When the Waldorf Astoria resort, which has anchored Park Avenue in Midtown since 1931, reopens later this yr, Michael Anthony would be the new culinary guide in cost. Mr. Anthony, 56, has been at Gramercy Tavern since 2006, and can stay as government chef and associate there.
“I can’t cut back my dedication to Gramercy,” he mentioned. “Everybody supported me on this undertaking”
Together with his second toque on the Waldorf, his primary duty will likely be to create an as-yet-unnamed American brasserie within the two-story house that was Oscar’s Brasserie. That new restaurant, additionally to open later this yr, can have an entrance on Lexington Avenue and fiftieth Road in addition to entry from the resort foyer. Its focus will likely be seasonal modern American fare that additionally displays Mr. Anthony’s time working in France. The house is being designed by AvroKO Design, with a spacious bar on the bottom flooring and a white tablecloth eating room upstairs, reached by a grand staircase.
The Waldorf Astoria, named for 2 lodges on Fifth Avenue that have been demolished in 1929 to make manner for the Empire State Constructing, has been closed for renovations since 2017. It’s now owned by Daija Insurance coverage Group, based mostly in Beijing, and is managed by Hilton Worldwide. Its Artwork Deco exterior and a few of the inside public areas are designated as landmarks. The Peacock Alley restaurant within the resort foyer will turn out to be a high-end cocktail lounge; the Bull and Bear Steakhouse is not going to return, and the house is not going to be used as a restaurant. Mr. Anthony mentioned that he had no details about the well-known Starlight Roof, and that his obligations on the resort didn’t embrace room service or banqueting.
Working with the resort will occupy a lot of his time till the brand new restaurant opens and for at the least three months after. At Gramercy Tavern, Mr. Anthony mentioned, he’ll depend on Aretah Ettarh, the chef de delicacies, who has been on the restaurant for seven years. “On the Waldorf I plan to construct on my roots and what I’ve established at Gramercy to create one thing distinctive,” Mr. Anthony mentioned.
