Under The Cupola: What's Happening at The Garden City Hotel

There's always something going on at The Garden City Hotel. Here are June's events:

Belmont Stakes

The Garden City Hotel  marks the 143rd running of the Belmont Stakes with a series of celebration events beginning June 9 through race day on June 11. On the agenda are a Belmont Tea Event, a hat trunk show and chance to win a $300 custom designed hat by Christine A. Moore, and, a specially themed menu of drinks and dining specials by Chef Steven De Bruyn.

In addition to hosting weekend festivities in a series of private events, REIN, the hotel’s signature restaurant, will be a favorite gathering spot serving as the hub for the racing community’s comings and goings. The Garden City Hotel has a tradition of hosting a who’s who from the horse racing world. Guests have included the Belmont family who visited Long Island for such sporting occasions but also fashionable galas in the hotel’s ballroom. Today, the race’s horse owners, trainers, jockeys and spectators continue to make The Garden City Hotel their main gathering spot outside of Belmont Park.

Belmont Tea

On June 9 and 10 from 3-5 p.m., REIN will offer its Afternoon Tea service with a Belmont twist. The Belmont Tea ($44) will include Triple Crown confections, Kentucky bourbon balls, Preakness Classic strawberry shortcake, Belmont hazelnut macaroons as well as a traditional assortment of tea sandwiches – smoked salmon on pumpernickel with horseradish cream and pickled red onion, cucumber mint on whole wheat bread, roast beef on rye bread with horseradish may and watercress and egg salad on white bread with chives – followed by fresh scones with Devonshire cream and house-made seasonal preserves, assorted tea breads, miniature pastries and fresh strawberries with crème chantilly. To complement the tea selection is a Belmont Breeze or a glass of Paul Goerg Blanc de Blanc Champagne.

Designer Hat Trunk Show and Contest

On June 9 and 10 from 4-8 p.m. at the hotel gift shop, hat designer Christine A. Moore will present her annual trunk show for women seeking the customary hat, casual or extravagant, to wear to the race or the hotel’s Belmont Tea. As an added bonus, one lucky winner, in a contest on the hotel’s Facebook page, will receive one of Moore’s custom designed hats, valued up to $300, along with a personal consultation by the designer. Contest entries will be accepted through June 5. Consultation with the designer will be at the hotel on June 9 and the winner can pick up their hat on June 10, just in time to wear to the tea event and for the Belmont Stakes.

Food and Drink Specials Alongside TV Coverage

On the day of the Belmont Stakes, June 11, live television coverage will be broadcast on three large-format plasma television screens at REIN. Guests are encouraged to start their day from 6:30 a.m. at REIN with a hearty breakfast before heading to the track. Belmont drink and dinner specials will be served on race day and the entire week leading up to it from June 4. Signature cocktails will be named after qualifying horses in the third leg of the Triple Crown and include the official drink of the Belmont Stakes, the Belmont Breeze. Chef De Bruyn will also present steak specials and sides with his interpretation of steak house classics. More details on food and drink specials will be announced via the hotel’s Facebook and Twitter updates.

Father's Day

The Garden City Hotel presents a weekend of culinary celebrations for all styles of Father’s Day celebration at REIN, the hotel’s signature restaurant.

On June 17 or 18, fathers and sons may choose to lunch at REIN with Dad’s barbecue favorites by Chef Steven De Bruyn. The freshest, most flavorful, all-natural, organic and local ingredients are at their best, bountiful and beautiful this time of year. New on the menu are grilled tuna with humus and pita crisps served with a Greek salad and lemon vinaigrette; grilled petit filet mignon with Boursin cheese-mashed potatoes, organic vegetable skewer and shallot demi; and a Cajun-seasoned red snapper in white wine-tomato fondue with sautéed spinach and mustard-turmeric potatoes. Five-star caliber service inspires through informed staff who impart insights about special ingredients and the tradition behind each dish. Valet parking extends the tone. Reservations are recommended by calling 516-747-3000.

Saturday Tea

On June 18, Chef De Bruyn presents three themed menus including a selection of teas and herbal infusions, port and champagne:

• The Traditional Tea ($34) is an assortment of sandwiches – smoked salmon on pumpernickel with horseradish cream and pickled red onion, cucumber mint on whole wheat bread, roast beef on rye bread with horseradish may and watercress and egg salad on white bread with chives – followed by fresh scones with Devonshire cream and house-made seasonal preserves, assorted tea breads and miniature pastries.
• The Royal Tea ($44) incorporates the Traditional Tea menu plus a glass of Paul Goerg Blanc de Blanc Champagne and fresh strawberries with crème chantilly.
• The Chocolate Tea ($39) features Callebaut hot chocolate with an assortment of tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, marble pound cake, Belgian chocolate brioche and assorted chocolates and truffles.

Sunday Brunch

On June 19, along with REIN’s fullest and exquisite brunch offerings will be a selection of Dad’s favorite dishes including a hand-carved cowboy steak, BBQ spareribs, beef burger sliders, buttered and basted corn on the cob, clams on the half shell and stuffed bake potatoes. BBQ will be paired with local beer for Dad and Long Island wines for Mom.

Guests will also enjoy an array of sumptuous culinary offerings including a myriad of hot and cold entrées. Among the top-rated selections are a seafood extravaganza with whole lobster, crab claws and jumbo shrimp and an artful display of smoked salmon and whitefish. There are artisan cheeses and carving stations featuring tenderloin and turkey breast. Prepared to order selections include gourmet pastas and sauces plus breakfast favorites such as made-to-order omelets and French toast. Sophisticated dessert displays showcase seasonally inspired cakes, pies, pastries and sweets plus assorted whole fruit and fruit salads.

Seatings for the brunch designed by Chef De Bruyn begin at noon June 19. The cost is $69 plus tax and gratuity per adult; and half-price, $34.50, for children under 12 years old. It includes complimentary valet and self-parking. Reservations are strongly recommended by calling 516-747-3000.  

For those who wish to gift fathers with the brunch experience any Sunday of the year, Sunday Brunch gift cards are now available at www.gardencityhotel.com, the hotel gift shop or by calling 516-747-3000.