Inside the Gilded Age: Where to Sip Like a Socialite in New York City
New York’s Gilded Age was a time of unbridled opulence, where high society waltzed through extravagant ballrooms, toasted with the finest champagne, and gathered in salons dripping with gold. While the era of Astors and Vanderbilts may be long gone, its spirit lingers in the city’s most refined spaces, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone age. The Gold Room at Lotte New York Palace is one such place, seamlessly blending historic elegance with modern luxury. Nestled within the Villard Mansion, this breathtaking cocktail lounge transports guests to the late 19th century with its original gilded ceilings, Renaissance-style architecture, and the kind of ambiance that makes every sip feel like a toast to old New York.
At the heart of its allure is a cocktail menu inspired by the icons of the era, including the Mrs. Astor Cocktail, a tribute to socialite Caroline Astor, known for shaping high society’s most exclusive guest lists. The Art of the Martini menu pays homage to the timeless sophistication of the drink, offering variations crafted with everything from classic gin and vodka to tequila and soju, a nod to Lotte’s Korean heritage. Pair these with indulgent small plates like black truffle frites or lobster mac and cheese, and suddenly, the past doesn’t seem so distant.
For those looking to step further into the world of the Gilded Age, the city offers plenty of opportunities to embrace its grandeur. The Morgan Library & Museum, once the private retreat of financier J.P. Morgan, remains one of the most exquisite interiors in New York, while the opulent halls of The Met’s period rooms transport visitors to the drawing rooms of the elite. But if you’re looking for an evening of true indulgence, where history meets contemporary sophistication, an evening at The Gold Room might just be the closest thing to stepping into the pages of The Age of Innocence.
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