Outstanding New York Neighborhood Restaurant in the NY Helmsley Hotel – Not to be Missed

July 9, 2010 by Linda

"This is our home – our hotel, we take care of it," is the Helmsley mantra and true in every sense of the word.

"Wicked" is not a restaurant reviewer, but occasionally we discover a restaurant so remarkable, we would be remiss not to share it with our readers. Leona's at the Helmsley Hotel is such a discovery. During our recent stay at the New York Helmsley, we were invited to dine in their newly renovated restaurant and bar – Leona's. Say what you want about Leona Helmsley, she understood outstanding service. I have stayed at the New York Helmsley numerous times and every time the service has been consistently outstanding. This trip was no exception from check in to check out the service was impeccable. Leona's restaurant was outstanding – a not to be missed experience and well worth writing about.

An Intimate Dinning Experience One year ago, there was a decision to renovate the hotel restaurant and the famous Harry's bar. Executive Chef Brian Wieler, was brought in to oversee the renovations and revitalize the culinary program . The décor, which was designed by J. Brice of Boston, is very dramatic, art deco and modern. Once inside, you lose all sense of being in a hotel. The lighting, the furniture and the comfortable chairs give you the 5 star feeling without the 5 star price and attitude.

Before our meal, we sat down with Brian for an in-depth interview. I kept feeling I had met Brian before, but just shrugged it off. We posed the usual questions asking about Brian's background and then everything clicked. Brian was the head chef at the Tarrytown House Estates where my daughter was married two years ago. The wedding was amazing and people still talk about the wonderful food. I finally had the chance to personally thank him for an extraordinary day and was dying to sample his cuisine again. You could hear his appreciation of food in his description of dishes and how thoughtfully he fused the flavors. Combination's which ordinarily seemed conflicting created an extraordinary sensation. (i.e. the appetizer of Diver Sea Scallop atop a sweet potato puree with a drizzle of white chocolate sauce on top – sensational!)

So what makes Leona’s so special? First, the atmosphere, then the food, but even more importantly Brian is trying to make Leona's a neighborhood restaurant by keeping prices exceptionally affordable. We all know New York has no shortage of restaurants, so how can a hotel restaurant become a neighborhood favorite. Here are some answers:

• The restaurant is an intimate and memorable dining experience
• Service is perfection – you are treated as an honored guest in their restaurant. “Welcome, we'll take good care of you tonight”.
• Numerous events are planned throughout the year such as wine and beer pairings with special menus to compliment the selections
• An offering of unique dishes that blend and fuse flavors from America, Mediterranean and Asian influences. Dishes are slightly rustic and use a bounty of local fresh ingredients.
• Perhaps the best Crab Cake in America – don't even THINK of challenging them Baltimore!

Before we left I asked Brain what his mom thought about his food, and his answer made me smile, “Well, she tells me I can cook, and she likes my cooking”. That was enough for me, mothers do know best.

Susan and I were anticipating our dining experience, and it topped all our expectations. Since I had stayed at the Helmsley many times, an old friend Nagi, who remembered me as well, greeted us. After asking our preferences, Nagi helped choose our meal which was perfect in every way. Beginning with the Scallops and Crab Cake appetizer, we knew immediately we were in for an extraordinary dining experience. Speechless was what we were! Each bite delivered flavors new to both of us. The white chocolate drizzle on the scallops and the sweet potatoes delivered a combination of tantalizing sweet and salty. Our main courses were equally spectacular, Susan had Lamb in a rosemary jus, and I had a Sea Bass with blended citrus and herbs – each bite exploded with flavor.

Lon, the evening Chef, checked in on us and explained the cheese selection he was sending out. We also took the opportunity to ask about the fabulous Crab Cake. His secret? “No filler” – all crab in a crunchy crumb crust. It was clear how passionate both he and Brian are about making Leona's a very special place by providing consistency and excellence in both food and service. The menu changes with the seasons, and their special events will keep diners returning.

Since I do not eat meat, restaurants rarely get me excited, but Leona's is truly different. If Leona's were in Boston, I would eat there regularly, but since it is not I will have to find reasons to return to New York more often. We know restaurant choices are endless in New York, but between the menu and the spectacular service, Leona’s should not be missed whether you are staying at the Helmsley Hotel or not. In addition, for all you New Yorkers, check out the menu and events, http://www.newyorkhelmsley.com/restaurant-new-york-hotels.asp. Who knows maybe we will meet at Leonass Oktoberfest Event. And please say hello to Nagi for me.

