the former Pen-Top space, Salon de Ning opened last month and seems to be doing quite well, attracting a stream of the well-to-do (and wannabes, like me) to its boozy aerie. I settled on a barstool to peruse both the drink menu and the clientele.
The "Ninglet", comprised of Hendrick's gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and fresh-squeezed lime juice, was tart and bracing, but the cucumber note from the gin and the floral taste from the St. Germain manage to sneak through. Could you want more in a summer cocktail? My friend had a "Ning Sling" of Absolut Mandrin, Soho lychee liqueur, fresh mint leaves, and lychee and passion fruit juices. She pronounced it "sweet and silly" -- this was a positive -- and I cadged a taste and found it to be very good; I'd feared that with an ingredient list like that, the cocktail would be too sweet, but it was a surprisingly well-balanced drink.
 Firmly in the "too-sweet-and-proud-of-it" category was the Tiramisu Martini, which bartender Alan let us sample. Absolut Vanilia, Kahlua, Amaretto, white Godiva chocolate liqueur, and whipped cream, all topped with chocolate shavings: it was dessert in a cocktail glass, and an unapologetic one.
Salon de Ning's terrace boasts fantastic views up and down Fifth Avenue, not to mention the upper Midtown skyline. Drinks are in the $22 to $24 range, and the menu includes other spirits and Champagnes. If all the fab-ness has made you peckish, there's also a selection of small plates for $35-45.
Salon de Ning is on the rooftop terrace (23rd floor) of The Peninsula New York, 700 Fifth Avenue at 55th Street, map. The bar has a direct elevator from the hotel lobby.
Picture credits: Vidiot (full photoset on flickr.) View of Fifth Avenue, (top,) cooling cocktail glasses (right,) the Ning Sling (left) and the terrace at Salon de Ning.
Earlier: High in the Sky: a Times Square 360 at The View
High in the Sky: Above restaurant, eat with The Hand
June 16, 2008 3:38 PM in Drinkology, Hotelology, Midtown, Romance, Sightsology
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