WINTER 2015/16
COM MUN IQUÉ WINTER 2015-2016
INSIDE DISH| 4 COMING IN HOT | 10 TRAVEL ATTACHÉ | 12 NY UNDERGROUND | 18 CURTAIN CALL | 26
INSIDE DISH
MICHAEL WHITE
WHILE WE MAY WORK TIRELESSLY TO SECURE THE HOTTEST TABLES IN TOWN, IT’S THE POWERHOUSES BEHIND THE SCENES MAKING THE DINING EXPERIENCE SO SOUGHT AFTER. WE SAT DOWN WITH THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE CULINARY LEGEND...LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MICHAEL WHITE.
COMMUNIQUÉ | WINTER 2015-2016
INSIDE DISH
IMAGE COURTESY OF MAREA
LA: Tell us about one of your proudest moments as a chef/restaurateur. MW: When Marea won a James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in the country in 2010. LA: You’ve got quite the coterie of restaurants here on the east coast, and on top of that, Chop Shop in London, Al Molo in Hong Kong, and a second Ristorante Morini in Istanbul. How do you divide your time between hemispheres? MW: I do whirlwind trips...London, Istanbul to Hong Kong. I spend a lot of time on the phone and via email with my teams across the world. LA: Take us through a day in the life of Michael White. MW: Morning time on my couch with my ipad and my feet up...or late night when I get home and can spend a few minutes with my wife and daughter before going to bed...usually with a diet pepsi and a light snack. Quiet time is my favorite time after spending long days and nights in the kitchens. LA: You’ve taken the plunge into French cuisine with the recent opening of Vaucluse. What was the impetus behind straying from your Italian concepts, and why that particular department of Provence? MW: I studied in kitchens throughout France and Italy. I love French cuisine and experimented with it first at Ai Fiori.
COMMUNIQUÉ |WINTER 2015-2016
INSIDE DISH
LA: If you had to choose just one dish between all of your restaurants to eat for the rest of your life, which would it be? MW: Handmade pasta with butter and parmigiano. I never eat in my restaurants, but when I do, especially after I’ve been traveling, that’s the one thing I go for. LA: Susy, our Attaché at The Plaza Residences, would like to know how you make the octopus so tender and amazing in the fusilli at Marea. In her words, it’s “illegally delicious.”
IMAGE COURTESY OF VAUCLUSE
MW: It’s braised in red wine for hours. LA: Let’s talk spirits. Are you a wine or cocktail kind of guy? MW: I’m not a huge drinker but I like a Dark & Stormy or a delicious red bordeaux. The last one I loved was 2011 Côte-Rotie “Neve” from Louis Barruol. Old school Northern Rhone syrah made under the guidance of the most important American importer of French wines, Kermit Lynch.
MW: I love sushi and chowder at Lure, a burger at Joe Jr.’s, Chinese at Red Farm, and Thai at Sripraipai in Woodside. LA: Any new projects coming up? We can keep a secret. MW: So can I :)
LA: What are some of your favorite spots in NYC outside of Altamarea Group? COMMUNIQUÉ | WINTER 2015-2016
COMING IN HOT
THE TURN OF THE SEASON BRINGS A SERIOUS SERVING OF NEW NYC RESTAURANTS, BACKED BY SOME OF OUR FAVORITE CULINARY HEAVY-HITTERS AND AWAITING THE FOODIE MASSES YEARNING FOR NEW TERRITORY. WE’VE ROUNDED UP THE CRÈME DE LA CRÈME OF THE SEASON FOR THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ON WHERE TO EAT, DRINK, AND BE SEEN THIS WINTER.
IMAGE COURTESY OF OLENKA KOTYK
MAMAN TRIBECA DECEMBER
On the heels of their first location, the Maman trifecta heads to TriBeCa with hearty home-cooked French fare. The café by day/ dinner club by night concept between partners Armand Arnal, Benjamin Sormonte, and Elisa Marshall has proven to far exceed the confines of its quaint NoLIta space, and we can’t wait for Chef Arnal’s wings to spread. Bring on the madeleines.
LE COQ RICO DECEMBER
This Paris transplant, courtesy of Alsatian chef Antoine Westermann and his three Michelin stars, comes to Flatiron with whole-roasted birds, duck rillettes, fried chicken heart, and more on the horizon.
