Riverpark: A Tom Colicchio Restaurant

Last year celebrity Chef Tom Colicchio along with Executive Chef Sisha Ortuzar opened Riverpark in the Kips Bay section of Manhattan. It is the latest addition to Tom and Sisha’s ever growing restaurant empire. The restaurant is located on 29th Street by the FDR Drive and tucked inside the Alexandria Center for Life Science building. When I first came to Riverpark, I asked myself, “Why on earth would anyone open a restaurant in the middle of nowhere.” But after countless visits I grew to enjoy this place and its location – removed from New York’s usual congestion and people traffic.

The entrance is also not so obvious, guests must pass through an office building where a security officer will escort diners to a small door next to a wall inscribed “Riverpark.” The place is spacious and full of lights. There are lighted beams on the ceiling that run just about the entire length of whole space, a signature design feature of Tom Colicchio’s restaurants. The décor is contemporary with sleek blue copper colored chairs and several leather booth seats also of the same color. Riverpark is divided into two sections – guests can choose between the spacious front dining room with bright lights and several long benches, ideal for large groups; or the back room which is a more subtle and intimate setting. The backroom has floor to ceiling windows (providing great views overlooking the FDR Drive and Long Island City) dim lights and a bar. An outdoor heated patio is also an option for guests year round.

Executive Chef Sisha Ortuzar’s New American cuisine uses seasonal ingredients that serve to satisfy the palette. Very recently Riverpark opened their own farm in the building to grow their own produce. I had the chance to have lunch and dinner here and both times I completely enjoyed the food. For starters I’ve had the Salt Cod Droquette, made with lemon puree and parsley; Ramp and Ricotta Ravioli, made with rhubarb and thyme; and the Roasted Provolone, made with oregano, garlic and pickled chilies. All were very delicious; the jalapenos really went well with the Roasted Provolone while the Salt Cod Droquette had a saltiness that is not overpowering. For Entrées I’ve had the Roasted Artic Char, made with potato puree, brown butter and parsley; Warm Prawn Asparagus Salad, made with ramps and spring onions; Roasted Branzino, fingerling potatoes, pickled red onions, capers and salsa verde; and a delicious chicken dish that is no longer in their menu. The Artic Char, the restaurant’s signature dish was amazing and the Wild Prawns Asparagus Salad was very tasty and fresh. The desserts were pretty solid as well. I’ve had the Beignets, vanilla custard and strawberry preserves; Ice Cream and Sorbet, a selection of various flavors of ice cream and sorbet; and the Cinnamon Panna Cotta, rosemary ice cream and caramelized pumpkin seed.

The restaurant service is top notch. The servers, the bus boys and the hostess all provided consistent service each time. The crowd consists mainly of mature diners who live in the area and business people who have some dealings in the building.

Riverpark is great for lunch and dinner whether for business or just to satisfy hunger. You can never go wrong with the $28 three course lunch. Also come and enjoy a drink or two with friends on their outdoor patio during warm weather or even cool weather (the patio is heated.) With a great setting and wonderful views, Riverpark is one of my recommended ‘go to’ places for drinks and dining in the Kips Bay area. It’s a bit out of the way but in the end you will be glad you made the trip.

Riverpark
450 E 29th St
New York, NY 10016
212 729 9790
Official Site

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