The Alderman is a unique high-end American hub that opened last September in the Motto Times Square Hotel. It is self-proclaimed as an “elevated American diner,” but it oversimplifies what they are doing. It’s quite elegant—think of a Mad Men vibe where gentlemen sip martinis during lunch and ladies linger over big salads and a shared large dessert. The hotel mimics this as it excels in being comfy, cozy, and chic in the middle of the city’s most tourist-driven area.
The Motto and The Alderman take pride in being well-priced and offering a lot of bang for the buck. Everything on The Alderman menu is large enough to be shared, and uniqueness abounds even in the most quintessentially All-American dishes! The pseudo-Sputnik-style ceiling lamps, cozy brown booths, and brown tiled floors and walls will scream, “This is New York,” but the pace is leisurely.
When we visited The Alderman recently, we were thrilled to find unique appetizers like the amazing Grilled Sunchokes with Sweet Onion Puree, Cumin, and Parsley, as well as super innovative sides, including Charred Garlic Greens with Sherry Vinaigrette, Parsnip Gratin, and Black Salsify with Fennel Puree. They were so addictive that we thought we’d forget the entrees and stick with the appetizers. We found the Charred Garlic Greens to be one of those rare healthy items that we’d want to return to repeatedly!
MENU HIGHLIGHTS
Start the evening with some terrific raw bar items that have become extremely popular. These include a Half Maine Lobster with Pickled Shallots and Brown Butter, and Poached Shrimp with Bloody Marie Sauce.
We are glad we did not skip the entrees because they were just as groundbreaking! The Stinging Nettle Dumplings with Braised Fennel, Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Nutmeg, and Dried Orange were both sweet and tangy, and the more traditional Steak of The Day was a pound of marinated flank steak in a Chermoula Sauce with Grilled Onion. Even the burger is one of a kind—it’s officially called a Smash Burger and is served with Red Buddy Cheese, Pickled Pink Sauce and Hot Mustard on a brioche bun. Duck enthusiasts must check out the Roast Normandy Duck with Juniper Glaze, Parsnip Gratin, and a Candied Citrus Reduction for a vibrant and satisfying taste sensation. The Crispy Piggy with Red Chili Fermented Cabbage and Carrot Puree are just as remarkable.
Executive Chef Steven Hubbell excels at cooking a wide variety of cuisines, mastered over the years at everything from Modern American to Indian eateries and back again. He came to The Alderman after running the kitchens at The Farm On Adderley in Brooklyn, Alta in the West Village, and Junoon locations in the Flatiron District and Dubai. He says, “Before moving to New York, I was in Chicago, where I opened Veerasway, a Modern Indian restaurant.”
EARLY NEW YORK
Hubbell has enjoyed his time at his latest gig and tells us, “The Alderman has been such a fun project. The design is reminiscent of the early New York supper clubs. With that inspiration, I want the menus to reflect not only the history of this city but also the direction in which we are headed: local produce, sustainable farming practices, and humanely raised animals. We have come full circle despite the relative youth of New York’s culinary history. At The Alderman, we do our best to stay seasonal and offer items at their peak season to keep them precious. Since I am from the Midwest, I like to incorporate some of that early American influence—cheese balls, Jell-O molds, and diner desserts like banana cream pie and chocolate pudding.”
PRODUCERS & GROWERS
Hubbell states that he is all about the farm-to-table experience and is proud of his unusual choice of vegetables: “I love parsnips—it’s such an underutilized vegetable. The parsnips come from Finger Lakes Farm, and the Sunchokes come from Lancaster Farm. Much of our produce, dairy, meats, and fish are locally sourced, organic, hormone-free, and pasture-raised. When it isn’t possible to source locally, we partner with producers and growers who follow the same protocols and ethos as we do.”
Desserts are just as incredibly delicious. In addition to making their own ice cream, The Alderman’s cakes, like Banana Cream Choux, are house made. The Triple Chocolate Mousse is a total fantasy. It is placed in a blue ceramic bowl and topped with small dark chocolate chunks, a scoop of white chocolate ice cream, and lattice-pattern cookie leaves topped with fresh peppermint and confectioners’ sugar. A stunning creation!
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Chef Hubbell agrees with our take that The Alderman is a winner because it is in the lobby of a retro hotel just a few minutes’ walk from Broadway theaters, shopping, and galleries. He concludes, “I love retro design. Like the menu, it acknowledges our history while looking towards the future. The timeless design allows us a range of classic and contemporary references.” Try The Alderman for yourself; we guarantee you will find it refreshing and different! Chef Hubbell agrees with our take that The Alderman is a winner because it is in the lobby of a retro hotel just a few minutes’ walk from Broadway theaters, shopping, and galleries. He concludes, “I love retro design. Like the menu, it acknowledges our history while looking towards the future. The timeless design allows us a range of classic and contemporary references.” Try The Alderman for yourself; we guarantee you will find it refreshing and different!
For more information on The Alderman, visit aldermannyc.com