MOMOSAN RAMEN & SAKE DECEMBER
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s at it again, this time with a full-fledged ramen concept specializing in two types of broth: chicken and pork bone tonkotsu, flanked by a roster of side dishes best paired with a healthy amount of sake.
UNNAMED DAN KLUGER PROJECT DECEMBER
ABC vet Dan Kluger’s unnamed project remains shrouded in mystery, but what we do know is that the Eighth Street location boasts 110 seats, a bona fide bar, private dining spaces, and a wood-fire grill. His signature seasonal fare will shine as the focus of the menu.
ROUGE TOMATE DECEMBER
Tears were shed as RT’s Upper East Side location shuttered after a six-year run, but fret not: the Chelsea rebirth is underway. Housed in a bi-level former horse stable on West 18th Street, Rouge Tomate two-point-oh is one to watch.
SALVATION BURGER JANUARY
April Bloomfield takes her coveted burger secrets uptown to East 51st, slated to open officially in January. We suppose we’ll have to settle for the Spotted Pig’s Roquefort patty in the meantime.
LA SIRENA JANUARY
Dream team and dynamic duo Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich have taken over the Maritime Hotel in their latest venture, bringing a 250-seat plaza-level trattoria to the Chelsea masses this month. Hopefully. The pair’s first opening in years has us slightly giddy, and with Chef Josh Laurano at the helm, consider our calendars marked.
PASQUALE JONES JANUARY
The still-unnamed spinoff from the Charlie Bird trio has NYC foodies awaiting with bated breath, and for good reason. Robert Bohr, Grant Reynolds, and Ryan Hardy have teamed up with San Francisco chef Tim Caspare for the sequel to the Greenwich Village favorite, this time out east on Kenmare.
COMMUNIQUÉ | WINTER 2015-2016
TRAVEL ATTACHÉ
Winter Wonderland WITH THE HOLIDAY TRAVEL BUG IN FULL SWING, THERE’S NO BETTER TIME FOR A GETAWAY FILLED WITH SNOW ESCAPADES, HOT COCOA, AND A STUNNING BACKDROP -AND WE’VE GOT OUR EYE ON THE COUNTRY’S MOST COVETED DESTINATIONS.
COMMUNIQUÉ | WINTER 2015-2016
TRAVEL ATTACHÉ
PITCHER INN WARREN, VERMONT Nestled in Vermont’s Mad River Valley, the historic Pitcher Inn unites colonial charm with Victorian elegance -- the ultimate getaway for travelers with a penchant for storied architecture paired with the prestige of Relais & Châteaux. The inn’s 11 suites are rich in detail, each thoughtfully crafted based on varied themes, including the
“Mountain Room,” the “Ski Room,” and the “Chester Arthur Room” dedicated to the Vermont-born politician and 21st U.S. president. When not taking in the stunning New England scenery, guests can retreat to the inn’s seasonal market-inspired restaurant in between ski trips and in-room massages, or spend an afternoon exploring the ultra-quaint town of Warren in its wintry glory. Luxury Attaché clients enjoy dinner for two on us, among other exclusive perks. IMAGE COURTESY OF CARRIER.CO.UK
COMMUNIQUÉ | SUMMER 2015
IMAGE COURTESY OF SWISS DELUX HOTELS
KULM HOTEL ST. MORITZ ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND Nothing says “ski weekend” like a getaway to the birthplace of the winter holiday. Travel Attaché offers unparalleled access to Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, boasting uncompromising luxury in the heart of the Swiss Alps since 1856. Embark on a private helicopter tour for breathtaking views of Lake
St. Moritz, hit the slopes for an unforgettable ski experience, or cool down in the salt grotto or steam baths. And because vacation is hard work, there’s always time to sit back and bask in the hotel’s history -- the very place that held the Olympic Games in 1928. Luxury Attaché clients enjoy exclusive perks to the property and its stunning amenities. COMMUNIQUÉ | WINTER 2015-2016
TRAVEL ATTACHÉ
ST. REGIS ASPEN, COLORADO A Gilded-Age mountainside manor set against pristine slopes? Sign us up. Aspen’s most coveted address is the place to be at any time of year, and with an internationally acclaimed restaurant and award-winning spa, this postcard destination never ceases to please. Perfect for romantic getaways and family vacations alike, the list of ac-
