January 3, 2009
Rainbow Grill to go bar-only on Rock Center's 65th floor
The stuffy Rainbow Grill, adjacent to the Rainbow Room on the 65th floor of Rockefeller Center, will soon put its restaurant operations on hiatus due to the economic downturn, NBCNewYork is reporting.
“We are currently planning on temporarily closing the Rainbow Grill, which will operate as a bar only. The Rainbow Room will continue to host banquets as well as dinner dancing,” John Higgins, the chief operating officer of Cipriani, told NBCNewYork.
Update: The drinks-only schedule starts January 13.
Cipriani leases the space from Rockefeller Center owner Tishman-Speyer, which the Daily News said is threatening to hike the annual rent to $8.7 million from $4 million.
The Rainbow Grill, which offers excellent southern views of Manhattan, is far from cheap and the bill has been known to arrive with a line not just for the tip, but an extra line for an additional tip for the maître d’, even if he was nowhere to be seen during your visit.
(When NewYorkology last stopped by in 2006, a bellini was $17. See a picture of the menu after the jump.)
The Rainbow Room, which features a rotating dance floor and live big-band, lists upcoming dinner and dancing dates for tonight, January 16 and 30. Those nights are priced at $200 for adults and $100 for children. men must wear suits or tuxedos while cocktail dress or evening gowns are a must for the ladies, according to the restuarant’s website.
Even the “grand buffet” on Sundays requires a jacket for men and is priced at $80 for adults and $40 for children.
Cipriani’s New York operations are extensive, including several other restaurants and the Cipriani Club Residence on Wall Street. They’ve had a number of legal problems, resulting in the near-loss of their liquor license and a settlement in which they agreed to pay $10 million in back taxes.
The Rainbow Grill’s cocktail menu in 2006:
All pictures: Amy Langfield/NewYorkology
January 3, 2009 9:42 AM in Drinkology, Foodology, History, Midtown, Romance, Sightsology
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