Media contact: Jessica Bellucci 212-210-2626 jbellucci@tribune.com

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND
THE NEW YORK CITY MAGICAL WEDDING
PRESENTED BY SCOTTO BROTHERS
ON PIX 11

21-week series on pix helps ENGAGED COUPLES plan their special day
Share your love story for a chance to win a $100,000 dream wedding!

New York, NY - June 28, 2010-"There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved." – George Sand

You are cordially invited to share the love at "The New York City Magical Wedding Presented by Scotto Brothers on PIX," a 21-week series on PIX Morning News offering wedding tips and trends, culminating in contest winners receiving a magical wedding which will be televised live on PIX Morning News.

Join PIX Morning News anchor Tamsen Fadal every Wednesday in the 8 am hour for Wedding Wednesdays, a 21-week series offering wedding planning tips, trends and advice for brides and grooms. The journey down the aisle begins on July 1st when "The New York City Magical Wedding Presented by Scotto Brothers on PIX" invites engaged couples from the Tri-State area to share their love stories via www.wpix.com  or www.nycmagicalwedding.com with one lucky couple winning the wedding of their dreams.

"The New York City Magical Wedding Presented by Scotto Brothers on PIX" $100,000 giveaway will take place on November 24th with a wedding at the Chateau Briand. The winning couple will also receive planning services, rings, wedding gown & accessories, tuxedos, flowers, photography, music, invitations and favors, cake, hair & makeup, financial planning services, a wedding registry, and an all-inclusive honeymoon including airfare! (Prize details listed below)

On Wedding Wednesday, July 7th the festivities begin with the launch party for "The New York City Magical Wedding" at the iconic New York Helmsley Hotel, located in Midtown Manhattan on East 42nd Street.  "The New York City Magical Wedding" launch party will be held from 7am-9am in the hotel's Knickerbocker Suite, where Tamsen Fadal and PIX Morning News will be live on-air all morning. The launch party will also feature celebrity wedding planner and entertainment expert David Tutera, host of WE tv's "My Fair Wedding," who will be on hand to help launch "The New York City Magical Wedding" contest and share his wedding wisdom.  Brides-to-be who would like to attend the breakfast must RSVP at www.wpix.com (a maximum of 300 can RSVP)  

"The New York City Magical Wedding Presented by Scotto Brothers on PIX" TIMELINE
July 1- August 11 – Contest entry period. Engaged couples share their love story via www.wpix.com or www.nycmagicalwedding.com for a chance to win a $100,000 wedding!
July 7  - (7am-9am) Launch party for "The New York City Magical Wedding" at the New York Helmsley Hotel, located in Midtown Manhattan on 42nd Street (RSVP at www.wpix.com)
August 18 – Three finalists are revealed and will be interviewed on PIX Morning News.
August 18- September 2 – Viewers vote (at www.wpix.com) for their favorite couple.
September 8 – Winning couple is announced live on PIX Morning News. Follow the bride and groom as PIX viewers decide the details for their big day!
September 15 – November 17 – Viewers vote (at www.wpix.com) on wedding day details including the gown, tuxedo, the wedding day hairstyle & makeup, flowers, rings, cake and the honeymoon destination.
November 24th - WEDDING DAY - "The New York City Magical Wedding Presented by Scotto Brothers on PIX" will air live on the PIX Morning News.

"The New York City Magical Wedding Presented by Scotto Brothers on PIX" winning couple will receive the following:
VENUE: The Chateau Briand by Scotto Brothers

• The NYC Magical Wedding will be held at The Chateau Briand where the bride and groom will receive a ceremony, a cocktail hour and a four hour reception for 175 guests. 

WEDDING PLANNING: Perfect Wedding Planner (PWP) by Scotto Brothers

• For over 10 years, Perfect Wedding Planner (PWP) has been Long Island's premier event planning company.  PWP will provide full wedding planning services for the winning bride and groom.

FLOWERS: Perfect Wedding Planner Florals by Scotto Brothers

• Perfect Wedding Planner Florals will provide the flowers & décor for the wedding ceremony, cocktail hour and reception as well as the personal flowers for the bride & groom

PHOTOGRAPHER: Rick Helman Photography & Video

• Award winning photographer Rick Helman will provide photography services (starting with bridal preparation through wedding reception) plus a wedding photo & video package

ENTERTAINMENT: Bravura Entertainment

• Bravura Entertainment, a full service Disc Jockey and Live Music Entertainment Company, will provide a violin and piano combination for the ceremony, a 3 piece jazz ensemble to play during the cocktail hour and a disc jockey, master of ceremonies and lighting for the New York City Magical Wedding reception.  

