Starr Restaurants Press Kit

PRESS KIT

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CONTENTS • About

ABOUT STARR Stephen Starr, CEO and founder of STARR Restaurants, began working in the industry at the age of 21 when he opened his first club Grand Mom Minnie’s in an Old City diner, which served food during the day and hosted comedy acts at night. He then opened Stars, a cabaret/restaurant that featured up-and-coming talent such as Jerry Seinfeld, Richard Belzer and Pat Benatar.

Continuing to promote live entertainment, Starr opened a larger venue, the Ripley Music Hall, which showcased new talent such as U2, The Eurythmics, Cyndi Lauper and Bruce Springsteen, who were still very small at the time. Eventually he founded The Concert Company to bring large-scale stadium acts to Philadelphia. Starr was responsible for memorable shows including: Madonna, Lionel Ritchie, George Michael and others. In 1990, he sold the company to Electric Factory Concerts and he used the profit to open several new venues including: Shake, Burger and Roll, a kitschy diner; The Bank, a trendy dance club and Cafe Republic, a Russian-themed caviar and vodka bar.

Founded in 1995 by Stephen Starr, Philadelphiabased STARR Restaurants is one of the largest multi-concept restaurant groups in the country.

With 36 total properties in 6 markets, STARR continues to lead the pack in merging culinary artistry with cutting edge design; so much so that in 2017 Stephen Starr was bestowed with the “Outstanding Restaurateur” award by the James Beard Foundation.

Philadelphia is home to 21 unique STARR dining and drinking establishments including The Continental Restaurant + Martini Bar, Buddakan, Pod, Alma de Cuba, Morimoto, Jones, El Vez, Continental MidTown, Barclay Prime, Parc, Butcher and Singer, Pizzeria Stella, El Rey, The Ranstead Room, The Dandelion, Talula’s Garden, Talula’s Daily, Frankford Hall, Fette Sau, Serpico and The Love.

In 2006, the company opened Buddakan and Continental in Atlantic City followed by Morimoto and Buddakan in New York’s Meatpacking District.

El Vez in Battery Park City and Upland on Park Avenue South both opened 2014. STARR continued to focus on Manhattan with the 2015 opening of The Clocktower in The Edition Hotel on Madison Square Park. Le Coucou, in collaboration with chef Daniel Rose, opened in May 2016 to critical acclaim and went on to win a James Beard Foundation award for “Best New Restaurant” and Food & Wine’s “Best Restaurant” in 2017. That same year, Starr and Rose opened Chez La Vieille, a small French bistro, in the Les Halles district of Paris. To close 2017, Starr opened La Mercerie, a small French café, located in the Guild by Roman and Williams and helmed by chef Marie-Aude Rose.

The company traveled south in 2009, opening Steak 954 at the W Hotel Fort Lauderdale. A few years later Makoto opened in the renowned Bal Harbor Shops as did Le Zoo in 2015. Washington DC welcomed Le Diplomate in 2013. With continued development in Florida, a second outpost of the popular NYC restaurant Upland opened in Miami Beach November 2016.

With more than 25 years in the hospitality and entertainment industries, Starr likens the experience of dining out to that of attending a theater production, where the players, props, backdrops, lighting and rapport are integral components of an overall dramatic effect. When this atmospheric drama is paired with edgy, delicious cuisine, dining out at a STARR Restaurant becomes entertainment for all of the senses.

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CONTENTS • Leadership

LEADERSHIP STEPHEN STARR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & FOUNDER BRADLEE BARTRAM EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT LAURA RITTER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER MELISSA MACLEOD VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL COUNSEL BOB FROST VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES RANDI SIRKIN VICE PRESIDENT OF CREATIVE SERVICES

