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Community Corner

Bites Nearby: Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan is a visually stunning downtown restaurant that evokes a big city image.

 

Many things about the Cosmopolitan restaurant command attention before one ever takes a bite of food.

Out on the sidewalk, dramatic uplights at night bathe the façade in a pink or purple glow. The valet parking, always available, is complimentary. One step inside, and it becomes clear that expense was not spared in the renovation and furnishing of this restaurant, which opened in fall 2010. High ceilings, architectural detail, tailored banquettes and drapes in shades of cream, flax and camel, a vintage Hess’s chandelier (one of the large ones) and a sheer curtain waterfall coming out of seemingly nowhere — all announce that the establishment intends to impress.

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The sense of elegance carries through onto the menu. Cosmopolitan serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Most of the same soups and salads are available for both meals, and include shrimp bisque, a poached lobster salad and baby beet salad. Lunch features are casual with a sophisticated touch, such as a “PLT” (prosciutto, arugula & tomato), panini or shaved ribeye sandwich, each served with a choice of French fries or petite shaved vegetable salad. ($8.50-$12.50).

For dinner, some characteristic Cosmopolitan selections for the first course are housemade ricotta gnocchi, tuna carpaccio and crispy pork belly. Particular care is taken in the presentation of entrees with the chef’s chosen accompaniments. A few items on the menu are duck breast, scallops, truffled porcini risotto, barramundi and a grilled pork chop. Entrees range primarily from $16 to $31; the New York strip steak is $39. Sides to share include Yukon gold mashed potatoes, broccolini and sautéed wild mushrooms.

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The wine list is extensive, with well over 200 wines by the bottle, and more than a dozen each of red and white by the glass. Specialty cocktails are made with premium liquors and more exotic ingredients, such as the signature blood orange Cosmopolitan.

An elevator ride away from the lush dining rooms on the first and second floors is Cosmopolitan’s cozy two-level ballroom for private parties. The options continue onto the roof, where a two-tier lounge with two bars and sweeping city views lures guests for drinks socializing in fine weather. The roof is currently open late nights on Fridays and Saturdays only.

In its marketing, Cosmopolitan promotes its location in the Allentown arts district. Symphony Hall and the Allentown Art Museum are steps away.

Cosmopolitan

22 N. 6th St., Allentown, PA 18101.

610-435-3540. 

www.ourcosmopolitan.com

 

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