PHD Terrace rooftop bar has transformed into a cherry-soaked summer fantasy
Dream Midtown's PHD Terrace just unveiled its latest seasonal glow-up, and it's a juicy one. The new Dream in Cherries installation transforms the 16th-floor rooftop into a decadent cherry-filled escape, with more than 20,000 cherries, a towering cherry tree and enough red-and-white striped umbrellas to make you feel like you're vacationing in the Amalfi Coast... if the Amalfi Coast came with a Dark Cherry Espresso Martini.
Created by Laila Ahmed of Design House Décor in collaboration with Yvonne Najor, vice president of New York hotel marketing for TAO Group, the space combines European orchard vibes with serious New York glamour. Think: lush greenery, hanging ivy vines, and ultra-Instagrammable cocktails crafted by TAO Group's Nikki McCutcheon. (Yes, there's a Spicy Cherry Paloma.)
'The cherry concept actually came up early on, before it really became a trend,' Najor told Time Out. 'What sets this pop-up apart is the energy—it's bold, nostalgic and full of personality. We wanted to create something that feels like pure summer fun, and I think we really captured that.'
The sweet aesthetic doesn't stop at drinks. Chef Erin Cabayan, TAO Group's pastry queen, is behind the rooftop's cherry-laced desserts, like the Cherry Bomb (a hazelnut and cherry-chocolate cake) and the Filthy Shirley, an all-grown-up sundae with vanilla ice cream and cherry liqueur.
PHD Terrace isn't new to the party scene—the midtown location will celebrate its 10th birthday later this year. Designed by nightlife maestro Josh Held, who's known for LIGHT Vegas and Marquee New York, the bi-level space spans both indoor and outdoor lounges, offering 360-degree skyline views, a penthouse-chic interior, mirrored lighting and custom gold tile bars.
Cherry season doesn't last forever, but this dreamy orchard in the sky might just convince you otherwise. Catch it while it's ripe.
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