After a fairly quiet summer, the fall has brought a slew of new venue openings, and the Flatiron district and the Gramercy Park area continue to be popular for bars, restaurants, and independent event spaces. Here's a look at three options suitable for client entertaining and events.
1. Discreetly hidden above Flatiron eatery Markt, Citrine is a small lounge that opened in October and is owned by nightlife entrepreneurs Adam Elzer, David Rodolitz, and Jon Gabel. Available for private events, this 2,200-square-foot spot features an open-plan space done up in a neutral color palette of wood tones and soft caramel-colored fabrics. Recessed color-changing lighting, projection screens, an elevated DJ booth, and uplit wall niches can be used for logos and branding. The entire space holds 200 people and offers a bar and banquette seating.
2. Replacing Scopa on the corner of 28th Street and Madison Avenue is Pranna, a restaurant and bar serving an eclectic array of dishes from South Asia. Encompassing 15,000 square feet, the Gramercy Park venue is designed with fixtures and furnishings that highlight the double-height ceilings and Asian cultures that inspired the menu. Interior accents include a custom crystal chandelier, a black granite bar, a glass-enclosed mezzanine, and a 60-foot-tall carved wall embedded with sculptures made from steel, wood, plaster, and fiberglass. For groups, there's the Gold Room, a private area that seats 20 boardroom-style, 30 banquet-style, or holds 50 for receptions.
3. Designed specifically for private gatherings is the Event Space, a joint venture between the Paige Restaurant Group and Staffing & Events byDavid. Earlier this month, this 5,500-square-foot venue took over the ground-floor spot formerly home to Lotus Space, which was, and still is, decorated with three large rectangular arches, glossy floors, and white walls. In addition to a full inventory of audiovisual equipment and high-speed Internet access, the Event Space also provides in-house catering, staffing, and drive-in access. The site holds 300 seated or 565 for receptions.
