NYC: A Night Out at Public – Popular and the Roof

Last time I met with Ana, she suggested that we went to Public for cocktails and dinner. Public is one of the new, fancy hotels that seem to be popping up everywhere in Lower East Side, where Ana and I used to share an apartment. All those sleek, high-rise buildings have definitely changed the vibe of the neighborhood and I’m still a bit undecided regarding whether I think that kind of gentrification is a good thing or something to mourn. Though for a Saturday night, Public is great. You can go there for dinner and then make a smooth transition to drinks without any Uber-ing involved, as you have everything at the same spot. I’ve really come to like that kind of places, especially now when I’m older and I’ve realized that life is too short to be stuck in traffic or waiting in line.

Taking the escalators felt like entering a tunnel of magic red light, and I was so intrigued I considered going back for a second ride and a selfie, but I’m not sure Ana would have approved, so instead we went straight to Popular, which is the Peruvian restaurant at Public.

We ordered a couple of dishes to share including a very nice ceviche and some really nice grilled oysters. I don’t know about you, but I’m not always a fan of grilled oysters. It’s as if the heat brings out all the fishy notes in the oyster flavor, which can be a little too much sometimes for someone like me, who would usually be drenching her raw oysters in mignonette sauce and tabasco:)

After dinner, we went for (more) drinks at the Roof, which is Public’s stunning rooftop bar. The skyline views were breathtaking, and the ambiance was lively and energetic. We stayed a lot longer than we had planned, and had a really great time. As we made our way back down, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. I’ve really missed those NYC nights out and I promised Ana and myself that it should be too long until next time.

Public Hotel, 215 Chrystie St, New York