Parisian Luxury meets Tribeca Cool
Meet Michael McGinley, the General Manager of Fouquet’s New York who brings his New York flair to this Parisian escape in Tribeca. Read what’s planned for summer and the not-to-be-missed dishes at Brasserie Fouquet’s.
With over 15 years of hospitality experience, McGinley has held leadership positions at some of the most prestigious restaurants and hotels across the country, including Club Manager for B.B. King Blues Club and General Manager of Jake’s Steakhouse. In 2013, McGinley became the Director of Food and Beverage at Crosby Street Hotel, where he was eventually promoted to Assistant General Manager in 2016 and then to General Manager in 2021, where he remained until joining Fouquet’s New York in 2023.
How would you describe the vibe at Fouquet’s NY?
The ambiance strongly echoes the hotel’s Tribeca neighborhood: discreet, refined, and effortlessly cool. What makes Fouquet’s New York unique is the multitude of vibes coexisting simultaneously. For instance, one guest savors the moody vibe of our lobby bar, Titsou, where martinis flow along the marbled bar, while another enjoys the pure relaxation and tranquility of the guestrooms, which are incredibly light and airy.
What sets Fouquet’s apart from other properties in the area?
The French touch of Fouquet’s is our distinction. In my opinion, no one does luxury hospitality like the Parisians, and we are very proud to have adopted this unparalleled level of service to New York. Further, we have an incredible spread of guest space and amenities, including a full-service Spa, a private 66-seat cinema, a stunning rooftop lounge, two restaurants, a bar, and a DOGPOUND gym, which is very rare for a city hotel.
Which is your favorite suite and why?
The Hudson View Corner Terrace Suite is my favorite – the view is just incredible. The spacious corner terrace provides a perfect spot to enjoy stunning sights, day or night. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the suite with natural light. This unique blend of urban vibrancy and serene river views is very special.
What will the upcoming summer season bring for guests at Fouquet’s?
We just reopened our guest and members-only rooftop, Le Vaux for the second season. I see this space as our crown jewel, perched atop our eight-story hotel. The space has incredible wisteria vines innovatively woven together to guise as trees, and incredible views of downtown, which is a really magical combination. Furthermore, summer is the season for Terrace Suites! Fouquet’s boasts seven unique terrace suites, each featuring a large terrace with unobstructed views. We will also be hosting Paris Olympics screenings from our Cannes Cinema for guests and members all summer.
What are some of your guest's favorite neighborhood activities and experiences?
Fouquet’s is one block away from the Hudson River, which offers incredible views and gorgeous piers for picnics and paths for scenic runs, walks, and bike rides. We are a 10-minute walk from Soho and our guests often venture into the neighborhood to shop. Tribeca is also home to many art galleries.
Tell us about your executive chef at Brasserie Fouquet’s and which dishes shouldn’t be missed.
Chef Mathew Woolf oversees the culinary team at Fouquet’s New York and all four of our food and beverage locations (Brasserie Fouquet's New York, Élysée’s, Titsou Bar, and Le Vaux). Chef Woolf has cooked at a variety of some of the world's most renowned luxury hotels and restaurants, including The Rainbow Room, Claridge's Hotel and The Ritz Hotel in London, Michelin-starred Restaurant Sixteen in Chicago, as well as California's WEST Hotel Angeleno, Gordon Ramsay restaurants, and most recently, the White Barn Inn, the only five-star five diamond restaurant in New England. A fan favorite and a favorite of mine is the Fouquet’s Burger and fries.
Do you have any secret spots around the hotel?
Titsou Bar is a speakeasy, accessible through a secret sliding door in our lobby. It feels like you are transported to another era upon entering – Paris in the 1920s. PS, order the dirty martini.
What’s the one treatment not to miss at Spa Diane?
One of our most popular treatments is the “Body Balance Treatment,” which incorporates the healing properties of CBD. The skin is exfoliated, nourished and deeply massaged with a healing balm to target relief, improve flexibility, and promote an overall sense of well-being. We highly recommend this treatment to our guests after a long flight or after a killer personal training session at our fitness center, DOGPOUND.
What new things can we expect from the hotel in 2024 and beyond?
I am very confident that Fouquet’s New York is quickly becoming a luxury landmark hotel in New York. This year (2024) is going to continue to be a year of amazing events (we have welcomed Loewe, Tom Ford, Dior, and many luxury brands already this year and look forward to hosting more).
What would you like the Four Hundred member to know about Fouquet’s New York?
Four Hundred members are experts in luxury hospitality and the ultimate appreciators of outstanding service and beautiful spaces. We would love for them to know that this is what also epitomizes Fouquet’s New York, and we look forward to having them come and see the hotel and all it has to offer for themselves. We look forward to welcoming them to our Parisian escape in Tribeca. We also would like to invite Four Hundred members to learn more about our private membership program, Fouquet’s Le Club.
Contributor — Four Hundred by Design