RESTAURANTS • Cities

PHILADELPHIA

NEW YORK

ALMA DE CUBA • Modern Latin

BUDDAKAN • Modern Asian

BARCLAY PRIME • Boutique Steakhouse

THE CLOCKTOWER • Contemporary British

BUDDAKAN • Modern Asian

ELECTRIC LEMON • Seasonal American

BUTCHER AND SINGER • Steaks & Chops

EL VEZ • Mexican

THE CONTINENTAL • Eclectic Global

LA MERCERIE • French

THE CONTINENTAL MID-TOWN • Eclectic Global

LE COUCOU • French

THE DANDELION • English Pub

MORIMOTO • Contemporary Japanese

EL REY • Authentic Mexican

PASTIS • French Bistro

EL VEZ • Modern Mexican

UPLAND • California Inspired

FETTE SAU • BBQ

VERŌNIKA • European Café

FRANKFORD HALL • Beer Garden JONES • American Comfort Food THE LOVE • Seasonal American MORIMOTO • Contemporary Japanese

ATLANTIC CITY BUDDAKAN • Modern Asian THE CONTINENTAL • Eclectic Global

PARC • French Bistro PIZZERIA STELLA • Artisanal Pizza

FLORIDA

POD • Contemporary Pan Asian RANSTEAD ROOM • Cocktail Lounge SERPICO • Contemporary American TALULA’S DAILY • Seasonal Market TALULA’S GARDEN • Seasonal American

EL VEZ • Modern Mexican LE ZOO • French Brasserie MAKOTO • Modern Japanese STEAK 954 • Boutique Steakhouse UPLAND • California Inspired

WASHINGTON, D.C. LE DIPLOMATE • French Bistro ST ANSELM • American Tavern

PARIS CHEZ LA VIEILLE • French

RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

ALMA DE CUBA DESIGNER: ROCKWELL GROUP (2001) NUMBER OF SEATS: 180

An award-winning collaboration with chef Douglas Rodriguez, the father of Nuevo Latino cuisine, Alma de Cuba embodies the soul of classic Cuban cooking.

Signature dishes include ambitious ceviches and innovative interpretations of humble dishes like lechon asado and vaca frita. This dedication to Old Havana extends to the bar program, built around the classic mojito, plus timeless Latin tipples like the caipirinha, daiquiri and sangria. It’s the closest you’ll get to Cuba without buying a plane ticket — a Caribbean oasis in the heart of Philadelphia.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

BARCLAY PRIME DESIGNER: INDIA MAHDAVI (2004) NUMBER OF SEATS: 128

A steakhouse for the 21st century, Barclay Prime provides a sleek and sexy space for world-class cuisine. Taking cues from a European library, with comfortable banquettes, marble surfaces and crystal chandeliers, the dining room is a chic setting perfect for any experience. Meat and seafood programs unmatched in quality jive with highly personalized touches, like the curated selection of steak knives presented to diners prior to their entrees. No high-minded rules or stuffy service here — just contemporary fine dining with a distinct twist.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

BUDDAKAN DESIGNER: OWEN KAMIHIRA (1998) NUMBER OF SEATS: 194

While the magnificent, 10-foot-tall Buddha is likely the first thing to catch your eye, it’s the Modern Asian cuisine that will leave a lasting impression. Beloved dishes like edamame dumplings, char siu pork buns and Kobe beef satay share menu space with ambitious entrees that marry daring influences from East, West and beyond.

Whether you’re craving a cutting-edge Asian-influenced cocktail, a bento box lunch or a full dinner seated at our dramatic communal table, let Buddakan help you escape across the globe — if only for an evening.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

BUTCHER AND SINGER DESIGNER: SHAWN HAUSMAN DESIGN (2008) NUMBER OF SEATS: 120

An homage to the glitz and class of 1940s Hollywood, Butcher & Singer reaches into the past, plucking the best and brightest aspects of a bygone era. Built around an unparalleled selection of perfectly charred steaks and chops, the menu doesn’t end with meat — an extensive raw bar, plus iconic entrees like Lobster Thermidor and Shrimp & Crab Louie, pair perfectly with classic cocktails like Martinis and Manhattans. Warm, personalized service ensures you’ll feel like a true celebrity of the Golden Era decades after the fact.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

