The third phase of the food program at Sir Richard Branson's first hotel in America will open to the public on Monday. Miss Ricky's, the Virgin Hotel's streetside ground-floor 16-hour diner, is a casual-yet-trendy space complete with a London phone booth converted into a host stand and a montage of ties and skirts as a decor piece. Colorful mismatched chairs sit at tables, booths and banquettes in front of an open bar and kitchen, while a more luxe private room, dubbed "The Casting Room," is decorated with movie set spotlights and plush curtains covering the walls.
The food: Chef Rick Gresh (David Burke's Primehouse) and team will churn out diner-style comfort food that isn't reinventing any wheels. There's pancakes, French toast, egg-based dishes and doughnuts for the morning; sandwiches, salads and comfort food apps and soups for the rest of the day. Two types of savory pies (fish, short rib) add a nod to the brand's British roots. Entrees include a rigatoni pasta with neckbone gravy and two cheeses; bell peppers stuffed with mixed grains, chickpeas, vegetables and feta; and fish and chips. Most items cost between $10 and $17.
Beginning Monday, Miss Ricky's will be open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.