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Eater
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
The Best Place To Watch New York Dress Up Again
Over the nearly 80 years since the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel opened in 1931, this masterpiece of Art Deco glamour has played host to every political figure, including Queen Elizabeth, the Dalai Lama, Barack Obama, as well as celebrities like Grace Kelly, Marlene Dietrich, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe. Now, after an eight-year and nearly $2 billion renovation by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, it's finally ready. The storied hotel — the first in New York City to offer room service, have electricity in rooms, and allow single-women guests —reopened last week at 301 Park Avenue, between East 49th and 50th streets, presenting three new restaurants: There's Lex Yard led by Chef Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern in the former Oscar's space along with Peacock Alley with cocktails from Jeff Bell of Please Don't Tell. There's also the kaiseki Japanese Yoshoku by chef Ry Nitzkowski, who led the sushi bar at Zero Bond and was chef and partner at The Residence of Mr. Moto. Peacock Alley is the only of the trio of restaurant openings that remains from the hotel's former life; it still connects Lexington and Park Avenues, but is now more dazzling than ever. During the renovation, Hilton Hotels pushed the guest reception area toward the street. It expands Peacock Alley so it now feels like a grand living room outfitted with tufted armchairs, deep corner banquettes, and polished tables surrounding the iconic golden filigreed clock, a gift from Queen Victoria in 1893. Also, for the first time, Peacock Alley does double duty as an old-world bar and an all-day restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, cocktails, and dinner steps from the piano where Cole Porter wrote hits like 'I've Got You Under My Skin.' The Cole Porter piano and the famous clock from Queen Victoria in Peacock Alley. Paul Quitoriano Breakfast Cocooned from the chaos of midtown, Peacock Alley is a peaceful respite in the morning. Jazz plays overhead, mixing with the quiet din of conversation. Blue-suited servers deliver coffees served on Bernardaud china to a collection of guests who apparently still go into the office. Newspapers are unfolded, small perky dogs strut with their Chanel-clad owners, and silver trays of warm croissants by pastry chef Jenny Chiu are ferried to tables where they are quickly demolished. Naturally, there's an avocado toast, but why have another avocado toast when you can have the eggs Benedict ($38), a dish popularized by the hotel back in the 1930s? Here it's reconstructed on a sourdough English Muffin with your choice of country ham or smoked salmon, draped in a glossy sash of hollandaise. The Waldorf salad. Paul Quitoriano Lunch By lunchtime, the crowds of smartly dressed banker types and cliques of fancy friends roll in. It's the sort of place you might expect to find AJLT's Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte discussing whether Aidan is truly committed to the long-distance relationship. The all-day menu by chef Michael Anthony includes caviar service, raw-bar towers, and a smoked turkey club properly layered with crispy bacon and ripe slices of summer tomato. The Waldorf salad ($26) feels obligatory given how much time Anthony spent figuring out how to bring it back to life. 'I had no prior experience making Waldorf salads, but I've thought long and hard about this one,' said Anthony. His renovated salad is baby gem lettuces, honeycrisp apples, quartered grapes, and caramelized walnuts topped with a heavy snowfall's worth of grated New York State cheddar. I can't say I ever craved a Waldorf before, but here I am saying just that. Cocktail hour As the hour passes 5 p.m., the pianist takes his seat at Cole Porter's piano, and the peacocking that gave the bar its original name begins. While there is no dress code, a nostalgia of bygone glamour travels like a crease in time into the room, with hostesses in floor-length gold sequin gowns and servers in crushed velvet wide-lapeled tuxedos designed by No Uniform. If a Beyoncé tour were a cocktail bar, it would be Peacock Alley. The 12-seat bar fills up quickly, and the wait for a table can run over an hour, not surprising given the setting and cocktails by PDT's Jeff Bell, whose list of 20 cocktails includes several originals to the hotel. They include the Waldorf (rye, sweet vermouth, bitters), the Commodore ($34, bourbon, lemon, pomegranate), and the Dr. Cook ($32, Tito's Vodka, Luxardo Maraschino, lime, grapefruit). 'Hotel bars are the foundation of classic cocktails,' said Bell. 'The Savoy in London and the Oak Room at the Plaza. I tried to balance the DNA of the hotel with modern innovation.' There are four ice-cold martinis, three handsome Old Fashioneds ($30 to $34), and seven more cocktails that will change with the seasons, including a Rhuby Slipper ($30) that leans on fresh rhubarb juice and lemon balm. To snack on with your cocktails, have the housemade Cheez-Its and fancy roasted nuts sprinkled liberally with seaweed and sesame furikake. Add a platter of roasted and raw vegetables with sweet French onion-ish dip ($28) and the pigs in a blanket ($28), made from Chiu's golden puff pastry and Anthony's homemade sausages. 'We wanted to make elevated versions of familiar dishes,' said Anthony. 'We dress them up without making them too fancy.' The seafood platter is available in Peacock Alley and Lex Yard. Paul Quitoriano Dinner While the room is steeped in history, the menu isn't stodgy. Dinner comes together like a party, with a seafood tower ($118), New England crab cakes, Benton's ham with biscuits ($24), lobster rolls ($53) topped with embarrassing amounts of caviar and truffles, and beef sliders ($36) topped with cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, and zesty katsu sauce. Before you leave, perhaps there's time for a nightcap such as the $75 (!) Reserve Rob Roy, a drink original to the Waldorf that Bell mixes like a serenade from Yamazaki Distiller's Edition Whiskey, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, La Venaria Reale Riserva, and the addition of Benedictine, a change from the original recipe. 'This is such an artful and historic cocktail,' said Bell. It's the luxurious end to an opulent rebirth. Garnishing the cocktail at Peacock Alley. Paul Quitoriano Eater NY All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . 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Mint
