From the top of the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains, I bring you the first photos of 42, Anthony Goncalves’ new fine dining restaurant:
My apologies for the photos  they’re not fabulous. But even though I haven’t dined at 42 yet, I wanted to give you a tiny glimpse of the bar, and the delicious (and expensive  $17) cocktail I drank there. Above is the Violette, which is sort of like an Aviation, but made with lime juice instead of lemon. One ingredient is a beautiful floral liqueur called creme de violette, which only recently became available again in the US. (Even last December I had to have friends smuggle me back a bottle from London.)
The drink tasted like a flower, and it a good way. I adored it.
And why not? Even if it was horrible, here was my view.
Homemade chips:
My other view:
The chandeliers made with Swarovski crystals:
Other people chatting:
Unfortunately that’s as far as I got with the camera. I promise a full post soon. And don’t forget, if you want to head over there, you need a reservation  even for the bar: 914-761-4242. www.42therestaurant.com.
7 Comments
What did you think of the space. Did you find it cozy or a bit cold…I had mixed feelings when I was at the bar….
First of all, I’m a big fan of Anthony Goncalves and am really looking forward to trying his food. I hope 42 succeeds because he works hard and he’s passionate about what he does.
With that said, and without actually seeing the space, I’m initially turned off about needing reservations to sit at the bar, as well as guys needing a jacket to eat there. Take some of the most amazing restaurants in New York City, the ones that cater to celebrities and the rich, and there is no dress code. They don’t enforce dress codes because no matter wealthy or not, people have their own idea of what style is, and what comfort is.
Even if a restaurant is elegant, it should be comfortable and a pleasing experience. Some people find eating in a jacket very uncomfortable.
The whole vibe of 42 to me says elegant, but also modern, like Goncalves’ food. He doesn’t need the dress code. That just makes the place seem stuffy and pretentious. People would probably dress up anyway, as eating his incredible food is definitely an occasion.
As we continue to welcome all this incredible talent to White Plains, and are presented with these amazing opportunities for new dining experiences, I would hate to see White Plains develop a hoighty-toighty attitude. Patrons who are willing to pay the rising cost associated with eating out should be welcomed with open arms, not sized up.
Kathy, I wouldn’t call it cozy… it’s too glitzy for that. I think the point of the decor is to encourage you to look out.
And to answer both yours and Sharon’s questions: I have mixed feelings about the dress code and the reservations policy, both of which I think contribute to the feel of the space and the scene.
I agree with Sharon that reservations for the bar and the jackets-required give me an bit of a cold prickly. And all reports I’ve heard so far (granted… I haven’t been to dine) have said the crowd is far from hipster.
But I understand why Anthony is enforcing these. He’s got a casual restaurant downstairs in Peniche where jeans and no reservations are encouraged. So anyone who wants to enjoy his food can do so, for $6.50 a plate.
If he allowed any ol’-walk-in to take the elevator up to 42 for a drink and walk-around, he’d have an observatory, not a restaurant. In 42, he is catering to a special-occasion crowd. It’s not where I would go every night, even if I had the money to do so.
That said, I sort of hope that after the newness of the place wears off, that the reservations-only policy would loosen up, at least for the bar.
In re-reading that, I just want to reiterate that I am really looking forward to trying 42. I think Anthony is a great chef and smart restaurateur and an all-around good guy, and I’m excited about eating there.
It’s just that I do understand the trepidation about the dress code and the reservations.
Liz:
I understand they are going after a certain clientle. I myself have not eaten at 42 yet but have friends who have. All have said it is expensive and would be a “special occassion place.
I do hope they change the reservations only at the bar. They can still control who gets into the restaurant. They are not going to let people who are dressed sloppy or look like they would be more comfortable at The Brazen Fox. At $17 for a cocktail or a glass of wine, they are going get the clientle they are looking for. If they make it too hard for everyone to get in, no one will go.
I too, am a big fam on Anthony and his father. I was a fixture at Trotters. I loved the food and the atmosphere and he deserves every success.
Like any new venture, there is a trial period. I hope to eat dinner there soon myself so I can see first hand what it’s like. So far, I’ve just had cocktails at the bar.
K
Actually, you do NOT need a reservation for the bar. Dinner reservations are still recommended. However, the friendly staff there will do their best to accomodate walk-ins and make guests feel welcome. They even have a private smoking veranda with stunning views of Bear Mountain and the Hudson Valley. As far as the dress code goes, they ask that gentlemen wear jackets when joining the dining room, otherwise the dress code is Cosmopolitan Chic. As long as you dont wear a baseball cap and torn jeans you’ll do just fine. For those that don’t want to join the dining room, there is a small plate lounge with something for everyone including cocktail service. Join them for cake and coffee too, as there is a cozy little area the Host showed to me just for this. Very friendly, confident-never pretentious and very outgoing staff at 42. Great for the most discerning tastes to those that need direction. VERY SATISFIED! 10 out of 10! The Plata Negra is to die for!
Klyde,
You are right. He has since changed the policy. And recently he relaunched the small plates lounge of the restaurant, so you can go up there for sips and snacks.