For the Latest Asian Invasion
Joining the ranks of New York’s sumo-size Asian venues is Japonais, an 11,000-square-foot restaurant-lounge import from Chicago. Open since July, the swank spot is the newest place to take buzz-hungry guests this fall. In addition to two lounges, a sushi bar, and an outdoor veranda, Japonais offers up a 150-seat dining room, the focal point of which is an uplit tree sculpture made from light wood and blown glass pods. Sushi rolls, sashimi, and hot entrees make up the menu, as do cocktails infused with real fruit juices.For a Quiet Courtyard
After winning the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef in New York award in 2005, Andrew Carmellini had a wee bit of pressure on him when he opened A Voce the following March. Luckily, the chef’s talents paid off. A Voce, which translates to “word of mouth,” is a 4,000-square-foot modern Italian restaurant that caters to the neighborhood’s business lunch crowd. Caramel leather swivel chairs allow for great people-watching, and the venue’s 100-seat outdoor piazza is a quiet space for a private affair.
For Mediterranean Ambience
A standout amongst the sea of Park Avenue South restaurants is Barbounia, a Mediterranean eatery from the owners of Sushi Samba and Nice Matin that opened in November 2005. In a vaulted room swathed in sheer drapes, the restaurant blends small- and large-portion dishes with worldly wines and creative cocktails—adventurers can opt for the “Ouzo Menthe,” an ouzo-inspired take on the mojito. While Barbounia’s open kitchen gives way to a bustling atmosphere, the 100-seat dining room remains decidedly quiet.
For Multiple Options
If you’re looking for a special events coordinator with multiple space options, try Jodie Dallara, who represents PS 450 and Vig 27. Owned by Matt Wagman and Dan Lynch, the restaurant-lounges opened in March and September 2005 and are three blocks from one another. Outfitted with a supper club vibe, PS 450’s private space for 150 works for presentations, thanks to the room’s three plasma TVs and multimedia capabilities. The semiprivate room at Vig 27, in the former Aubette space, has a fireplace that can keep as many as 70 warm in the winter.
To See What Everyone's Talking About
After months of delays, Ian Schraeger’s much-anticipated reinvention of the Gramercy Park Hotel came to fruition in August. Decorated in a vivid palette of reds, blues, and greens, the 185-room hotel has more than 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including a boardroom facing the park and banquet space for 200. Park Chinois Restaurant from restaurateur Alan Yau is set to open in the fall, as are the Rose Bar and Jade Bar. Need another reason to go? All hotel guests can borrow coveted keys to Gramercy Park.
—Courtney Thompson
Photos: Emilie Baltz (A Voce), Monica Ruzansky (Barbounia)
Posted 10.03.06
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Venue Report: In-Your-Dreams Locations
Joining the ranks of New York’s sumo-size Asian venues is Japonais, an 11,000-square-foot restaurant-lounge import from Chicago. Open since July, the swank spot is the newest place to take buzz-hungry guests this fall. In addition to two lounges, a sushi bar, and an outdoor veranda, Japonais offers up a 150-seat dining room, the focal point of which is an uplit tree sculpture made from light wood and blown glass pods. Sushi rolls, sashimi, and hot entrees make up the menu, as do cocktails infused with real fruit juices.For a Quiet Courtyard
After winning the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef in New York award in 2005, Andrew Carmellini had a wee bit of pressure on him when he opened A Voce the following March. Luckily, the chef’s talents paid off. A Voce, which translates to “word of mouth,” is a 4,000-square-foot modern Italian restaurant that caters to the neighborhood’s business lunch crowd. Caramel leather swivel chairs allow for great people-watching, and the venue’s 100-seat outdoor piazza is a quiet space for a private affair.
For Mediterranean Ambience
A standout amongst the sea of Park Avenue South restaurants is Barbounia, a Mediterranean eatery from the owners of Sushi Samba and Nice Matin that opened in November 2005. In a vaulted room swathed in sheer drapes, the restaurant blends small- and large-portion dishes with worldly wines and creative cocktails—adventurers can opt for the “Ouzo Menthe,” an ouzo-inspired take on the mojito. While Barbounia’s open kitchen gives way to a bustling atmosphere, the 100-seat dining room remains decidedly quiet.
For Multiple Options
If you’re looking for a special events coordinator with multiple space options, try Jodie Dallara, who represents PS 450 and Vig 27. Owned by Matt Wagman and Dan Lynch, the restaurant-lounges opened in March and September 2005 and are three blocks from one another. Outfitted with a supper club vibe, PS 450’s private space for 150 works for presentations, thanks to the room’s three plasma TVs and multimedia capabilities. The semiprivate room at Vig 27, in the former Aubette space, has a fireplace that can keep as many as 70 warm in the winter.
To See What Everyone's Talking About
After months of delays, Ian Schraeger’s much-anticipated reinvention of the Gramercy Park Hotel came to fruition in August. Decorated in a vivid palette of reds, blues, and greens, the 185-room hotel has more than 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including a boardroom facing the park and banquet space for 200. Park Chinois Restaurant from restaurateur Alan Yau is set to open in the fall, as are the Rose Bar and Jade Bar. Need another reason to go? All hotel guests can borrow coveted keys to Gramercy Park.
—Courtney Thompson
Photos: Emilie Baltz (A Voce), Monica Ruzansky (Barbounia)
Posted 10.03.06
Related Stories
Venue Report: Where to Go in Midtown East
Venue Report: Where to Go in the Theater District
Venue Report: Where to Go in the Financial District
Venue Report: Where to Go in the Upper East Side
Venue Report: You Asked, We Found
Venue Report: In-Your-Dreams Locations
Japonais
A Voce
Barbounia
Gramercy Park Hotel
