HotelChatter

DINNER: Being a triple-digit hot-as-Hades day on Tuesday, we wanted to go light on dinner. So two of us split the Black Angus Beef Burger, which was recommended by our waitress, as well as two small plates. One was the Seared Salmon with Roasted Beet Root, Sliced Carrots (that looked just like the ones in cartoons, with their little tops still on), Parsley and Tarragon. The other was the plate of Arugula, Prosciutto and Roasted Stone Fruit, which was brought out first, and the perfect way to start a light summer meal.

We paired everything with glass upon glass of chilled water and lime slices, plus a Lighthouse Ale, which, in keeping with the Andaz local-love, is from Fire Island. It's on the lighter end of your pale ales so ideal for this weather.

Verdict: Our server was enthusiastic and attentive, with a slightly goofy sense of humor. The food tasted like real food (the roasted vegetables that came with the salmon were our faves) and the manager gave us 50% off the check because it was one of their first nights open. Even without the discount, the prices are reasonable, with plates averaging around $12 each.

BREAKFAST: Again, the service was lovely, and the room had a relaxed vibe. Our friend ordered the Toasted Brioche Sandwich with Slow Cooked Tomatoes, Greens and Grafton Cheddar, and after much deliberation we settled on the Pop's Skillet Scramble with Chorizo, Tomato, Potato, Cilantro and Griddle Bread.

There was some vaguely New Agey music playing but with those dramatic black wood in the shutters, the room feels urban, so it wasn't annoying.

Verdict: When ingredients are this fresh, you don't need salt and pepper. Prices were brunch-reasonable ($12–14), especially given how delicious our choices were. OK, we don't love paying six bucks for a coffee—but if they put individual coffee-makers in the rooms here, we'd probably never leave.

For more on the restaurant's purveyors and dining hours, visit the website here.