C: Is for Cocktails in plush places!

I attended an event at Inc. Lounge The Time Hotel's hot new cocktail Lounge 224 W 49th St, 2nd Fl (between 8th Ave & Broadway). A glass elevator transports you to the second floor where comfort awaits. This is the perfect before or after theatre spot were you can play pool, sip on delectable cocktails and just mellow out. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the street giving the place a feeling of spaciousness. Plush furniture that has you not wanting to get up it is so comfortable. The sleek jet-black bar and mirror, sink as you sit red velvet couches, accented with glossy black chairs with studded belts, red and black wall paper and Mongolian sheepskin gives the first room an oriental feeling, of opulience. Patent leather settees, curvy-striped leather club chairs, brown alligator swivel stools, mini plasma TVs, and Timorous Beasties wallpaper with wild orchid and graphic tattoo mermaid design and pillows round out the lounge décor. I know it sounds terribly eclectic or like a shopping spree on the streets of the East Village, but this all works. I absolutely love the antique inspired black lacquer pool table, in which to test out your skills.

This is also a late night place to get good food or to cater a after theatre party or show opening. I had a tasting of the curried lamb skewers, Hummus, Black Olive Tapenade & Pita and the Szechwan Shrimp, Thai Red Curry Chicken, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Pickled Ginger, Wasabi platters an they were mouthwatering. The people I was with had Blackened Chicken, Spicy fire Roasted Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, Mini Crabcakes, Sweet Potato Chips, Creole Remoulade, Garlic & Chili Shrimp, Mini Beef Empanadas, Chorizo, Shrimp Paella balls, Manchego triangles, Olives & Toasted Ficelle and they also could not wait to tell friends. With a 24-hour notice you can have these waiting for you and your party. Their pre order menu also has corned duck breast, Asian pear, smoked blue cheese, walnut-raisin ficelle, herb crusted seared tenderloin, red onion marmalade, to name just a few, as this list is extensive. There is a regular menu that has gourmet pan pizza's and other items that are sure to please the hardest of customers. The food comes from the re-neon restaurant Serafina's, located downstairs. As for drinks, again reasonably priced and a extensive selection. I tried the pear martini and a mojito and both were strong and delicious. The best part is the staff. Service friendly and pleasantly informed along with a happy attitude makes INC. a place to recommend. Normally places in the Theatre District are tourist orientated, finally there is a place that can please New Yorkers as well and that is a F.A.C.T.