CONTINENTAL RESTAURANT & MARTINI BAR DESIGNER: MIGUEL CALVO & OWEN KAMIHIRA (1995) NUMBER OF SEATS: 128 INSIDE | 40 OUTSIDE

Setting the pace for Philadelphia nightlife since 1995, The Continental mixes the timeless appeal of the classic stainless steel diner with cutting edge cuisine and creative cocktails. As the decor’s olive motif suggests, this is the spot for sensational martinis both classic and contemporary, but the specialty drinks list is equally as impressive. Pair the free-flowing spirits with an eclectic global menu that takes your taste buds on a tour around the world, and you’ve got a recipe for a great night out on the town.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

CONTINENTAL MID-TOWN DESIGNER: SHAWN HAUSMAN DESIGN (2004) NUMBER OF SEATS: 197 INSIDE | 52 OUTSIDE

Three full stories of fun await you at the Continental Mid-town. Whether you’re relaxing in the lounge, swinging in a basket chair on the jet-set mezzanine or taking in the night on the airy rooftop patio, it’s a total reprieve from the expected. The mouth-watering menu features bold and eclectic flavors, from signature jumbo lump crab pad thai and Szechuan shoestring fries to playful spins like cheesesteak spring rolls and French onion soup dumplings. Expertly mixed pop and retro cocktails ensure there’s something for everyone to sip on, no matter the occasion.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

THE DANDELION DESIGNER: SHAWN HAUSMAN DESIGN (2010) NUMBER OF SEATS: 132

London’s culinary revolution makes landfall stateside care of The Dandelion, a sophisticated hat-tip to the British pub serving seasonal takes on U.K. cuisine. Just steps from Philadelphia’s bustling Rittenhouse Square, this inviting bilevel restaurant features a whirlwind of idiosyncratic seating areas, bars, hallways and nooks, each impeccably fashioned to carry its own personality. The menu, featuring beloved classics like Welsh rarebit, fish and chips and shepherd’s pie packs plenty of unexpected surprises. Made-from-scratch puddings (desserts) and hearty family-style roasts served every Sunday round out one of Philly’s most tantalizing dining destinations.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

EL REY DESIGNER: SHAWN HAUSMAN DESIGN (2010) NUMBER OF SEATS: 80

Inspired by the cuisines of Puebla and Veracruz, El Rey captures the essence of Mexican home cooking. Boisterous and broken-in like a laidback roadside cantina, the dining room hums from midday to late-night. Folk art, kitchsy found objects and vintage movie posters adorn the walls, providing plenty of visual stimuli for eaters digging into authentic tacos, tortas, enchiladas, sopes and more. Add a bar stocked with the best tequilas, mezcals and cervezas and you’ve got a cantina fit for a king.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

EL VEZ DESIGNER: ROCKWELL GROUP (2003) NUMBER OF SEATS: 154 INSIDE | 40 OUTSIDE

As bright and boisterous as a joy ride in a Tijuana taxi, El Vez exudes fun at every conceivable turn. Unexpected interpretations of Mexican classics join traditional cooking on the expansive menu, complemented by a bar that boasts one of the biggest tequila selections — and the best margaritas — in the city. Striking the ideal balance between a south-of-theborder celebration and a hot and flashy Las Vegas blowout, El Vez is the embodiment of Mex-Eclectic spirit.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

FETTE SAU DESIGNER: STOKES ARCHITECTURE (2012) NUMBER OF SEATS: 144 INSIDE | 76 OUTSIDE

German for “fat pig,” Fette Sau specializes in high-quality, locally sourced meats, dry-rubbed, smoked on the premises and sold by the pound for a remarkable take on American barbecue. A collaboration with New York restaurateur Joe Carroll, who opened his original location in Brooklyn, this outpost has a Philadelphia flavor all its own. Brisket, pork ribs, organic chicken and hot Italian sausage are just a few of the meat options, complemented by simple sides and killer beer, cider and whiskey lists.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

