York’s newest rooftop bar and restaurant, SORA, is a stunning synthesis of retro cool from the 1950s with sleek modernism. As I dined there with the dashing actor Mathew Bose one summer evening, I couldn’t help but imagine myself drinking rosé at Le Club 55 in Saint Tropez or lounging on a chic striped white and grey cushioned sofa above New York’s Soho House.
However, this historic metropolis is vastly different from New York City. I’ve been to both, and let me tell you, the one at the top of Soho House pales in comparison to the one at the SORA bar atop the brand new Malmaison Hotel on Rougier Street.
Restaurant Review: Sora at the Malmaison in New York
“Spectacular vista”
The visionary at Malmaison who thought to include a rooftop bar in the makeover of the property from drab former Avida insurance office to fancy hotel and bar should be promoted immediately.
After reading that SORA’s Asian fusion tapas and beverage menu will “elevate the senses,” my friend Mathew and I set out to browse the offerings with much anticipation. Gabriel, who must be one of the loveliest servers of all time due to his attentive, conscientious demeanor, takes over after the dashing manager Johno painstakingly describes each dish.
Review of the Sushi at Sora at the Malmaison in New York
“heavenly proportions,”
Beef fillet tataki (£8.50) marinated in pickled mooli, garlic, sesame, and ponzu was the first dish we tucked into. The combination of sharp flavors really did ‘elevate the senses. The miso glaze on the Black Cod (£13) and the beautiful aubergine (£5), both well cooked and accompanied by miso caramel and whipped tofu, were the next courses.
Mathew, a sushi and sashimi expert, ordered a delicious variety of dishes, including a California Roll (£8) consisting of avocado, cucumber, and spring onion, and a Dragon Roll (£10) consisting of tempura tiger prawn, salmon, avocado, and spicy mayo.
Upon Gabriel’s recommendation, we decided to try KFC (£6), which turned out to be not the greasy fast food chain but rather Korean fried cauliflower. Normally I eat this cruciferous vegetable boiled and covered in cheese, but the cauliflower at KFC was the most flavorful and satisfying I’ve ever had. We ordered the Tempura Tiger Prawns (£7.50) and found them to be delicious with the sweet chili sauce. We also ordered the Hand Cut Fries with rosemary and chilli (£4) and the Flamed Edamame Beans (£4) to round out the meal.
Review of the Restaurant Mousse by Sora York’s Malmaison
“Stylish”
Weekend revelers can enjoy cocktails while watching the sun set to the sounds of live jazz or disco at the spectacular SORA sky bar. The hotel offers a large indoor restaurant and bar on the seventh floor, as well as Chez Mal Brasserie and Bar conveniently located next to the front desk.
It took two millennia after the Ninth Legion established York for a chic rooftop bar to be built. But if the delicious food and cocktails, amazing service, incredibly skilled chefs, and breathtaking scenery at SORA were any indication, the wait was well worth it. Just KFC to-go orders would make my day.
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