BarChef NYC, located at 21 W. 35th Street, has emerged as a new contender in New York’s cocktail scene since its opening in June 2025. This remarkable establishment belongs to Frankie Solarik, whose Toronto original has already garnered acclaim as one of the most innovative bars worldwide.

Set against the iconic skyline, BarChef NYC offers an extraordinary cocktail experience that blends creativity with artistry. Cocktails are not mere drinks but immersive experiences that engage all the senses, with prices ranging from $22 to $43. Highlights from the menu include the Illuminated Eucalyptus, featuring rum, tequila, fir cream, and white chocolate, which is presented with an ethereal touch as fog drifts across the counter. Another standout, the Spring Thaw, is replete with flowers and herbs and offers delightful citrus and chamomile notes.

The efficacy of this immersive design is attributed to the careful attention to detail in crafting each cocktail. Solarik’s philosophy is that cocktails should evoke emotion, prompting him to use ingredients that tell a story, such as the Golden Honey Penicillin, which embodies the essence of sunshine through its complex ingredients like beeswax-infused Jonnie Walker Black Label and turmeric-saffron ice.

With a seating capacity of just 82 across a 3,200-square-foot space, BarChef fosters an intimate atmosphere. The modernist kitchen counter allows patrons a close-up view of cocktail creation, where techniques often resemble culinary artistry more than traditional bartending. Solarik’s extensive background, which includes working in various kitchens and cocktail programs worldwide, informs his innovative approach. Each element, from infusions and bitters to garnishes, is crafted in-house to maintain creative control.

Alongside Culinary Director Lionel Duke, who has developed complimentary dishes for the bar, Solarik has successfully shaped a unique experience that shifts the perception of cocktails from mere consumption to artistry. The ambiance, infused with dark luxe interiors and a retractable glass roof, further enhances this expectation, allowing the New York skyline to become part of the drinking experience.

At BarChef NYC, each cocktail invites guests to pause, sip, and immerse themselves in the craft while redefining what it means to enjoy a drink. This provocative approach encourages visitors to rethink the possibilities of cocktail culture itself.

As fall approaches, it’s the perfect time to embrace the season’s comforting flavors, particularly pumpkin. This versatile ingredient can bring warmth to your cocktails, offering an appealing twist that complements the transition from summer to autumn.

If you’re wondering how to incorporate pumpkin into your favorite alcoholic beverages, there are several creative methods. You can use pureed pumpkin, pumpkin juice, syrup, or pumpkin spice, allowing for a wide range of cocktails that celebrate the season.

Pumpkin Pie Martini

One festive option is a pumpkin pie martini. This cocktail balances the sweetness with pumpkin puree (canned or homemade) along with vodka or RumChata for creaminess. To maintain a balanced flavor, consider using unsweetened pumpkin puree, adjusting the sweetness with syrup to your taste.

Pumpkin Nog

While eggnog is traditionally a holiday staple, you can adapt it for fall by adding pumpkin puree. This twist allows you to enjoy pumpkin nog earlier in the season, making it a delightful drink for Halloween parties or Thanksgiving dinners.

Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned

To give the classic old fashioned a seasonal upgrade, substitute the sugar or simple syrup with homemade pumpkin spice syrup. Adding real pumpkin puree can enhance the drink’s flavor while maintaining the cocktail’s classic appeal.

Pumpkin Hot Toddy

On chilly evenings, a pumpkin hot toddy can warm you up. Mix whiskey with pumpkin spice syrup and hot water for a comforting drink, optionally adding lemon juice for a refreshing balance.

Pumpkin Cold Foam Espresso Martini

Elevate an espresso martini by topping it with a pumpkin cold foam, made from heavy cream, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice syrup. This addition adds a festive touch without overpowering the classic coffee flavor.

Pumpkin Soda Moscow Mule

For a refreshing drink, you could make pumpkin soda to mix with a classic Moscow mule. This involves a bit of effort by preparing a pumpkin puree, mixing it with sugar and spices, and then carbonating it for a unique soda experience.

Pumpkin White Russian

To give a twist to a classic white Russian, blend vodka, coffee liqueur, cream, and a couple tablespoons of pumpkin puree. This combination delivers a dessert-like cocktail reminiscent of a pumpkin spice latte.

Pumpkin Margarita

For margarita enthusiasts, consider a pumpkin margarita by adding pureed pumpkin and pumpkin spice syrup to your traditional mix of tequila and Cointreau, garnishing with a pumpkin pie spiced sugar rim.

Gingered Pumpkin Rum Cocktail

Lastly, you can use pumpkin butter in cocktails for added thickness and sweetness, such as in a ginger and rum cocktail. Pairing ginger with pumpkin creates a warming drink that’s perfect for cozy fall evenings.

Embracing pumpkin in your cocktails allows you to enjoy the season’s essence in a new way, offering a delightful twist on classic drinks.

Grand Central Terminal is set to transform into an exciting F1-themed event on September 23 and 24, featuring whisky tastings and a real Aston Martin F1 car. From 3 PM to 8 PM, Vanderbilt Hall will come alive with a unique blend of racing excitement and cocktail culture, courtesy of Glenfiddich and the Aston Martin Formula One Team.

This pop-up celebrates the launch of Glenfiddich’s limited-edition 16-Year-Old single malt Scotch, which draws inspiration from the performance and precision of Aston Martin racing. Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich’s global brand director, emphasized the significance of this release, stating it invites whisky and motorsport enthusiasts to engage with these iconic brands in innovative ways, creating memorable experiences beyond the racetrack.

Guests must be 21 or older to partake in sampling the new whisky either neat or in cocktails. Additionally, attendees can test their skills with a Formula One-style Batak challenge, and admire a full-scale Aston Martin F1 replica car displayed right in the terminal. The event also offers pop-up bars serving complimentary drinks and a customization station where participants can take home branded merchandise.

Moreover, Grand Central’s Grand Brasserie and Campbell Bar will serve tastings, while Central Cellars will provide complimentary bottle engraving with the purchase of the new whisky. The Scotch itself features tasting notes of maple syrup, caramelized ginger, and Chantilly cream, showcasing a synergy of craftsmanship and precision.

Best of all, admission to this thrilling experience is free. For those wanting to enjoy top-tier Scotch while immersing themselves in the buzz of an F1-themed environment in Manhattan, this event is not to be missed.