FRANKFORD HALL DESIGNER: STOKES ARCHITECTURE (2011) NUMBER OF SEATS: 194 INSIDE | 350 OUTSIDE

Set in an industrial structure in the heart of Fishtown, Frankford Hall nails the perfect balance between edge and charm, spreading the action between spacious open-air picnic tables and an indoor bar area equipped with ping-pong and shuffle board. German and American beers flow by the half and full liter, along with delicious eats like sausages, burgers and warm Bavarian pretzels. Ideal for an impromptu drop-in with a few friends or an all-day session with a huge group, Frankford Hall embodies true Teutonic spirit-raising with a modern twist.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

JONES DESIGNER: DAVID SCHEFER DESIGN (2002) NUMBER OF SEATS: 142

You’ll always feel welcome at Jones, a fun-loving tribute to mid-century Americana and classic homestyle cooking. Set in historic Philadelphia, this kitschy, energetic space gives off vibes that are equal parts 1960s ski lodge and Brady Bunch living room. Timeless favorites like fried chicken and waffles, macaroni and cheese, Thanksgiving turkey dinner and chocolate layer cake speak to our shared loves of comfort food and nostalgia. Pull up a seat near the roaring see-thru fireplace, grab a playful specialty cocktail and let us know what’s on your mind.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

THE LOVE. DESIGNER: ROMAN & WILLIAMS NUMBER OF SEATS: 96

Our third collaboration with Aimee Olexy, located just steps away from Rittenhouse Square, is a bi-level beauty which takes neighborhood restaurant to a whole new level. The charming space features wood-beamed ceilings, whitewashed brick walls and cozy linentufted banquettes. The food is American, where seasonality shines in creatively prepared dishes like…Eat Your Veggies, Purist Poke and the Lovebird, buttermilk fried chicken served with grits and collards. The cocktails and wines are equally delightful showcasing unique spirits and interesting wineries, all selected for their perfect drinkability.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

MORIMOTO DESIGNER: KARIM RASHID (2001) NUMBER OF SEATS: 180

Masaharu Morimoto’s flagship restaurant serves as a showcase for the worldrenowned chef’s exhilarating cuisine. Drawing inspiration from both Japanese tradition and Western culinary techniques, Morimoto unlocks hidden layers of flavor on every plate. A haven for food enthusiasts, the Iron Chef accommodates all styles of dining, from an a la carte meal to an opulent omakase (tasting menu), as well as pristine sushi, sashimi and maki. The breathtaking décor, built around a modern-yetorganic aesthetic, furthers the immersion into Morimoto’s daring, delicious world.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

PARC DESIGNER: SHAWN HAUSMAN DESIGN (2008) NUMBER OF SEATS: 230 INSIDE | 72 OUTSIDE

Magically transporting Philadelphians to the enchanting sidewalk cafes of Paris, Parc pays homage to the beloved French bistro, where good food, good wine and better company commingle to create an unmistakable joie de vivre. In keeping with tradition, Parc is open throughout the day so one can enjoy a café au lait and fresh-baked croissant at breakfast, a salade niçoise for lunch, charcuterie and champagne mid-afternoon or splurge on steak frites at supper. Whatever you are craving, you can be certain that Parc will always remain true to the traditions that inspired it.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

PIZZERIA STELLA DESIGNER: SHAWN HAUSMAN DESIGN (2009) NUMBER OF SEATS: 98 INSIDE | 28 OUTSIDE

Pizzeria Stella combines the unpretentious warmth of a neighborhood restaurant with the spirit of an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria. A cozy, casual dining spot, in Society Hill’s historic Headhouse Square, is the perfect stage for the woodburning oven, which skilled pizzaioli use to bake pies at temperatures as high as 850 degrees. Decadent pizza made with only the freshest ingredients is the house specialty, but the menu extends beyond the pie to include antipasti, salads, pasta and a smart selection of Italian beer, wine and cocktails.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

