The fine art of entertaining: mix business with pleasure by sampling a few gems in New York's culinary cornucopia

Art Business News, Jan, 2003 by Nancy Davidson

Layla
211 West Broadway at Franklin Street
(212) 431-0700
Appetizers $6-$11; Entrees $16-$22; 4-course
family-style $45/person
Major credit cards accepted

Belly dancers are just one of the treats at this loft-like Middle Eastern restaurant. Sit at a large round table and share hot and cold mezzes such as hummus and baba ghanouj or steamed mussels with preserved lemon or a new selection of Mediterranean-style marinated raw fish.

El Teddy's
219 West Broadway
between Franklin & White Streets
(212) 941-7071
Appetizers $7-$10; Entrees $16-$20
Major credit cards accepted

For a boisterous, celebratory atmosphere, satisfying Mexican fare, excellent frozen margaritas and moderate prices, take your party to the only Tribeca restaurant topped by a facsimile of the Statue of Liberty's crown for lunch, dinner or late night tapas.

LOUNGES

Plush lounges and hotel bars are de rigueur in NYC for evening entertaining. But during off-peak hours (daytime) you can make these places your living room/conference room away from home. They're equally great for meetings or finishing up a presentation, but be careful you don't spill that fabulous cocktail on your laptop.

Bubble Lounge
228 West Broadway,
between N. Moore and Franklin Streets
(212) 431-3433

Sample one of more than 300 champagnes or enjoy special champagne cocktails and martinis while snacking on caviar or other hors d'oeuvres in an elegant, plush setting.

Campbell Apartment
15 Vanderbilt Avenue
(212) 953-0409

Tucked away inside busy Grand Central Station, this former private apartment is like the pearl inside an oyster. Though the renovated station is brimming with exciting new restaurants, this gorgeous, 1930s-era retro cocktail lounge is on another plane entirely. Get there early with your group for the good seats, and you'll travel further back in time than any train can take you.

Club Bar at the Sheraton Russell Hotel
45 Park Avenue at 37th Street
(212) 685-7676

One of New York City's best-kept secrets, this clubby, conservative venue is a quiet place to enjoy a perfect martini on overstuffed leather sofas and armchairs. The early bird catches complimentary appetizers from 5 to 7 p.m.

Copacabana
560 West 34th Street at 11th Avenue
(212) 239-2672; open only Tuesdays 6pm-3am;
Fri-Sat 10pm-5am
Cover charge $5-20; Cocktails $7-10

Located directly across the street from the Javits Center, this two-level nightclub is the place to go if you feel like dancing. But make sure you dress the part, because jeans or sneakers are not allowed.

Hudson Bar
In the Hudson Hotel
356 West 58th Street
between 8th and 9th Avenues
(212) 554 6000

Trendy and stylish, and that doesn't just describe the clientele. Designed by Philippe Starke, the lounge features translucent gel-cushioned Louis XV chairs and a ceiling mural by Francesco Clemente. Signature cocktails star ingredients such as lychee, lemongrass and edible flowers.

Grand Lounge in the Soho Grand Hotel
310 West Broadway
between Grand and Canal Streets
(212) 965-2040

A hip scene with a comfortable lounge, expensive cocktails and snacks that you'll want to eat even if you aren't ordering room service. Just off the beaten track, this soothing oasis will give you a taste of the life enjoyed by the many film industry folk who call the Soho Grand their temporary home. One special cocktail is a Tanqueray Ten with blue cheese-stuffed olives.