Swifty’s – Society Central Celebrates 15 Years

By W. A. Muller

Swifty's restaurant, located on the east side of Lexington between 72nd and 73rd, has been a favorite Upper East Side haunt for over 15 years, despite an everchanging dining scene.

Renowned restaurateurs Chef Stephen Attoe and Robert Caravaggi, former chef and maître d' respectively of legendary Upper East Side boîte, Mortimer's, created Swifty's in 1999, and set about bringing the ultimate dining scene to life. By combining classic, straight-forward American and European cuisine with impeccable service and warm ambiance, Swifty's does just that.

The glamor and sophistication of Swifty's emanates from the elegant clientele who have graced its tables since the day it was born. Catering to the upper echelons of New York society, whilst maintaining a low-key, friendly feeling, Swifty's is the rare kind of classy neighborhood club where all are welcome to enjoy the fun society atmosphere. Celebrity clientele through the years and recently include: Owen Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tory Burch, Ricky Gervais, Valentino Garavani, Sopranos creator David Chase, Tony Bennett, Roger Waters, Jude Law, Anjelica Huston, Jane Fonda, Fernando Botero and more. Society names include Blaine Trump, Jamee Gregory, Reinaldo and Carolina Herrera, Debbie Bancroft, Wendy Vanderbilt, Emelia Fanjul, Serena Boardman, Mark Gilbertson, Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, Dan Lufkin, Emelia St Amand, and Aerin Lauder.

Decorated in a traditional style by famed decorators Mario Buatta and Anne Eisenhower – with décor reminiscent of a well-appointed English country house – the wooden paneling, patterned wallpaper, leather seats and mirrored walls are shown off to most romantic effect by dimly-lit lamps in the evening. The intimate dining room, with rustic wooden floors and enhanced with seasonal flowers, presents the perfect place for a catch up with friends or a romantic dinner. Swifty's showcases a selection of rotating artists in the front and back rooms of the restaurant – New York artists Tim Snell and Mary Lou Schempf are currently exhibiting their exquisite paintings on the walls of the restaurant, and recently photographer Harry Benson's famous Beatles photo was showcased. The adjoining dining room at the back of the restaurant, which can hold up to 44 guests, can be rented for private parties and special events.

Swifty's specializes in indulgent comfort food. Dinner menu fixtures include the Corn Fritters with Alaskan Salmon Roe, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat served with lemon and grilled asparagus, Gruyere Cheese Soufflé, Peconic Bay Scallops, and the Sashimi Grade Tuna Carpaccio. The brunch menu includes a range of creative salads, organic free range eggs, Blueberry and Buckweat Pancakes, plus steaks and burgers from the grill. House made dessert highlights include the Chocolate Soufflés, Ginger Pudding,and the irresistible Vanilla Meringue Cake. The wine list features an excellent range of whites and reds from America, Europe, Australia and South America.

If you can't make it to the restaurant, you are still likely to taste a selections of Swifty's well-known fare at New York's cultural and social events, galas and luncheons with the popular catering service. From dinners at the Frick Collection, to in-store receptions at Bergdorf Goodman, Swifty's Events Catering always reflects the personality and style of every event. Recently, Chef Attoe created an elegant menu of hors d'oeuvres bursting with flavors and textures at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's fundraising event, part of prestigious International Fine Art & Antiques Show. Swifty's is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Swifty's Restaurant
1007 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10021
212.535.6000
swiftysnyc.com