Finally, the Plaza gets a dining destination worthy of its grand setting.
Today, the landmark hotel debuts the expansion of its Food Hall — which re-envisions the basement level as New York’s own version of Harrods.
Gone are the former retail area’s fluorescent lights and zombie sales clerks.
Instead, you’re greeted by Jeffrey Beers’ welcoming new design and nonstop food options that vastly expand upon the successful Todd English Food Hall, which opened in June 2010 and doubled in size this past winter.
PHOTOS: WHAT TO EAT AT THE PLAZA FOOD HALL
“It’s European-inspired,” says Beers, who added skylight-style lighting to cast warm hues and mosaic tile floors for polish in the charming new arcade.
It’s here you’ll find a mouth-watering mix of city institutions (Sushi of Gari, William Greenberg Desserts) and upstart favorites (Luke’s Lobster, No. 7 Sub) sure to appeal to locals and tourists alike.
And there’s plenty of sweets to fuel your inner Eloise — from down-home Billy’s Bakery to gourmet Lady M and everything in between. (Eloise has her own adorable retail store, too.)
Some shops are free-standing, while a few have their own storefronts. Most seating is available at marble-top communal and cafe tables.
“We worked hard on the curation,” says Kristin Franzese, the Plaza’s executive vice president of retail, of all the gourmet goods. “[The Food Hall is] democratic. I don’t think anyone will be intimidated [by the offerings]. They’re aspirational, but attainable.”
The new Plaza Food Hall is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with some shops planning to mimic the hours of the Todd English Food Hall, which stays open until 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
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Most shops are open starting today, though a few are expected to debut in the coming months.