The Tao of all Taos is coming to the Maritime Hotel.
The Tao Group has signed a lease to open a 22,000 square-foot restaurant/lounge at 363 W. 16th St., Side Dish has learned.
Its size alone will dwarf that of the original Tao in Midtown — massive in its own right at 12,000 square feet. The Tao at 42 E. 58th St. launched a generation of restaurant/lounges with its iconic giant Buddha more than a decade ago, followed by the opening of a second Tao in Las Vegas’ Venetian Hotel.
“We weren’t really looking to open up another location, but it is an amazing space,” said Paul Goldstein, one of the partners at Tao and Lavo. “We couldn’t pass up the opportunity.”
Goldstein said the new location is slated to open next March in the Maritime Hotel with executive chef Ralph Scamardella. It will take over the space that once housed Matsuri and the Hiro Ballroom.
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The gastropub trend is heading uptown. The Penrose has signed a lease at 1590 Second Ave., the former home of Ship of Fools.
“No longer will residents have to pay a $20 cab ride downtown to enjoy a pint and excellent food in a high-end yet comfortable atmosphere,” said Jay Gilbert, associate director at Newmark Knight Frank Retail, who represented building owner Eberhart Bros. in the deal.
The lease is for 2,300 square feet on the ground level and an additional 1,700 square feet on the lower level.
The Penrose is the latest gastropub venture for a group that recently launched The Wren in the Bowery, Bua in the East Village, Wilfie & Nell in the West Village and Sweet Afton in Astoria.