Hortus NYC is a contemporary Asian restaurant in Manhattan that has to be experienced. The name Hortus, Latin for garden, reflects the emphasis on freshness, and the theme of the garden runs through the interior in the restaurants. Divided into four distinct areas, the first floor is dedicated to bar dining with an open kitchen and a Chef’s Table. The second floor contains an adjoining glass-enclosed hidden garden oasis complete with lights hanging above for a warm and intimate glow in the evening as well as the main dining room, which offers exquisite views of the illuminated stained-glass windows at the Marble Collegiate Church across the street.
Executive Chef Geo Park has really been taking the menu at Hortus NYC to new levels as well. He has collaborated with Managing Partner Suhum Jang (Per Se, Daniel, Jungsik) to create a menu that seamlessly blends the flavors of China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia with subtle European twists.
Walking into Hortus, my guest and I were guided to our seats and started our meal off with drinks. I decided to go with the Korean Connection (amaretto and cherry) and my guest enjoyed the Lychee Sour (jinro, lychee puree and lunar seltzer). I really enjoyed my drink; slightly dark and quite refreshing. My guest loved her drink as well. I had a sip and it was a bit on the fruitier side. IF you like more tropical drinks you’ll lean towards the Lychee Sour. She also tried the Oolong High (oolong tea, soju, lemon and cane sugar). I really loved the taste of this drink; certified summer drink for sure.