POD DESIGNER: ROCKWELL GROUP (2000) NUMBER OF SEATS: 186

An ultra-modern oasis, Pod brings fun-filled, futuristic dining into the present. Grab a drink on the big red foam barge or pull up a seat at the sushi bar, where a conveyer belt delivers nigiri and maki. Color-changing booths around the perimeter of the dining room offer another unique experience. The shareable family-style menu covers more than just Japan, pulling from the delectable cooking of China, Vietnam, Korea and more — a true celebration of international flavor. Stimulating the eyes, ears and palate, a meal here is a transporting blast into the unknown.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

RANSTEAD ROOM DESIGNER: SHAWN HAUSMAN DESIGN (2009) NUMBER OF SEATS: 90

Tucked away in a dark and moody space behind a nondescript door, the Ranstead Room is Philadelphia’s best-kept nightlife secret. Not everyone knows where to go or how to get in, but if you take the time to figure it out, the city’s best cocktails, crafted by some of the finest bartenders in the game, await.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

SERPICO DESIGNER: DESIGN BUREAUX (2013) NUMBER OF SEATS: 44 DINING | 24 COUNTER

Expertly splitting the difference between reliable neighborhood restaurant and distinctive dinner destination, Serpico is sleek yet comfortable, centered around a vast open kitchen. This 60-seater located on iconic South Street is a showcase for the chef’s ingredient-driven style, a playful yet familiar take on global cuisine that gently evolves with the seasons. A smart list of natural, biodynamic wines and a selection of boutique spirits perfectly complements the cuisine, a daring tour through a world of unexpected flavors and techniques.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

TALULA’S DAILY DESIGNER: STOKES ARCHITECTURE (2013) NUMBER OF SEATS: 26-30 PLUS STANDING ROOM

Equal parts all-day cafe, local market and intimate dinner destination, Talula’s Daily satisfies everyday needs, occasional cravings and everything in between. A gathering space designed in the spirit of comfort and community, the Daily hums from morning to evening. House-made breads and pastries, La Colombe coffee and a distinct selection of farmstead cheeses join creative salads, sandwiches and wholesome take-away meals by day. By night, the space transforms into a homey supper club, where neighbors gather to share meals and stories.

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RESTAURANTS • Philadelphia

TALULA’S GARDEN DESIGNER: MARSHALL AGRIAM STUDIO (2011) NUMBER OF SEATS: 116 INSIDE | 68 OUTSIDE

Driven by local ingredients prepared in unbreakable harmony with the season, Talula’s Garden is a celebration of cooking. A partnership with award-winning restaurateur Aimee Olexy, a true farm-to-table ethos inspires Talula’s unforgettable approach to food. The indoor-outdoor space exudes a cozy, upbeat vibe, with attention to detail that extends from the gorgeous patio to the cheese bar. Lush plants and vegetation throughout remind guests that the land is the source of all things wholesome and delicious.

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RESTAURANTS • New York

BUDDAKAN DESIGNER: CHRISTIAN LIAIGRE (2006) NUMBER OF SEATS: 202

Buddakan presents the vivid flavors of the Far East in a surreal atmosphere that marries the serenity of Asia with the flamboyance of 16th-century Paris. The vision of renowned designer Christian Liaigre, otherworldly art, ornate chandeliers and a bevy of gilded details kick the senses into overdrive, setting a dramatic precedent for fanciful, shareable Modern Asian fare. Dim sum, seafood and house specialties like whole Peking duck join elegant wines and specialty cocktails on a menu made to suit any occasion.

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RESTAURANTS • New York

THE CLOCKTOWER DESIGNER: ROCKWELL GROUP (2015) NUMBER OF SEATS: 84

Located in Ian Schrager’s New York EDITION, The Clocktower serves modern cuisine with a palpable U.K. sensibility. Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton offers tastes of contemporary London just steps from Madison Square Park. The restaurant comprises three intimate dining rooms, a dedicated billiards room and a lively bar made entirely of 24k gold leaf. The menu celebrates and elevates classic British fare, built around simple, satisfying plates with subtle refinements; the inspired wine program features a 250-bottle list that highlights both Old and New World producers.