FAVORS & INVITES: Party City

• A gift card to be used toward invitations, favors and accessories.

REGISTRY: JCPenney

• For more than 100 years, JCPenney has long been called upon for the ever important wedding registry.  JCPenney will provide the winning couple with a gift card to be used toward their wedding registry.

FINANCE: Stonegate Wealth Management, LLC

• Stonegate Wealth Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor will provide financial planning services for the winning couple

DRESS:  Pronovias New York City Flagship Store

• Pronovias, an international leader in bridal fashions, will provide a bridal gown, veil, shoes and custom alterations through their New York City flagship store.  

TUXEDO: Jakob Custom Clothiers

• Jakob Custom Clothiers will provide handmade custom tuxedos for the groom and three groomsmen

HAIR & MAKE-UP: Liz Russell AVEDA Lifestyle Salon

• Based in New York City, the Liz Russell AVEDA Lifestyle Salon will provide Hair & Make-Up services to be provided to the bride and groom, bridal party and  parents of the bride and groom

CAKE: Pastry Girl Cakes

• Pastry Girl Cakes, a custom wedding and celebration cake shop, will provide the wedding cake for the New York City Magical Wedding

JEWELRY: A. Jaffe Provided by Michael C. Fina

• Jaffe has been a leader in jewelry since 1892, and will provide 2 wedding bands for the winning couple

HONEYMOON: Almond Resorts

• For years, Almond Resorts have provided couples with the perfect wedding destinations at all inclusive resorts in St. Lucia and Barbados.  The New York City Magical Wedding honeymoon package will consist of 8 days/7 nights at one of the following Almond all-inclusive properties: Almond Beach Club and Spa (Barbados) Almond Casuarina (Barbados) or Almond Morgan Bay (St. Lucia)

AIRLINE: JetBlue Airways

• JetBlue will provide the winning couple with round trip flights and airport transfers for their honeymoon destination.

REHEARSAL DINNER/ PRE-WEDDING: Fox Hollow (by Scotto Brothers)

• Fox Hollow will host the rehearsal dinner for the Bride, Groom and family
• and The Inn at Fox Hollow will arrange for the Bride to receive the Royal Suite the night before the wedding, the bride and groom to receive the Royal Suite the night of the wedding and a 10 room block for bridal party for the night of the wedding

POST-WEDDING:
The Inn at Fox Hollow Post Wedding Dinning Accommodations

• Brunch for the Bride and Groom and 30 of their family and friends the morning after the wedding

Blackstone Steakhouse or Rare 650 Steakhouse Post Honeymoon Dinning Accommodations-

• Blackstone Steakhouse or Rare 650 Steakhouse will host the bride and groom and 15 friends for a post-honeymoon dinner

Join "The New York City Magical Wedding Presented by Scotto Brothers on PIX" beginning July 1 as we invite you to share your love story, help you to plan your big day and make one lucky couple's wedding dreams come true!

ABOUT PIX 11
Founded in 1948 and owned by Tribune Broadcasting, a division of the Tribune Company, WPIX-TV has long been regarded as a groundbreaking station in New York. In September 2006, WPIX becamethe flagship station of the CW Television Network, and its successful primetime programming, award winning news, extensive library of hit movies, first-run programs, off-network sitcom favorites, quality children's programming and public affairs shows, as well as outstanding event coverage, have contributed to the station's success. WPIX has earned nearly 180 Emmy Awards, including two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning News Program and multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Newscast.  The station has been honored with numerous other awards for excellence in reporting, news coverage, public affairs, specials and features. For more information, please visit wpix.com.

The iconic Leona Helmsley is no longer with us, and who knows what her dog is spending all that dough on, but her brand identity continues to grow with the launch of Leona's, a new restaurant at the New York Helmsley Hotel.

What you may once have known as Mindy's has been redesigned to celebrate the art deco neighborhood and renamed Leona's. The lighting is soft, the ceiling is vaulted, and the color palette includes lush browns, white onyx and blue tile.

The menu by Executive Chef Brian Wieler features modern classics like Crab Cakes, Caprese Salad, Sesame-Crusted Tuna and Veal Tenderloin Napolean with entrees priced at a reasonable $21 - $29. No need to tip; a 19 percent gratuity is added to all checks. We think Leona would have liked that.

The well-known Harry's Bar, also at the New York Helmsley, has also undergone a renovation. Basically, even if you've been before, it's time to go back.