taste
The Baylander SHIP AHOY! DOCKS IN NEW YORK
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BY LILLIAN LANGTRY anhattan’s most original new outdoor drinks and dining concept has officially docked.
The USS Baylander, moored in West Harlem Piers Park at 125th Street, is the world’s smallest aircraft carrier, first serving in the Vietnam War in 1968. Now, after a stint as a helicopter landing trainer in Pensacola, the ship’s crew are slinging drinks to civilians atop its flight deck – or “Steel Beach,” in Naval slang.
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“We wanted to create the casual, fun atmosphere of a beer garden style restaurant on the water that really offered something for everyone,” said Michael Trenk, partner of The Baylander’s owner, Ian Duke. “Then when Covid-19 arrived, we realized that we had one of the largest outdoor spots in Manhattan. The response has been overwhelming.” Open mid-afternoon to evening, The Baylander’s Steel Beach offers beers, frozen drink and classic cocktails with a nautical twist, like its “Port Side
Paloma,” “Admiral’s Punch” and “Damn the Torpedoes” (Cazadores reposado tequila, Chacho jalapeño aguardiente, triple sec, fresh lime and blood orange juice). The ship’s mess offers a menu of waterside favorites like lobster rolls, firecracker flash-fried calamari and beer-battered fish and chips. To ensure safety, The Baylander has reduced capacity to 125 persons on its deck, which is large