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MICHELIN STAR 2018 MICHELIN GUIDE THE CLOCKTOWER

RESTAURANTS • New York

ELECTRIC LEMON DESIGNER: ROCKWELL GROUP NUMBER OF SEATS: 236

Electric Lemon, a seasonal American restaurant, celebrates the passionate farmers, growers and artisans of the Mid-Atlantic, transforming their pristine products into clean, conscious cuisine that puts flavor at the forefront. Offering stunning views from the 24th floor of the Equinox Hotel, located within New York City’s Hudson Yards, Electric Lemon’s sleek, expansive dining room and serene al fresco terrace make up the ideal multi-use, day-to-night setting. Equinox members, hotel guests, visitors and locals alike are empowered to embrace the space whenever and however they’d like — true nourishment for a community, delivered on your own terms.

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RESTAURANTS • New York

EL VEZ DESIGNER: ROCKWELL GROUP (2014) NUMBER OF SEATS: 212 INSIDE | 62 OUTSIDE

Casual yet contemporary, this Battery Park destination celebrates the festive soul of Mexican culture. The breathtaking space is a feast for the eyes with imaginatively designed dining areas, a large bar outfitted with a photo booth and a wrap-around patio for dining al fresco. With deep roots in regional cooking, the menu is built around guacamoles, fundidos, ceviches, tacos, quesadillas and enchiladas made from scratch.

Meanwhile, the bar offers a large selection of creative cocktails, signature margaritas and a staggering selection of 150 mezcals and tequilas.

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RESTAURANTS • New York

LA MERCERIE DESIGNER: ROMAN AND WILLIAMS NUMBER OF SEATS: 44

A collaboration with acclaimed designers Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch of Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors and chef Marie Aude-Rose, this 44-seat gem is located at The Guild, Roman and Williams’ flagship retail store in Soho. With a focus on humble French cooking in a setting that is as much understated as it is luxurious, guests can enjoy delicious fare at breakfast, lunch or dinner.

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RESTAURANTS • New York

LE COUCOU DESIGNER: ROMAN AND WILLIAMS (2016) NUMBER OF SEATS: 86 After taking the Parisian dining scene by storm, acclaimed chef Daniel Rose brings home the James Beard “Best New Restaurant” award for his very first stateside restaurant. Located in SoHo, the space is a gracious modern nod to fine European gastronomy, with crisp linens, flickering candles and whitewashed brick. Updating classical French cuisine with charm and verve, Rose shrinks the intercontinental divide separating the City of Lights and the Big Apple, proving that the true essence of fine French dining can thrive in any time zone.

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BEST NEW RESTAURANT 2016 JAMES BEARD AWARDS LE COUCOU

RESTAURANTS • New York

MORIMOTO DESIGNER: TADAO ANDO (2006) NUMBER OF SEATS: 305

Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s serene urban oasis sets an ambitious standard for modern Japanese cooking. The world-renowned chef showcases exhilarating interpretations of Japanese food in a breathtaking space designed by architect Tadao Ando as a respite from the non-stop chaos of New York City. The room’s extraordinary looks, which blend Japanese and American sensibilities with subtle futuristic details, are rivaled only by the mouthwatering menu, which melds ancient Eastern tradition with modern Western innovation.

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RESTAURANTS • New York

PASTIS DESIGNER: KEITH MCNALLY (2019) NUMBER OF SEATS: 232

The revival of Pastis was driven by two James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs, Keith McNally and Stephen Starr, who return to a neighborhood they helped cultivate. McNally is the chief designer of the space while Starr and team focus on culinary and operations.

