St. Giles Grand Hotel, which operates The Tuscany and The Court, two Murray Hill hotels, is actively looking for restaurateurs who can “re-create and bring the magic” of the days when Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn frequented the properties.
Cesar Avery, Tuscany’s general manager, said the 39th Street hotel, in the midst of a major renovation, will feature a café and lounge, called “Audrey,” in homage to Hepburn. The hotel’s penthouse is a stunning full floor with a wraparound terrace.
***
Patrick Boland’s The District, a new American-style Irish gastro pub — think steak, hamburgers and shepherd’s pie — at Third Avenue at East 94th Street has just opened.
The 1,500 square-foot space, formerly an Indian restaurant, was renovated by designer Benjamin Kay of Adorn Designs into a Victorian bar vibe with industrial twist.
Four large antique mirrors are recessed on a paneled ceiling with more than 100 bulbs, and a large accent wall holds antique machine boxes and a 100-year-old stained glass window along with a 40-foot long bar in mahogany and steel. The 32-table restaurant’s centerpiece is a 40-foot long bar in mahogany and steel.
Kay’s latest bars include The Corner Social in Harlem, Linen Hall and the Penny Farthing at 13th Street and Third Avenue and Putnam’s in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.
Kay is also working on two projects on Amsterdam Avenue: an 850 square-foot restaurant at 106th Street and the Grange at 145th Street, a country-style, home-cooking spot in 1,100 square feet with a library and party space.
***
SIGHTING: Chef Tyler Florence, in town to promote his latest cookbook, “Fresh,” dining at Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria in NoHo.
WE HEAR . …. that the James Beard Foundation is launching a “Women in Culinary Leadership Cookoff,” conceived by World Bank economist-turned-restaurateur Rohini Dey.