James Andrew at Park Avenue Summer - photo Lars Stephan

We here at WIJW have a passion for elevated living, and delight in bringing you our very best finds. Perhaps this is why our recent lunch at Park Avenue Summer has us so aglow.

Park Avenue takes things a step further than most – not only do they tailor their excellent cuisine to each season, but they elegantly transform their interior space as well, creating that total sensory experience WIJW talks about so much!

With a nod to the travels of the famous eighteenth century explorer Captain James Cook, each season’s Park Avenue design loosely references one of Cook’s expeditions. The current Park Avenue Summer is inspired by the Galapagos, with a classic, naturalist vibe while still maintaining a modernist sensibility – white cast tortoise shells hang on gorgeous lacquered panels, salvaged wood with hints of white paint recall summers spent at a treasured seaside destination – the effect provides a cooling escape from the city heat.

Cuisine at Park Avenue

Their esteemed master chef Craig Koketsu has created a refreshing summer table, with a selection of what one craves this time of year – lobster, summer corn, tomatoes… – the freshest and best that this season has to offer, all exquisitely and inspiringly reinterpreted.

I hope this is not too cruel, but I simply have to describe our fantastic luncheon – we began with a scrumptious selection of appetizers – salmon tartar, prosciutto and melon, a sublime butter and sugar corn soup, and crisp artichokes, followed by, and this is no exaggeration, the best lobster salad we have ever had – a lovely rosé to wet the palate – and a tasting of a variety of the most perfect seasonal deserts punctuated the afternoon.

Park Avenue Summer is a true culinary and visual adventure.

Just as I enjoy the change in seasons, with all the possibility that each new designer collection brings, I look forward to Park Avenue Autumns’s offerings this September. I’ll be sure to bring you a glimpse of this remarkable restaurant and its new interior incarnation then!

Located on Park Avenue at 63rd Street, I find it quick and easy to pop in for a gorgeous lunch or dinner. Here in the stunning dining room, I’m wearing a chartreuse suede safari jacket by Gucci, white cotton voile safari shirt, silver chain link belt, python loafers all by Gucci, and bright yellow jeans by Cassette.

James Andrew at Union Prime

I am wearing a black linen denim jacket with suede elbow patches by Gucci, a Yves Saint Laurent shirt in white and black cotton micro plaid, Hermes coral silk pocket square, Seaman Schepps cufflinks in coral and shell, black skinny jeans by Diesel, black patent leather belt with silver grommet holes and silver leather trim by Gucci, black patent leather shoes are also by Gucci.

James Andrew at La Concha

In celebration of abundance within and without, I am dressing the part of an Indian Prince in Puerto Rico! White cotton safari jacket by Gucci with another elegant richly embroidered cotton voile Kurta (thanks to my gorgeous friend Kuki who brought these back for me from India), Diesel white skinny jeans, strappy brown leather sandals by Gucci and Dior sunglasses.

I am wearing a Gucci black cashmere topcoat, over a white cotton/nylon jacket by G-star, grey cashmere turtleneck sweater by Gucci, Sermoneta pale blue peccary gloves, black skinny jeans by Diesel, Yves Saint Laurent “Windsor” loafers in black leather, Gucci black leather tote and glasses by Dior.

Standing in front of Payard after a scrumptious meal I am wearing a Gucci shearling jacket, pale blue peccary gloves by Sermoneta (thank you Randy), Pale blue cashemere turtleneck sweater, grey flannel pants, brown leather “Chelsea” boots and brown suede and leather satchel all by Gucci, Glasses are Dior.