New York's Monarch Rooftop Lounge Debuts New Summer Menus And Saturday Brunch

Monarch Rooftop Lounge has debuted a new, refreshing summer cocktail menu, along with an accompanying selection of bar bites. In addition, it will begin a Saturday brunch service which will be featuring executive chef Daniel Billheimer's classic egg dishes like a seasonally changing chef's quiche; bacon-wrapped egg and Cheddar muffin; and huevos rancheros with queso fresco and smoky tomatoes. Sweet morning treats include the berry-stuffed French toast and fruit skewers with a honey-Greek yogurt drizzle and granola. Heartier brunch plates include crab cakes with a roasted red pepper remoulade and parmesan-dill hashbrowns.

For those looking to enjoy rooftop views of New York (which includes a straight shot of the Empire State Building), while basking in the sunshine, mixologist Genese DeBeaux has created a fruity, summer-inspired selection of cocktails. I had the fabulous opportunity to attend Monarch's launch and experience first hand the trendy, yet welcoming atmosphere, and of course, taste all the cocktails (and some bites!).

My favorites included the Lychee Peachee with vodka, lychee, peach Schnapps, topped with prosecco; the Watermelon Cooler with vodka, apple infusion, watermelon, and coconut water; and Kool as a Cucumber, a fresh gin, St. Germaine mix with muddled kale and cucumber, and fresh lime. The menu is extensive and offers other classic cocktails with refreshing twists such as the Monarch margarita with muddled cucumber and rosemary and the Mexican Sunset, a slightly spicy drink with pineapple and muddled jalapeño and cilantro.

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Monarch is also introducing its new seasonal dishes for summer, including truffle drizzled pommes frites; beef sliders with aged Cheddar and "secret sauce;" and Not Your Grandma's Meatballs, which is a savory combination of veal, pork, beef broiled, and served with San Marzano marinara. Seafood options include lobster rolls on mini brioche and ahi poke with fresh Pacific yellowfin ahi tuna and toasted Macadamia nuts. Also offered is a nice selection of flatbreads.

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