Ravel Hotel's Penthouse 808 - Revisited [New York]

By: Anne M. Raso

I had to check back into the Penthouse 808 as their expanded dessert menu (mentioned in our previous visit) never left my mind. So last Sunday, back out to Long Island City I went - sweet tooth shivering in anticipation!

The first dessert I tried was the artisanal handmade sorbets made with champagne, claret, and chardonnay. I was quite impressed at the light flavors and smooth consistency.

The blueberry and granola compote, like the sorbet, is also a nice choice for a lighter dessert is (it tastes almost entirely unsweetened!).

For something more decadent (and to really satiate my sugar craving), I sampled the peanut butter mousse topped with a homemade and very fudgy dark chocolate layer (all parts of the dish were super heavy, so no escaping the guilt on that)! [Ed Note: Be sure to ask for the "dessert list" at Penthouse 808, as the seven selections change each day and all do not seem to make the official menu.]

Since I had already made the trek out of my humble UES abode, I also wanted to check out the much-buzzed-about outdoor brunch before the Penthouse put up its removable roof for the impending Fall chilliness. At $25 for two courses, my top picks are the Pesto, Tomato and Melted Mozzarella Omelette and Grilled Asparagus Salad With Cilantro Vinaigrette--which are especially good choices for low carb dieters. From speaking to regular diners on the Rooftop, I gathered that the Coconut Crab Cakes With Mango Salsa & Curry Aioli (listed as an appetizer on the menu, but can be enlarged into an entree) is another top dish at the eatery.

As I pointed out previously, the views of Manhattan are as a big a "star" as the cuisine at the Penthouse 808. Diners are poised less than a block from the 59th Street Bridge and on the opposite side of the rooftop (aka, the Queens side). With the delicious treats and magnificent views - my stomach and my sweet tooth will be visiting again very soon!

Penthouse 808 at the Ravel Hotel

8-08 Queens Plaza South
Long Island City, NY 11101

[Photos: Anne Raso/Financefoodie]