Picnic Like a Gatsby at New York’s Knickerbocker Hotel

The Knickerbocker, situated in the center of the universe on Broadway and 42nd Street, reopened its doors in February 2015 as the only five-star hotel in Times Square. Jacob Astor constructed the stunning Beaux-Arts building with its signature red bricks and terracotta detailing. It’s no coincidence that this impressive piece of yesteryear conjures images of The Great Gatsby. F. Scott Fitzgerald name checks the hotel and the Knickerbocker Bar in his debut novel This Side of Paradise. While flappers may have come and gone, the scene at rooftop lounge St. Cloud Social Rooftop often bustles with locals and tourists alike. Surround yourself in the luxe life as you take in an extraordinary 360-degree view of Manhattan’s skyline and marvel at the flickering lights of Times Square.

There’s still a few weeks left in summer and The Knickerbocker Hotel continues to celebrate the spirit of the season with an upscale take on the traditional picnic. Their swank Times Square hotel bar embraces the backyard summer picnic concept with PIcKNICK, the brainchild of Chef Charlie Palmer and executive Christopher Engel. The hotel is partnering with Lejay Crème de Cassis to create three fanciful summer cocktails for PicKNICK: the Lejay Spritz, the French Daiquiri and the hotel’s signature summer drink, Wrong Way Rose, served with a bottle of rosé tipped upside down. Patrons can choose from among three picnic baskets, which include: The American basket, serving modern twists on traditional summertime favorites like petite ham and cheese sandwiches with dijon classic deviled eggs, “Ants on a Log” served two ways and fresh cherries. For the Francophile picnic-goer, The French includes iconic bites like Solex Sturgeon caviar, a Rougie foie gras pate, Champagne grapes and fresh Camembert cheese with Acacia honey. Dreaming of Italy or Greece? The Mediterranean serves up house-made pita, marinated feta, salami, Taggiasca olives, taramasalata, Marcona almonds and chocolate-covered corn.

PicKNICK baskets range from $100 to $250 and can serve 2-4 people. In addition to the summer picnic baskets, guests can nibble on small bites off the regular menu including Main Lobster Rolls, Margarita Popsicles and more! St. Cloud Social at The Knickerbocker opens at 4:00 p.m. daily and at noon on Fridays. Keep summer going at The Knick!