Lauren Ortiz is a manager at the Summer Garden & Bar, the open-air restaurant that replaces the iconic Rockefeller Center Rink during the summer season. We sat down with Lauren to chat about refreshing summer cocktails, celebrity guests and what she’s looking forward to this summer.
Lauren, tell us about a quintessential summer night at the Summer Garden & Bar. What should your guests expect?
Summer evenings are magical. I love the late afternoon and early evening, when the sun is coming down and the music is a little more lively. From our vantage point, there’s a beautiful view of all the buildings—everything is lit up, the sound of the water is in the background. It’s all so vibrant and relaxing.
Can you give us the inside scoop on the best summer items to order?
I would order the tagliatelle pasta: it comes with shrimp, roasted corn, smoked bacon, asparagus and corn milk. It’s not too much, but very filling, creamy and delicious. And while I was waiting for it, I would sip on a classic mojito—very refreshing with lots of mint and lime—and soak up the atmosphere. I adore our milk chocolate and peanut butter bar, with strawberry rhubarb jam on the side. The portion is generous enough to share, or you could have one all to yourself. It’s a modern take on peanut butter and jelly that will remind you of childhood summers.
Do you have any fun on-the-job celebrity stories?
Recently Bill Nye the Science Guy came in. A lot of my colleagues remembered him from school and all of his fun science lessons. Taye Diggs also came in recently to watch a game and enjoy a meal. He was a real gentleman. I think celebrities enjoy our relaxed atmosphere and attentive, personal service.
What do you like best about working at Rockefeller Center?
I love meeting new guests and bonding with regulars. Some guests come in every day, or even twice a day. I love that there is always something going on here—an Easter egg hunt, an art exhibition—and the energy that surrounds that. The mix of New Yorkers and visitors is fabulous. I get to meet people from all over the globe.
And a lot of people make reservations after they propose at Top of the Rock. We get to share that exciting moment with them. I also love when people don’t realize that the Summer Garden & Bar is here—they come looking for the Rink and are surprised to find a restaurant. They usually sit down, order a cocktail and take it all in.
