Earth, Wind, Fire and Air – Tasting the Elements at Altair NYC

Alyssa Holder is a contributing food and travel writer

Altair NYC invites guests on a celestial culinary journey, offering modern fare inspired by the elements of earth, fire, water, and air.

Located inside the modern Arlo Hotel in the bustling area of midtown Manhattan that isn’t short of restaurants, Altair features a setting and menu that makes it unique and well worth a visit.

Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll suddenly have a sense of exploration and adventure. It is the perfect destination for “Intrepid Spirits” who are ready to embark on an exciting culinary journey. Envisioned by Gary Wallach and Carsten Johannsen, partners at Renwick Hospitality Group, the space feels tranquil and becomes a peaceful escape from the bustling city outside when entering. The design elements were inspired by nature, with much greenery adding to the sense of calm. The restaurant’s Atrium offers another unique experience: live greenery, soft lighting, and an expansive skylight that allows guests to dine under the stars. In calming shades of sage green, cognac, and off-white, furniture centers your eyes while lush greenery tastefully accents the room. At night, the Atrium is reminiscent of being outdoors under the stars, a scene that’s hard to come by in a city flooded with city lights.

Drinks

Like the food, Altair’s cocktails also highlight the elements, such as the Altair Five Spice Bacardi Spiced Rum with pineapple jam, peanut, and lime. This drink is described by the fantastic waiter Aerin; “imagine if you’re snuggling by the fireplace drinking a hot cider, but better, this is the ideal beverage for you.” Another good cocktail choice is the Prickly Pear. It’s on the crisper side but equally delicious and beautifully presented. Each drink costs $20, and it is recommended to pair them with the eats with the same element. For people staying or not at the Arlo Hotel, it’s an excellent spot for a nightcap. A complete wine and beer list is also available.

Eats

Executive Chef David Taylor is at the forefront of Altair’s kitchen. He is a seasoned culinary professional with almost two decades of impressive consulting and cooking experience. Beginning as the Executive Sous-Chef at the W Hotel in San Francisco in 2005, Chef David has led restaurant and hotel kitchens in San Francisco, New Orleans, New York, Prague, and Tokyo. Now, he brings his expertise to Altair, where his vision is to marry the concrete and abstract, with drinks and fare categorized by each inspired element.

The menu starts with a fare highlight in the earth section. It features dishes made with seasonal vegetables and locally sourced ingredients, such as the Artichoke Heart Tempura, served with a creamy base of béarnaise and Aleppo oil ($22). Another choice is a winter delight: Chestnut Agnolotti in amaro brown butter and mimolette ($28). This dish exudes pure decadence with its generous slathering of brown butter sauce.

Another delightful option is the Kabocha Dinner Roll ($14) served with cultured seven-spiced butter and honeycomb. When dining, you’ll notice it’s a popular dish among diners and worth ordering. After the first bite, you will understand the hype as the pillowy roll melts in your mouth.

ArtichokeHeartTempura-(c) Nicholas Lee Ruiz

Following is a fair highlight of the element of air. This section includes lighter fare, such as the Foie Gras Bacon Mousse ($28). Whereas eats emphasizing fire offer hearty and bold dishes, such as the Lamb Shoulder ($32) served with heirloom polenta, petite root vegetables, and gremolata. This is another must-order. Hearty chunks of lamb top a flavorful and beautiful pile of creamy polenta.

Finally, the water section features seafood favorites, such as the Pan-Seared Scallops ($34), served with celery root purée and harissa beurre blanc.

The perfect portion sizes and the simplicity of each dish will make it easy to leave room for the other culinary showpiece, the dessert—which indulges in a few options. The best move here is to get the crowd favorite, the Salted Honey Tart ($14) You won’t regret ending a memorable night with a rich, buttery pastry with a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.