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Indian tourists perform garba at Burj Khalifa; netizens say ‘TMKOC team reached' but ask ‘Daya bhabhi kidhar hai'
A group of Indian tourists were grooving to the traditional Garba to the Bollywood song "Chogada" from the 2018 film Loveyatri on the viewing deck of the world's tallest building Burj Khalifa in a viral video. The tourists, dressed in matching yellow outfits, performed Garba steps, drawing both admiration and outrage. While some praised the cultural expression, others expressed concerns about the appropriateness of such behavior in a public, international tourist space. Dubai-based content creator The Walking Lens posted it on Instagram. The caption attached to the video stated, 'A viral video shows tourists dancing to the Chogada song on top of the iconic Burj Khalifa! Would you dance there with your gang." One of the users said, 'TMKOC team reached.' Another said, 'Stop embarrassing the rest of us', 'Why is this glorified? We must learn to respect the sanctity of public places,' wrote a third user. The fourth asked, 'Daya bhabhi kidhar hai". Some were outraged over 'civic sense' as an internet user commented, 'Civic sense is a scarce resource.' 'Har jagah naachna nahi hota', 'TMKOC ghol ke pee liya'. 'Perfect example of 'Money can't buy class', "Common sense is not common these days," 'Civic sense?? RIP, 'Gokuldham society' were some other remarks made. The Burj Khalifa, officially inaugurated in 2010, is a globally recognised architectural marvel and currently holds the title of the tallest building in the world, soaring to an impressive height of 828 metres (2,717 feet). Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the iconic skyscraper exemplifies cutting-edge engineering and innovative modern design. Designed by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), with Adrian Smith as the chief architect, the Burj Khalifa features a distinctive triple-lobed footprint inspired by the Hymenocallis flower. The structure is composed of reinforced concrete, steel, and glass, and includes a central core with wings arranged in a Y-shaped pattern to provide stability against high winds and seismic forces.
Arabian Post
13-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai's Blue Line Metro to Debut on 9 September 2029
Dubai's Roads & Transport Authority has confirmed the Blue Line of the Metro will begin operations on 9 September 2029, coinciding deliberately with the 20th anniversary of the Red Line's inauguration on 9 September 2009, signalling a significant milestone in the city's transport evolution. The 30 km line will feature 14 stations, linking residential and commercial hubs such as Al Jaddaf, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Academic City, and is projected to serve nearly one million people by 2040. Incorporating 15.5 km of underground track and 14.5 km elevated, it will integrate both existing Red and Green Lines through interchanges at Centrepoint and Creek stations. International City 1 will serve as a crucial Y‑junction interchange. Construction is underway following Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's foundation‑stone ceremony on 9 June 2025, where he approved a visionary design for the flagship Emaar Properties Station in Dubai Creek Harbour. The station, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, will be the tallest metro station globally at 74 metres and accommodate up to 160,000 passengers daily, rising to over 70,000 by 2040. ADVERTISEMENT Engineered for efficiency, the Blue Line will include a 1.3 km viaduct over Dubai Creek—the first metro bridge of its kind in the emirate. Travel time along key stretches will range from 10 to 25 minutes, significantly reducing travel duration across connected zones. From a passenger operations standpoint, the system is designed to move around 46,000 people per hour in both directions, with a projected daily ridership of 200,000 by 2030, increasing to 320,000 by 2040. By then, the total Dubai Metro network—comprising existing lines, the new Blue Line, and the Route 2020 extension—will cover about 131 km with 78 stations and 168 trains. Economically, the Blue Line represents a Dh20.5 billion investment, undertaken by a consortium of MAPA, LIMAK and CRRC, selected through international tender. It aligns with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to deliver sustainable, transit‑oriented growth within a 20‑minute urban framework. The line's stations meet platinum‑grade green building standards, underscoring Dubai's commitment to eco‑friendly infrastructure. The RTA forecasts that the Red, Green and Blue lines combined could produce economic and environmental benefits exceeding Dh56.5 billion by 2040 through fuel savings, reduced accidents, and lower carbon emissions. For commuters, the impact will be immediate: daily traffic on major corridors served by the Blue Line is expected to decrease by approximately 20%. Moreover, real estate values within station catchments could climb by up to 25%. Local residents, including students and workers, will benefit from faster commutes and better connectivity, particularly in academic and industrial zones. The new Emaar Properties Station itself is set to carry naming rights held by Emaar for at least ten years, with further station sponsorships anticipated. Its shell‑inspired exterior and use of premium materials—such as Jura limestone, bronze paneling, granite flooring and glass ceilings—reflect a commitment to aesthetic excellence and place‑based identity. During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the Blue Line's role in enhancing community integration and positioning Dubai as a leading global city. He noted that the line would 'empower communities, enhancing connectivity and supporting sustainable urban growth'. The route serves nine districts—Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City phases, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour, Festival City—and links directly with Dubai International Airport for seamless airport‑to‑destination transfers. As construction progresses, RTA officials have called for greater attention to commuter needs during the build‑phase, including adequate parking and reduced road disruptions. Feedback from future daily users—students, residents, workers—underlined anticipation for improved access and decreased dependence on private cars.
