STARTER
Le Crocodile Wythe Hotel BROOKLYN
H
aving kickstarted a wave of stylish
explains. “Because we had such an incredible
Brooklyn openings in 2012, Wythe Hotel
scale and existing height in the building to start,
is now seeking to reinstate its F&B offer
we decided to let the eye rest and played with a
with the introduction of Le Crocodile, a new ground floor brasserie styled on the touchstones of old-world hospitality.
Words: Kristofer Thomas Photography: © Read McKendree
030
Chefs Jake Leiber and Aidan O’Neal of Brooklyn hotspot Chez Ma Tante serve up a local
Designed by Loren Daye of New York-based
take on French classics, having previously been
studio Loveisenough, in collaboration with
drafted by Neidich to oversee the lighter food
Golden Age Hospitality restaurateur Jon Neidich,
offer at the hotel’s rooftop bar, Lemon’s.
Le Crocodile takes the form of an elongated
In defining the new concept, the trio travelled
dining room defined by exposed red brick walls
across Europe to experience old-world venues
and towering original windows from the hotel’s
and sample various cuisines. The resulting
former life as a waterfront factory.
menu includes highlights such as boudin blanc
Inspired by the traditional coffee houses of
sausage with shellfish bisque and aioli; steak
Vienna, the space is bright by day and softly lit
frite au poivre; and escargots with parsley and
by night, with globe lights and custom fixtures
pernod, while the dessert menu features French
hanging above burgundy leather booths and
favourites of tarte tatin, profiteroles, tarte au
dark walnut tables. Timber wall panelling and a
citron and madeleines.
marble bar complete the look, with an expansive
IN A BITE Operator: Golden Age Hospitality Interior Design: Loveisenough Head Chefs: Jake Leiber and Aidan O’Neal www.lecrocodile.com
contrast of ideas and concepts instead.”
run of mirrors mounted to reflect the scene.
Neidich and Golden Age Hospitality – the group behind Manhattan cocktail bar Slowly
“We thought a lot about what makes a
Shirley and American bistro Acme – took over
great room with play of scale, sightlines, good
Wythe Hotel’s F&B programme in early 2019,
acoustics, layering of light, hidden moments
with Le Crocodile marking the culmination of a
and architecture to anchor yourself to,” Daye
12-month refurbishment programme.
