New York Observer Covers Aureole's Anniversary and Spring Move to One Bryant Park

New York Observer

Charlie Palmer's Halo to Hover over Bryant Park

By Chris Shott

"I don't look into the past as much as some people—I always look forward," Mr. Palmer said, speaking by phone last week from Sonoma County, Calif., where he owns and operates the boutique Hotel Healdsburg and its in-house Dry Creek Kitchen.

"I think for Aureole to continue to grow as a brand and as something special that we needed to do something drastic," he said. "We've literally torn that restaurant apart five times and redone it right down to the cement walls. And, you know, it's a brownstone—it's not going to change. There are a lot of physical limitations to that space. As cozy and romantic as it is, the bar is only four seats!"

He'll have space for an entire bar room with seating for 60 in the new, nearly 10,000-square-foot location, which is scheduled to open this spring with a more modern, Adam Tihany-designed look and more casual offerings than the traditional Aureole customer would be used to. Barroom patrons can even order items a la carte.

"Come into Aureole now and it's a big-deal experience—that's all we offer," said Mr. Palmer, noting that more formal dining will take place separately in an intimate 55-seat room (roughly 30 fewer chairs than the existing dining area).

"The way people dine is different now, 20 years later," he explained. "Some nights you have diners that are going out for the big-deal dinner. They're entertaining clients. They have friends from out of town and they want to show them a great time. Then there are other nights where you just want to grab something quick to eat, a great glass of wine or cocktail, and you don't want that huge commitment.

"What we're really focusing on here is solid, amazing food, amazing service and an amazing wine list, but deliver it in a way that people are really comfortable and it's not stuffy and not over the top," Mr. Palmer continued.

For full article:
http://www.observer.com/2008/real-estate/charlie-palmer-s-halo-hover-over-bryant-park

« Return to News & Events