tivities and amenities is endless...think ski and snowboard clinics, snowmobiling, winter fly fishing, horse-drawn carriage rides through town, and naturally, the ultimate après ski experience with fireside s’mores. Work up an appetite for an evening out at Chefs Club, FOOD & WINE Magazine’s original location and sister to the New York outpost -- both beautifully curated and home to the country’s most celebrated culinary talent. IMAGE COURTESY OF ST REGIS ASPEN
IMAGE COURTESY OF TRILOGY ADVENTURE
MONTAGE DEER VALLEY PARK CITY, UTAH Cozy, spacious rooms, blazing fireplaces, and sprawling views of the alpine terrain make this Deer Valley resort a must-stay. Adventurers call this luxurious resort home every season, hitting the slopes with Olympian Shannon Bahrke for a private lesson
or two, hopping aboard a jet to explore the surrounding Canyonlands, or kicking back in a suite to bask in Montage’s sheer beauty. Book with your Travel Attaché before December 31 and enjoy a $100 spa bonus, plus room upgrades, breakfast, and more. Luxury Attaché clients enjoy exclusive perks with St. Regis hotels. COMMUNIQUÉ | WINTER 2015-2016
NY UNDERGROUND
N E W U N D E R G
WITH DOORS OPENING AND CLOSING LEFT AND RIGHT UNDERTAKING TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT’S NEW AND SOMETIMES, THE HIDDEN GEMS, THE NEIGHBORHOOD NEW YORKER, ARE EXACTLY WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDER OF THE BEST. TAKE A BREAK FROM THE MAD DAS
Y O R K G R O U N D
T ACROSS NEW YORK’S DINING SCENE, IT’S QUITE THE D HOT, AND CHASING THE HYPE CAN BE EXHAUSTING. D FAVORITES, THOSE UNCOVERED ONLY BY THE TRUE RED...AND THE REASON WE’VE ROUNDED UP THE BEST SH AND VISIT OUR UNDER-THE-RADAR FAVORITES.
COMMUNIQUÉ | WINTER 2015-2016
NY UNDERGROUND
LOUIE AND CHAN Tucked snugly in the beating heart of the Lower East Side and housed in a former tenement, Louie & Chan is our favorite conundrum. A juxtaposition of sorts, this bi-level beauty is a total catch with its dual-personality concept: inspired by a fable between Chinatown and Little Italy, the darkly romantic restaurant-meets-lounge-meets-af-
ter-hours-hotspot is the ultimate place to spend the evening. The entire evening...really. Start off with a cocktail in at the bar upstairs followed by dinner at a table nearby, or make it a private affair with the intimate space next door (available for events and dinners upon request), wrapping up with a nightcap or three in the downstairs lounge.
IMAGE COURTESY OF LOUIE AND CHAN
IMAGE COURTESY OF CENTER BAR NYC
CENTER BAR We’ve all either been in or passed by the Time Warner Center a thousandfold. What some may not know is that one of Midtown’s most glorious cocktail bars hides in plain sight on the second floor of the glass-ensconced structure, overlooking the ultimate view of Central Park South in its twinkling dusky glory -- the perfect backdrop for a killer cocktail alongside a light bite or even a full-on dinner. Center Bar shares a kitchen with Chef Michael Lomonaco’s Porter House New York, so there’s
that. What truly shines here (aside from Chef’s magic, obviously) are the cocktails... they’re serious here, people. And by serious, we mean homage to cocktail history and tradition is at the forefront, and no detail is spared. Go for the Kings Old Fashioned, crafted with Elijah Craig bourbon, black walnut, Kingston cubes, and bitters -- a rich, nutty take on the classic. For those in search of a lighter spirit, the Stone Ridge steals the show with rum, raspberry, lemon, and egg white, shaken to perfection. Nothing like a cocktail with a view, now is there? COMMUNIQUÉ | WINTER 2015-2016
NY UNDERGROUND
MR. JONES Rumor has it there’s a time machine in the Trump SoHo -- and it goes by the name of Mr. Jones. A flashback to the 1960s, this retro-seductive cocktail den is a lava lamp haven inspired by a well-heeled bon vivant: Mr. Jones. With live music three nights a week and a glorious Americana-themed menu with outta-this-world cocktails and bites, this SoHo spot is quite the find. Globetrotters, this one’s for the books. IMAGE COURTESY OF GOTHAMIST
