New York City’s top executives have presented some unexpected options for those eager to participate in the World Cup festivities.
A special six-day package for six at the luxurious Mark Hotel on the Upper East Side includes a penthouse suite, access to a private rooftop, and a prized ticket to the final match.
This extravagant offering is priced at $1 million, though daily caviar and martini service is an additional cost.
Guests on the rooftop can enjoy breathtaking views of Central Park and imagine making their way across the Hudson River to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The package also features a private helicopter ride to and from the game.
Additionally, it includes a cruise around New York Harbor on Mark’s 70-foot yacht, with dishes prepared by acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. With all these luxe services, the person settling the bill might need some time to unwind.
As stated on the Mark’s website, “Boldly extravagant yet deeply understated, the Mark Penthouse World Cup Package offers a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience the world’s biggest sporting event through the lens of New York’s most iconic hotel.”
If you’re looking for a more personal yet opulent experience, The Peninsula in Midtown is offering a five-day stay with two tickets to the finals for a cool $500,000.
This package includes chauffeur-driven transportation to matches, exclusive memorabilia from the World Cup, and other perks.
“This package allows World Football Finals fans to experience the best of the city with exclusive access to tickets,” the Peninsula proudly claims.
Meanwhile, Gansevoort in the Meatpacking District is presenting a relatively economical option, with its “ultimate football suite” in a penthouse duplex and two “premium” tickets for England vs. Panama on June 27 for just $30,000.
You can even take a helicopter to MetLife Stadium as part of the deal.
The hotel says the package features a “next-day recovery massage or facial by Maison Sisley,” along with treats such as Petrossian caviar.
If you’d rather dodge the crowds, Le Jardin-sur-Madison offers a private rooftop dining and event space on the 28th floor of One Madison Avenue, starting at $100,000.
This venue, which boasts views over Madison Square Park, can accommodate a seated dinner for 50 or a cocktail reception for 300, accompanied by exquisite cuisine from master chef Daniel Boulud and two large TV screens for the game.
Fine dining establishments are also making their own moves. Midtown’s Benjamin Steakhouse is offering a game day experience for $5,000, which includes a magnum of crystal and an impressive caviar service presented in a custom glass soccer ball.
In the Hamptons, Carissa restaurant charges $50,000 for a private table for eight in front of a massive 12-foot TV screen, along with premium champagne and gift packages from brands like Charlie Fox and Ruby Farms.
Chef Rafa Costa e Silva, hailing from Rio de Janeiro, will present a two-night pop-up in New York, featuring a 13-course tasting menu for $395 per person, celebrating Team Brazil. Diners can expect fresh seafood and a variety of flavors like palm heart and guava.
There are also plenty of budget-friendly options for soccer fans, with around 600 restaurants teaming up with NYC Tourism + Conventions to provide special $26 World Cup menus.
Dining spots like Red Rooster in Harlem, White Horse Tavern downtown, Morgan’s in Brooklyn, La Barraka in Queens, and Kills Boro Brewery in Staten Island are participating.
Morgan’s features a signature four-hour smoked chicken wing and a unique whiskey called Texas Two-Step, served with homemade iced tea.
Every order includes a collectible 24-ounce can, part of a reusable cup program across the five boroughs.
“It’s like Restaurant Weeklight,” said Morgan’s owner Matthew Glazier.
Ainsley Bowery in Soho has invested about $100,000 in creating an outdoor “street dining park” for events like the NBA Finals. Co-owner Sergio Riva mentioned the aim of fostering an engaging atmosphere where fans can unite to celebrate the excitement of New York sports and the World Cup.
Riva expressed, “The excitement in New York is unprecedented with the Knicks making the playoffs and hosting the FIFA World Cup.”
Meanwhile, I can hear it… Wednesday’s “Taste of Summer” at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park was quite the success.
Thirty-eight restaurants participated in this summertime tradition, which has been ongoing for over 25 years. Included were notable chefs like Michael Lomonaco and Rafael from The Ribben.
Over 850 people attended to support the Central Park Conservancy, with many just as excited about the Knicks’ game as the delicious food on offer.
The event raised over $1.4 million, chaired by various local figures.
On another note, I can hear it… Chef Eyal Shani is expanding his culinary business across New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
A new Miznon location opened at Barclays Center in May, adding to existing sites in Chelsea Market and Times Square. Looking forward, Shani plans to unveil a 4,000-square-foot Nafta Tomato in Williamsburg with dishes inspired by Israeli street food.
This expansion will bolster Shani’s New York presence with multiple restaurants like Shmonnet and Malka.
And there’s more… Dom Pérignon is collaborating with chef Reika Alexander for a series of pop-ups in New York and Los Angeles this month to celebrate Japanese brasseries.
This pop-up will be hosted at Highline Nine from June 12th to 14th, featuring a modern twist on the restaurant’s signature dish, and later at a gallery in Los Angeles. Reservations have closed, but attendees can look forward to an engaging experience with vintage champagnes, complete with a live mochi performance.
“This collaboration feels especially meaningful because we’re restoring a sense of New York that many thought had faded,” expressed Alexander, who has now relocated to Paris.
She fondly reflected on how her restaurant, EN, was a genuine space where various community members converged—a place where human connection thrived, especially during turbulent times.
