Manhattan eatery Fine & Rare is everything you’d expect — its decor, cocktails, and plates are both exceptionally fine and shockingly rare — but soon, the hotspot will quietly venture in new frontiers of luxury. Starting next week, in-the-know diners will be able to order the “secret” menu, a selection of three cocktails, two main courses, and one dessert, which altogether amount to a whopping price tag of $463.
It’s the brainchild of executive chef David Arias and seasoned restauranteur Tommy Tardie, who has an eye for the best when it comes to reclaiming rare antiques for his spaces — which at Fine & Rare includes an original teller window from Grand Central Terminal and a hulking metallic light fixture sourced from a defunct 1920s Free Masons clubhouse — but also when building a menu of tasty dishes and a library of world-class spirits. However, he’s the first to admit that the new secret menu, presented in a carved wooden box of his own design and handcrafting, isn’t for the shallow-pocketed. “The inspiration behind these dishes and cocktails is to not only have the experience be delicious but to be theatrical,” Tardie told us during a recent visit to Fine & Rare. “All of these items make for an amazing photo and will be something you will be excited to share with your friends. A theatrical experience is something that is very important to us at Fine & Rare.”
It’s all anchored by one dish — The Land & Sea — which will set you back a cool $250. The upgraded iteration of the crowd favorite boasts a duo of wagyu beef in black truffle sauce and poached Maine lobster in a white beurre Blanc, all served alongside gold covered pomme soufflé, creme fraiche, and Petrossian caviar. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a cocktail.
There’s the $70 vodka-based “From Russia With Love,” the $80 rum-based “White Star Line,” and, to rule them all, “Light as a Feather.” The $110 libation is comprised of (ready for it?) Glenfiddich 21 Year Old, chicken soup Stock, egg drop, celery salt, and torched lemon served next to a flight of Glenfiddich Scotch and a trio of sweet, savory, and spiced pickled quail egg.
It’s all inspired by a nostalgic Scottish dish called “Cock-a-Leekie soup.” Of course, if you’re still feeling thirsty, a bottle of 1940 Four Roses Rye remains available for $131.
For those not in the mood to splurge on this unforgettable meal, there’s plenty to be had on the menu that falls into a much more affordable price range. Thanks to reliable staples like lobster rolls and short rib burgers, alongside a nightly cabaret performance, Fine & Rare has quickly become a standout watering hole that attracts a host of patrons who live and work in the neighborhood. In fact, Tardie noticed that so many regular faces were visiting that he introduced a fleet of private bottle keep lockers, which guests can reserve and customize to house their go-to spirits. Just present your key upon arrival, and your favorite cocktails — whether rare or available en masse — will be ready in a flash.
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