The Regency Bar & Grill at the Loews Regency New York Hotel on Manhattan’s famed Upper East Side is known as home to the iconic “Power Breakfast.” However, that breakfast is only one of the concepts for which the Regency Bar & Grill is popular for. For starters, there was the recent Regency Dining Series, as part of the legendary hotel’s Flavor New York program.
Burgers & Bordeaux is another noteworthy staple of the Regency Bar & Grill’s menu. As offered on Tuesdays, guests can enjoy The Regency’s signature burger — as made with a fine mix of beef and pork and served classic RBG fries and homemade pickles — as paired with a glass of Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Légende Médoc 2015 Bordeaux, priced at just $39. Executive Chef Catherine Medrano spoke to me on behalf of A Global Lifestyle about Burgers & Boredeaux and more.
Where did the “Burgers and Bordeaux” concept come from?
Catherine Medrano: Guests are always interested on what food pairs well with what wines. We helped eliminate the element of uncertainty and paired two items together. The Regency Bar & Grill Burger is one of our signature items at The Regency Bar & Grill so we definitely wanted to showcase that.
Was “Burgers and Bordeaux” the name all along? A working title that just stuck?
Catherine Medrano: We knew we always wanted to feature our burger. While beer is the obvious choice, we wanted to pair our burger with a drink more representative of what our guests want and typically order and we thought a glass of Bordeaux does just that.
“Burgers and Bordeaux” aside, what is coming up for the Loews Regency?
Catherine Medrano: We have a lot of exciting culinary news to share… We recently debuted some spring and summer items on our lunch and dinner menus. Also, for the summer, we’ve partnered with the Montauk Yacht Club for a uniquely New York summer experience where guests can book two nights here at the Loews Regency New York Hotel, round-trip Jitney transfers and two nights at the Montauk Yacht Club.
What is your favorite item on the menu there?
Catherine Medrano: I am just not a “favorites” kind of girl. As a chef, I really enjoy eating…About the only thing I wouldn’t order here, or anywhere, is a serving of olive, but I do like martinis. So even an olive does have its place on my menu.
What is the most enjoyable part of your work?
Catherine Medrano: When guests come back a second, third and fourth time for the menu item they love.
When not busy with the Loews Regency, how do you like to spend your free time?
Catherine Medrano: My husband and I are avid gardeners. We have about 25 varieties of flowers, cherry, fig, apricot, and peach trees, and an all-full vegetable garden.
Any idea what your next vacation destination will be?
Catherine Medrano: I hope to the National Parks in Moab, Utah — Arches and Canyonlands!
Finally, Catherine, any last words for the kids?
Catherine Medrano: Taste before you decide you don’t like it.