IMAGE COURTESY OF TESSA
TESSA Let’s just start off by saying that this Mediterranean-inspired gem is totally worth the trek to the Upper West Side -- even if just for the rustic, industrial-chic décor (the killer menu by Daniel and Bouley vet Chef Edwin Claflin doesn’t hurt either). Vibrant dishes and cocktails, thoughtful in compo-
sition and honest in construction, are the highlight here, paired with a beautifully curated wine list to boot. Whether tacked on to a show at Lincoln Center or The Beacon, or even an opportunity to explore the neighborhood, this UWS hotspot is quickly becoming the modern standby that this ‘hood needed. COMMUNIQUÉ | WINTER 2015-2016
NY UNDERGROUND
ANGUS CLUB Just when we thought we’d seen it all in NYC’s steakhouse scene, Angus Club popped up on our radar and we couldn’t resist the urge to get a firsthand look... especially with dry aged porterhouse involved. This hidden gem is so much more than meets the eye, greeting guests with a quaint, intimate entrance making way to a sprawling subterranean dining room, giving a cocoon-esque feel to the impeccably dressed tables perched throughout. IMAGE COURTESY OF ANGUS CLUB STEAKHOUSE
IMAGE COURTESY OF EATER
BACK ROOM Elevated luxury...literally and figuratively. One57’s Back Room is nothing short of a breath of fresh air atop the Midtown madness, an oasis of superb cuisine and refreshingly impeccable service, upping the ante with a beautifully designed bar leading into the quiet, opulent dining room. Cozy up to a corner banquette over breakfast, lunch, or dinner, gazing out across the bustle below. COMMUNIQUÉ | WINTER 2015-2016
CURTAIN CALL
CURTAIN CALL BROADWAY’S BIGGEST OPENINGS
HUGHIE
THE CRUCIBLE
After 50 years of dormancy, this Eugene O’Neill play will make a valiant return to Broadway. Oscar-winning actor Forrest Whitaker will play the lead role of Erie Smith, a hustler who reveals the tales of his life to a Manhattan hotel clerk during the summer of 1928.
Set during the 17th Century Salem, The Crucible circles in on Puritan community that goes into a frenzy after suspicions of witchcraft fly among them. The 2016 revival will include Tony Award-winning actress Sophie Okonedo, Ben Whishaw, and Saoirse Ronan, who will make her Broadway debut in the lead role of Abigail Williams.
Previews 2/5/2016, Opening 2/25/2016
BLACKBIRD
Previews 2/5/2016, Opening 3/10/2016 Actors Jeff Daniels and Michelle Williams will star in this two-man show that follows a confrontation between a 50-something office worker (Daniels) and a 27-year-old woman, (Williams) with whom he had a relationship 15 years prior.
ECLIPSED
Previews 3/7/2016, Opening 3/31/2016 In her first-ever Broadway production, Lupita Nyong’o delivers a compelling performance as a captive wife of a rebel officer during the Liberian Civil War in 2003. After an intrepid run at the Public Theater, the play will relaunch at the John Golden Theater in March.
Previews 2/29/2016, Opening 4/7/2016
AMERICAN PSYCHO Previews 2/24/2016, Opening TBA
This cult classic made Patrick Bateman an icon of the early 2000s -- now he’s back, hitting the stage in the very first Broadway production of American Psycho. The cast is composed of Broadway’s most elite, starring the likes of Benjamin Walker, Alice Ripley, Jennifer Damiano, and Helene Yorke, with a score written by the one and only Duncan Sheik of Spring Awakening fame. Contact your Attaché for tickets and updates.
COMMUNIQUÉ | WINTER 2015-2016
COMMUNIQUÉ WINTER 2015-2016 CEO/Founder JENENE RONICK Director Marketing/Communications LORRAINE WILE Editorial CÉLINE BOSSART Design/Production LORRAINE WILE Editorial Assistant DANA HEYWARD Special Thanks MICHAEL WHITE LUXURY ATTACHÉ 118 East 25th Street, 8th Floor New York NY 10010 www.luxuryattache.com
IMAGE COURTESY OF PADURARIU ALEXANDRU
COMMUNIQUÉ | WINTER 2015-2016