Pastis features elements similar to the original such as the restaurant’s classic curved zinc bar outfitted with signature subway tiles, vintage mirrors with handwritten daily specials, and a mosaic-tiled floor. Guests can expect to find the classic bistro fare Pastis is known for, with a menu that offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

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RESTAURANTS • New York

UPLAND DESIGNER: ROMAN AND WILLIAMS (2014) NUMBER OF SEATS: 144

Built upon a California-inspired culinary philosophy that takes heavy cues from the seasons, Upland balances a familiar rusticity with a global approach. Handsome natural wood and lush leather lend sophisticated substance to Upland’s atmosphere, dynamic yet intimate from the bar to the dining room. An artful array of starters, pizzas, entrees and sides are accented with chef Justin Smillie’s urbane touch. The wine program matches the excitement coming out of Upland’s open kitchen, with a worldly list and a clever by-theglass selection that’s remarkably food-friendly.

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RESTAURANTS • New York

VERŌNIKA DESIGNER: ROMAN AND WILLIAMS (2019) NUMBER OF SEATS: 118

Perfectly set upstairs at swedish-based photography museum Fotografiska New York, its name a nod to the patron saint of photography, Verōnika celebrates comforting traditional fare and show-stopping fine dining classics in equal stead, much like the iconic building it calls home. Executive chef Robert Aikens draws inspiration from northern France, Austria, and Eastern Europe, in an eco-conscious manner that is reflective of the optimism and joie de vivre of the era.

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RESTAURANTS • Florida

EL VEZ DESIGNER: MEYER DAVIS (2018) NUMBER OF SEATS: 112 INSIDE | 170 OUTSIDE

Welcome to paradise. El Vez showcases classic Mexican fare with an emphasis on baja-style cooking that celebrates the fresh seafood of the South Florida region. An array of Guacamoles, Ceviches and classics likes Mahi Mahi Tacos sit side-by-side on the extensive menu along with signature dishes like Grilled Whole Branzino Baja Style and Traditional Tacos al Carbon. For those on the move, El Vez also operates a grab-and-go counter at the entrance to the restaurant. Hot coffee, fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads and snacks are served daily to take to the beach or on the road.

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RESTAURANTS • Florida

LE ZOO DESIGNER: SHAWN HAUSMAN DESIGN (2015) NUMBER OF SEATS: 52 INSIDE | 140 OUTSIDE

Set in Miami’s luxe Bal Harbour Shops, Le Zoo captures the common ground between French elegance and effortless South Florida sophistication. The food, drawing deeply from the refined cooking of Provence, is a transporting experience, ranging from the freshest fruits de mer and chic pizzas to pristine carpaccios and tartares. Specialty cocktails, bubbles, chilled whites or bold reds round out the experience. Whether you’re relaxing in the quaint interior salon or dining al fresco on the lush palm tree-covered patio, Le Zoo brings out the Francophile in all of us.

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RESTAURANTS • Florida

MAKOTO DESIGNER: GILLES & BOSSIER (2011) NUMBER OF SEATS: 76 INSIDE | 108 OUTSIDE

Makoto Okuwa, a master of Edomae-style sushi, ushers Japanese cuisine into the 21st century with his eponymous eatery, located in the luxurious Bal Harbour Shops. In a sleek room whose understated elegance melds with the quiet sophistication of the cuisine, Makoto delivers a distinctly Japanese experience built around pristine raw fish, premium Japanese and Australian wagyu beef and soulful skewers cooked over a charcoal robata grill. Pair his impressive cooking with his Junmai Daiginjo private label sake, and you’ve got a good reason to smile.

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RESTAURANTS • Florida

STEAK 954 DESIGNER: GILLES & BOISSIER (2009) NUMBER OF SEATS: 176 INSIDE | 464 OUTSIDE

Located at the chic W Fort Lauderdale, Steak 954 takes advantage of its breathtaking natural surroundings. Sweeping beach views and starlit nights set the scene at this luxury boutique steakhouse, designed with an aesthetic that draws inspiration from the ocean; including a dramatic jellyfish tank. Meat and seafood lovers will find plenty of indulgence on the menu, including dry-aged prime and American Wagyu beef, locally caught fish, decadent sides and a global selection of wines and spirits. A progressive take on the classic steakhouse, this is South Florida dining that is effortless in its elegance.

