Best remembered as the creator of the classic Madeline books for children, Ludwig Bemelmans once joked he'd like his tombstone to read: "Tell Them It Was Wonderful." Well, wonderful it was, and still is, at Bemelmans Bar. Named in honor of the legendary artist, Bemelmans is a timeless New York watering hole that has drawn socialites, politicians, movie stars and moguls for more than five decades.
Restored in 2002 by designer Thierry Despont, the bar maintains its Art Deco legacy with chocolate-brown leather banquettes, nickel-trimmed black glass tabletops, a dramatic black granite bar and a 24-karat gold leaf-covered ceiling. Featuring the only surviving Bemelmans' commission open to the public, the 75-seat bar combines wit and coziness in unique New York style. |
History
The Carlyle was the city's premier luxury residential hotel and served as second home to socialites, politicians and movie stars when Ludwig Bemelmans was commissioned to paint large-scale murals in the hotel bar. The creator of the enormously popular Madeline children's book series as well as a successful artist working for The New Yorker, Vogue and Town and Country, Bemelmans transformed the bar with clever, whimsical scenes of Central Park (including picnicking rabbits). Instead of being paid for the art, Bemelmans exchanged his work for a year and a half of accommodations at The Carlyle for himself and his family.
Sample Menu
Bemelmans' classic bar menu includes some drinks rarely found in today's bars. In fact, some of the cocktails at Bemelmans date from the 1860s through Prohibition.
Valencia: Fino sherry, orange oil and gin garnished with a flaming orange peel
Old Cuban: A mojito made with aged rum and bitters, topped with champagne
Gin-Gin Mule: Gin, homemade ginger beer, fresh mint and lime juice
Champino: Campari, sweet vermouth, champagne and lemon
Bemelmans Barter: Cognac, Caraçao, pineapple, Angostura Bitters and nutmeg
Sophisticated bar fare includes Homemade Foie Gras Terrine, Mini Marinated Lamb Chops and the ground-to-order 9-ounce Carlyle Black Angus Burger. The bar also serves the original savory Cheese Madeline, whimsical cheese gourgères in the shape of tiny Madeline.
|
