One of the best ways to spend a rainy Sunday in New York City? Good friends, good food, and something a little unexpected. Bonus points if there’s art and culture mixed in. On a recent gray afternoon, we hit the jackpot at Genesis House — a beautifully designed space in the Meatpacking District that manages to merge luxury, calm, and creativity under one roof.
We went down initially to catch the Forest exhibit, a buzzed-about installation that promised to awaken the senses. But to our delight, we discovered there was a stunning restaurant upstairs, and we decided to turn the outing into a true New York experience: an indulgent, multi-course tasting menu with beverage pairings, the kind of lunch that turns into an afternoon.
The meal was a standout — every course thoughtfully crafted and beautifully plated. My favorite? The first course, a delicate and refreshing mulhwe, which set the tone for the rest of the experience. Dessert was equally memorable: a pear shaved ice served in a gorgeous bowl designed to keep the dish perfectly chilled. Aesthetics and flavor in harmony.
Our server, Ali, was knowledgeable, warm, and unpretentious — striking that ideal New York balance of cool and kind. We felt taken care of without feeling fussed over.
After lunch, we descended the stairs into the Forest installation, where we were immediately greeted by an expansive wall of moss and peonies. The greeter smiled mischievously and asked, “Real or fake?” We debated: three said fake, one said real. (I’ll let you guess who got it right — LOL.)
From there, the exhibit opened into a series of interconnected rooms filled with lush peonies, greenery, and an ambient soundscape that reminded me of my favorite sound bath class — meditative, soothing, immersive. There was a specific flow to the experience, as guests are directed to walk in a single direction, but the best part? You can loop through as many times as you like. Naturally, I went twice. (Sorry for the wait, friends — but I think we all knew that was coming.)
The installation’s multi-sensory elements — including 360 surround digital projections — elevated it beyond a typical floral display. It was immersive and elegant, and it left me feeling restored in the best way.
Genesis House isn’t just a place to eat and see new cars — it’s a space to slow down, to engage, to delight. A true gem for the senses, and a perfect NYC Sunday reset. So looking forward to their next installation!!
🧑🎨 About Frame of Reference
Written by Sara L. Gable, a lifelong arts advocate and marketing professional, Frame of Reference explores the intersection of creativity, culture, and commerce. With a career spanning two decades in brand-building and a deep personal connection to the arts, Sara brings a unique lens to how we experience, support, and sustain artistic institutions. In 2025, she will begin a Master’s program in Visual Arts Administration at NYU Steinhardt, continuing her journey toward shaping the future of the arts.
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