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RESTAURANTS • Florida

UPLAND DESIGNER: ROMAN AND WILLIAMS (2016) NUMBER OF SEATS: 146 INSIDE | 36 OUTSIDE

The exciting South Florida outpost of chef Justin Smillie’s smash-hit New York City restaurant, Upland introduces his California-inspired culinary philosophy to Miami Beach’s chic South of Fifth neighborhood. The dynamic, sophisticated space takes style cues from its northern sibling, while giving subtle nods to its coastal surroundings. The menu offers an artful array of starters, pizzas, entrees and sides, each plate accented with chef Smillie’s enticing and urbane touch.

The wine program matches the excitement coming out of the kitchen, with a worldly bottle list and a clever by-the-glass selection that’s remarkably food-friendly.

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RESTAURANTS • Atlantic City

BUDDAKAN DESIGNER: SHAWN HAUSMAN DESIGN (2006) NUMBER OF SEATS: 206

This shorepoint outpost of everyone’s favorite restaurant transports guests to an ancient village with serene rock gardens, hand-woven thatched roofs and a twinkling night sky above. Lorded over by a magnificent glowing Buddha, the dining room is the perfect setting for exploring a Modern Asian menu that marries daring influences from East, West and beyond. Whether you’re craving a cutting-edge Asian-influenced cocktail or a dramatic meal, let Buddakan help you escape halfway across the globe — if only for an evening.

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RESTAURANTS • Atlantic City

CONTINENTAL DESIGNER: SHAWN HAUSMAN DESIGN (2006) NUMBER OF SEATS: 155 INSIDE | 59 OUTSIDE

A playful mix of vintage elegance and vanguard sophistication, Atlantic City’s Continental invokes the fun-loving attitude of the golden-age Las Vegas strip, the days when the Rat Pack ruled the roost and revelers ate and drank with abandon. Cutting a quirky, high-energy approach to design with atmospheric touches that truly set the mood, the space is the perfect showcase for international cuisine without borders and fun-loving cocktails that pack just the right amount of punch.

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RESTAURANTS • Washington, DC

LE DIPLOMATE DESIGNER: SHAWN HAUSMAN DESIGN (2013) NUMBER OF SEATS: 186 INTERIOR | 100 EXTERIOR

Whether you’re craving a cappuccino and croissant on a lazy weekend afternoon or planning an all-out celebratory dinner, Le Diplomate pays sincere homage to French cafe culture, providing a versatile gathering place that’s become an anchor for Washington, D.C.’s resurgent 14th Street corridor. The extensive menu features a variety of classics, including onion soup gratinée, steak frites and escargots, as well as daily plats such as bouillabaisse and cassoulet. A thoughtfully curated wine list and specialty cocktail program complete this transporting experience.

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RESTAURANTS • Washington, DC

ST. ANSELM DESIGNER: RICHARD STOKES NUMBER OF SEATS: 142 INTERIOR | 16 EXTERIOR

St. Anselm is an American tavern devoted to the pleasures of grilled meats and great ingredients simply cooked. While steak is a specialty, Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley’s creativity doesn’t stop there. Delicious food, eclectic wines, and classic cocktails set the tone for a great experience. Paired with friendly service in an unpretentious setting adorned with offbeat décor, dining at St. Anselm is the total package.

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RESTAURANTS • Paris

CHEZ LA VIEILLE DESIGNER: ELLIOT BARNES NUMBER OF SEATS: COUNTER | DINING ROOM 28

It all started with a chef whose nickname was ‘La Vieille’ – ‘the Old Woman’ – though she was only 25. Adrienne was exactly like her cuisine: French and authentic, a real strong temperament. She made a success of Chez La Vieille for more than 30 years. The spirit of Les Halles remains in the walls of Chez la Vieille and in its recipes. Daniel Rose fell in love with Chez La Vieille the first time he ate there in 2009. Today thanks to him, Chez La Vieille has reopened more joyful and ‘canaille’ than ever.

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CONTENTS • Contact Us

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