The Cocktails of the Waldorf-Astoria
Taught by James Hoffman
James Hoffman is a seasoned licensed New York City tour guide with over a decade of experience. He’s set up an array of sightseeing walks and bike tours that span from iconic landmarks like Grand Central Terminal to the historic Green-Wood Cemetery.
When he's not leading tours he runs open board game nights at victorypints.com and donates his time to the Guides Association of New York City (GANYC), working alongside fellow guides to promote live tour guides.
Join us for a cocktail-themed talk with hosts James Hoffman and Amy Cook as they explore the history and famed cocktails of one of New York's most legendary hotels: the Waldorf-Astoria.
This event takes place in the upper level of Quick Eternity, where you'll settle in for an evening of stories, history, and drink. Each ticket comes with two full sized cocktails of your choice.
Talk Highlights:
We'll discuss the rise of the original Waldorf-Astoria on Fifth Avenue including the feuding Astor cousins who built it, the personalities who ran and frequented it, and parties held there by Gilded Age New York high society. We'll also discuss the second Waldorf-Astoria which recently reopened after an eight year restoration.
As you sip your cocktails, your presenters will share the stories, scandals, and characters behind the legendary Waldorf-Astoria.
• The Feuding Astors: The family feud that would lead to creation of the Waldorf-Astoria out of two (orignally separate) hotels.
• Peacock Alley: The famed 300-foot marble corridor connecting the two hotels.
• George Boldt: The hotel's founding proprietor, who turned early mockery (“Boldt's Folly”) into the triumph of Gilded Age hospitality.
• Oscar Tschirky: The legendary maître d'hôtel known as “Oscar of the Waldorf,”
• The Bradley-Martin Ball: A single 1897 costume ball that cost the equivalent of millions today and sparked public outrage.
Cocktails:
Each ticket includes two full-sized cocktails at Quick Eternity, to be enjoyed during the talk. Participants can also opt for non-alcoholic substitutions.
While you can choose any single serving cocktail option on the regular menu we will also have a special menu of Waldorf-Astoria themed options such as The Bronx, Rob Roy, Clover Club and many more
Details:
- Duration: 90 mins
- Event Location: Quick Eternity
- Age Restriction: Participants must be 21 or older
- Please note the upper level is accesible by stairs only
- Brainery gift certificates cannot be used for this event!
