During peak summer season in the Finger Lakes, crystal blue waters stretch and wind between soft curves of lush green trees, rows of grapevines drawing straight lines in the distance. This oft-overlooked area of Upstate New York is a bit of a natural wonderland, boasting fertile soil and cascading waterfalls surrounding the 11 spider-webbing lakes that give the region its name.

Guests arrived to find a nondescript metal door set into a brick building in the middle of an industrial neighborhood in Queens. Upon opening it, though, they were ushered into another world inside The Foundry. A lush landscape of iron flames built by fire-bright Le Creuset cast iron beautifully staged all around the space, brick alcoves set with vintage braisers glowing in spotlights that caught the light of champagne bubbles sparkling from welcome pours.

With flowers cascading down the staircases, glowy spritzes sweating in the sun, and pastel cocottes and platters from Le Creuset dotting the table, the Boathouse felt like a jewel box bursting with pastel tones as we celebrated the summer solstice, New York City style.