Miami Herald
10-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
New Images Show How World's Tallest Metro Station Will Look
Dubai, known for the world's tallest building among its iconic skyscrapers, is now set to have the world's tallest metro station, as the United Arab Emirates positions itself as a leading force in the Middle East's modernization. The planned station on a new metro line is another example of how Gulf countries are competing with megaprojects aimed at attracting foreign investment as they seek to diversify economies that have historically relied on oil exports. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have all prioritized American investment in key infrastructure projects, including business deals with the family of U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom they have forged strong alliances during his second presidential term through pledging billions of investments and arms purchase-and a gift plane. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, laid the foundation stone for the Dubai Metro Blue Line and approved the design of the Emaar Properties Station, which will rise 74 meters-making it the highest metro station globally. The station covers about 11,000 square meters, and is expected to accommodate up to 160,000 passengers, with daily ridership projected at over 70,000 by 2040, according to the Dubai government's media office. The station was designed by American company Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), also behind the city's landmark Burj Khalifa, as well as the Olympic Tower in New York, and the Sears Tower in Chicago. In 2024, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a consortium of two Turkish and one Chinese company to develop the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which spans 18 miles and includes 14 stations. Last month, the Walt Disney Company and Miral announced a deal Wednesday to create a new Disney Park resort in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi. Dubai Government Media Office: "A central gateway allows natural light to flood down to the platform level, creating a bright and welcoming space during the day. Sunlight reflects off the stone surfaces, underscoring the station's timeless elegance. By night, it transforms into a radiant beacon that guides travelers, with a carefully planned lighting strategy that enhances its architectural character and reaffirms its role as a gateway to Dubai's bright future." Mattar al-Tayer, Director General of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said in 2024: "Additionally, the Blue Line will feature International City (1), the largest underground interchange station in the metro network. Covering over 44,000 square meters, this station will have the capacity to handle 350,000 passengers daily, significantly enhancing connectivity across the metro system." The project is set to be officially inaugurated in September 2029. Related Articles Images Show Trump Tower Dubai Planned for 2031Trump Family's Business Ties to the Middle East ExplainedI Was a Stripper for Over a Decade-Then I Discovered a MonasteryTrump's Middle East Business Surge Prompts Conflict of Interest Attacks 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
India.com
10-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
World's highest metro station to be built at a height of 74 meter in this city, not Delhi, Beijing, New York, London, Tokyo, name is...
World's highest metro station to be built at a height of 74 meter in this city, not Delhi, Beijing, New York, London, Tokyo, name is... World's highest metro station: High rise buildings, beautiful shopping complexes – Dubai is well known for its extravagant lifestyle. However, it is set to claim another world record, this time in its public transportation network. The foundation stone for this ambitious infrastructure project was recently laid by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai who also approved the architectural design of the flagship Emaar Properties Station, which will be the tallest metro station in the world. The city is soon going to have world's highest metro station, standing at an impressive 74 metres, as part of the newly unveiled Dubai Metro Blue Line. It is designed by the globally acclaimed American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) who also has iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa, Sears Tower in Chicago, and the Olympic Tower in New York to his credit. Its feature Spanning an area of approximately 11,000 square metres, the Emaar Properties Station can accommodate a staggering 160,000 passengers per day. The station is designed to withstand the emirate's operational and climatic demands, reinforcing its long-term sustainability and resilience. The structure will be made up of Jura limestone, bronze metal wall panels, and granite flooring. The materials were carefully selected for durability, environmental efficiency, and cultural resonance—blending stone, bronze, and glass to embody Dubai's identity. Once complete, the Dubai Metro Blue Line will significantly extend the emirate's transit system, increasing the total length of the rail network to 131 km, and the number of stations to 78, served by 168 trains (including 11 tram trains and 157 metro trains).
