Adding new depth and lustre to Manhattan’s exceptional dining scene, the opening of Aman New York sees the launch of signature Aman restaurants Arva and Nama – the first of their kind in North America. The cornerstones of a culinary concept introducing Aman’s exceptional source-origin, sensorially transporting cuisine to New York, these two restaurants are the finishing touches to the iconic Crown Building’s exceptional transformation.
Rising from the corner of 57th Street and Fifth Avenue since 1921, the Crown Building with its eponymous golden finial, is the latest in a long line of epochal design collaborations between the Aman brand and Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects.
Years of sensitive restoration and groundbreaking innovation have culminated in Aman New York’s 83 hotel suites, 22 branded residences, and 25,000-square-foot (2,300-square-metre) Aman Spa bringing the peace promised by Aman’s Sanskrit-derived name to the heart of Manhattan. Yet like Aman Tokyo, the first of Aman’s metropolitan destinations, Aman New York is a quintessentially urban sanctuary – simultaneously an escape and a gathering place.
This apparent paradox finds its fullest expression on the 14th floor of Aman New York, where the tranquility of Aman’s rarefied atmosphere is compellingly charged with the city’s cosmopolitan energy. Set between the breathtaking, double- height atrium and wraparound terraces, the result is a collection of uniquely enthralling, convivial spaces designed to offer unprecedented dining and soul igniting social connection.
Aman New York is a quintessentially urban sanctuary – simultaneously an escape and a gathering place.
Incorporating a boldly minimalist reception area, the 14th floor’s vast, pillared atrium exudes an alluring intimacy despite its palatial proportions, with working fireplaces – a feature throughout Aman New York – framing the Bar Lounge.
Offering a sophisticated menu of New York-inspired light meals, premium drinks and original cocktails with a Japanese twist, the Bar Lounge opens onto the Garden Terrace, a masterpiece of design engineering with its retractable glass roof allowing year-round alfresco dining with immersive city views.
Extending the Crown Building’s 57th Street and Fifth Avenue facades, the 7,000-square-foot (650-square-metre) Garden Terrace is also shared by the members-only Aman Club and most expansively, by Arva, through the ingenious delineation of spaces by striking, fire-centered, water features and lush landscaping. Nama claims its own immersive city views from a separate terrace overlooking 56th Street.
Aman New York’s exceptional food and beverage team is helmed by Executive Chef Freddy Vargas, a legendary name in gastronomic circles since his Zagat-lauded days with Scott Conant at Scarpetta, and most recently the Executive Chef of Natirar Resort, New Jersey. The team also includes Sumeet Jhingan, Director of Food & Beverage Operations who has over 20 years’ experience in international hospitality. Executive Pastry Chef, Jasmina Bojic, will work hand in hand with Chefs de Cuisine Dario Ossola of Arva, and Takuma Yonemaru of Nama, in creating Aman New York’s signature desserts and patisserie.
