Gatsby Era Fitzgerald Soiree at The Plaza Delivers Stunning Speakeasy Experience

Amidst the fizz of Moët Imperial Gatsby champagne cocktails and the enthusiastic chatter of guests under the blush lighting of The Rose Club, one could envision F. Scott Fitzgerald himself lounging in a plush chair, a sugar cube slowly melting at the bottom of his glass.

“A Taste of the Gatsby Era” celebrated famous Plaza patron Fitzgerald on Wednesday night in conjunction with Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming adaptation of The Great Gatsby. The Plaza serves as one of six official movie partners, and for good reason: the hotel is the setting for Tom and Gatsby’s heated argument over Daisy in the illustrious novel.

While The Plaza was originally scouted as a location for this specific scene, Luhrmann opted for filming in Australia instead. The Plaza will, however, feature several of The Great Gatsby’s costumes from the film as a special exhibit in weeks to come to further celebrate Gatsby’s release on May 10^th. Also in honor of the iconic author and upcoming film, The Plaza is in the process of perfecting the brand new Fitzgerald Suite designed by Oscar-winning production designer Catherine Martin.

The event’s exclusive menu of new dishes and cocktails, some of which will remain as specialties on the menu for months to come, transported nibblers and sippers to a time of classic elegance and secrecy. Signature prohibition-themed beverages like the French 75, which delivered a kick of citrus in combination with champagne, Hendrick’s gin and cucumber garnish, were truly reminiscent of 1920s taste. The menu, consisting of mouth-watering samplings from The Todd English Food Hall, featured treats like the Artichoke Pansotti & Barigoule with mushrooms and white wine broth.

Interesting facts from The Plaza kitchen: the ’20s may have been a time of prohibition, but they were also the time of the grapefruit (and no, not simply as garnish or breakfast, apparently it was often served as a main course). The grapefruit, pomegranate, and arugula salad featured in our sampling was to die for…hunt it down!

Whether you’re a lover of the original classic or dying to see Luhrmann’s upcoming film, one thing is for certain: Gatsby lives on in text, film and the glamour of the 1920s.

If all this Gatsby talk has put you in the mood for a 20s-inspired beverage, try The Plaza’s exclusive Moët Imperial Gatsby champagne cocktail (crafted by Jim Meehen of PDT Cocktail Book). We tasted– it was delish!

Moët Imperial Gatsby

5 oz. Moët Imperial

1 sugar cube soaked in .25 oz. green chartreuse

Garnish with a spiral lime twist

Photos courtesy of Filmofilia and Oyster