Park Row, the first immersive gastronomic DC-inspired restaurant worldwide, unveiled its second chapter, The Iceberg Lounge at Park Row. The restaurant’s next instalment draws inspiration from the iconic Gotham City venue and its infamous proprietor, Oswald Cobblepot, otherwise known as The Penguin, introducing a brand-new sophisticated menu of modern Japanese dishes and cocktails. Let’s not confuse something though – Park Row is still Park Row – sexy, fun, elegant and still delivers a sensational experience. This will never change.
What is it all about?
The Iceberg Lounge at Park Row is a celebration of The Penguin’s love for the very best seafood and will feature an opulent oyster and caviar barn amongst its new offerings. The large circular bar situated at the heart of the restaurant will offer its guests an abundant selection of the freshest oysters, plus the world’s finest caviar either by the gram or as bumps, eaten straight from the hand. The venue will continue to provide a home to a range of exciting live musical performers ensuring an electric ambience in keeping with its fictional namesake, with music being played throughout the week. The Iceberg Lounge at Park Row will also see the addition of a brand-new Champagne bar at the front of the room to give guests an exhilarating ‘bubbly’ welcome.
Modern Japanese Cuisine
Executive Chef Raymond Steplin, formerly of Dinings SW3, brings the second instalment to life with a meticulously curated new menu showcasing his flair for modern Japanese food. Guests can indulge in a mix of small and large plates to share, along with a range of modern Japanese delicacies as the menu moves between Youkoso starters, salads, small plates, Hot Shuko including Kushiyaki skewers, Tempura, Gyoza, Bao, Sashimi, Oysters, Caviar and large plates including Alaskan King Crab, Wagyu steaks and Miso marinated black cod. Crowd pleasers set to take Gotham City by storm include Truffle tuna tartare, Short rib bao, Scallop ceviche, Wagyu katsu sando and a Gyoza ‘Roulette’ taking a leaf out of Gotham City’s Clown Prince, The Joker’s playbook of chaotic crimes.
The menu highlights a selection of other Gotham City-inspired storytelling dishes alongside the modern Japanese delights, some of which are flamboyantly finished at tables, providing a thrilling theatrical experience for diners. Stand-out dishes include a nod to The Penguin’s synonymous weapon of choice with the inspired Man of a Thousand Umbrellas, a mushroom umbrella-shaped parfait complete with umeboshi and crispy gyoza skin; ‘Heads You Live’ Chawanmushi, a savoury dashi egg custard with pickled daikon topped with grilled octopus and thinly sliced radish — an allusion towards Harvey Dent known as ‘Two-Face’. Other notable dishes include Tea for Mr Wayne? — tea-smoked duck breast served with udon noodles and a ginger Earl Grey broth; “Scare” Crow-quettes, crispy croquettes with gochujang aioli and black garlic crisps named after The Scarecrow.
The theatre continues with exquisite desserts inspired by Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Mr Freeze and the Demise of Thomas and Martha Wayne — a Kiss from a Rose — chiffon cake with raspberry, Ojo De Dios hibiscus mezcal cream finished with a crushed frozen rose and yoghurt ice-cream. ‘Fruit of the Earth’ Cheesecake delivers a subtle and fragrant flavour from sake lees, strawberries, tarragon and lemon balm, whilst Knock Knock Puddin’ packs a vibrant fruity rich punch with berries, mango ginger custard and matcha mousse.
What about the drinks?
Well, there is a new Champagne Laurent-Perrier Bar to enjoy a variety of brand-new pre and post-dinner drinks. The cocktail menu features show-stopping selections such as Jōkā, a Purple Taro infusion with Passion Fruit Essence, Peach and Sesame Vodka, a direct inspiration from The Joker himself; Gotham 1939, an Apricot Wine with Star Anise and Hennessy; a feline-inspired clarified milk-based cocktail — Meow using Bacardi Carta Blanca, Pineapple Wine, Milk Punch, Coffee and Vanilla; Fernet in Florence, made from Tio Pepe Sherry, Fennel Seeds and Ginger Beer, and The Blue Boy with Gooseberry and Toasted Coconut with Bombay Sapphire, poured straight from a picture frame holding a portrait by Thomas Gainsborough. The drinks selection extends to mocktails, a Laurent-Perrier Martini trolley, an eclectic mix of spirits and a varied list of hand-picked wines.
In the Details
The Iceberg Lounge at Park Row is more than a restaurant and bar; it’s a stage for storytelling, where every morsel spins a tale set against a brooding backdrop of exquisite Grade II Art Deco listed interiors, neon signage and reproductions of some of the world’s most famous stolen art pieces, each bearing a villainous mark.
Whether it’s a lavish lunch, late-night dinner, or pre-theatre bites, The Iceberg Lounge promises a rather lovely dining experience that immerses you in a world of wonders, where each dish and drink tells a unique story. Home to now The Iceberg Lounge and Michelin-listed The Monarch Theatre, Park Row continues to wow foodies and DC fans alike, presenting two of the finest immersive themed dining experiences in the capital.
To discover more, visit: iceberglounge.co.uk
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All imagery courtesy of Wonderland Restaurants.