Why Is Everyone Flocking to a Department Store Restaurant?
Why Is Everyone Flocking to a Department Store Restaurant?
Earlier this week, Taylor Swift, Hailee Steinfeld, and other fashionable figures attended Gigi Hadid's 24th birthday party held at what might strike some as an unusual venue: the restaurant and bar on the upper floors of Saks Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
Despite their location (or, more likely, because of it), the Philippe Starck-designed L'Avenue at Saks and Le Chalet-which opened in February just before New York Fashion Week-are quickly becoming some of the buzziest spots to eat, drink, and party in the city. Here's why.
The location is unique.
The spaces overlook Rockefeller Center, and while they span two of the upper floors of the department store, diners can access them through a special entrance on East 50th Street that leads to a private elevator. "I love that the whole venue is sort of hidden," says lifestyle journalist Zach Weiss, who hosted his 27th birthday at Le Chalet (shown here) earlier this month. "You’re tucked into this jewel box that insulates you from the craziness outside, and guests have no idea they're within a department store."
The original L'Avenue in Paris has been a celebrity hotspot for years.
The 8th arrondissement establishment has been run for more than 20 years by Jean-Louis and Gilbert Costes, brothers who also founded the trendy H?tel Costes in Paris. The dining room, pictured here, seats 181.
The cocktails are world-class.
"The globetrotting Nico de Soto is one of the most creative mixologists working in either France or the United States (he has bars in both countries), and the international-leaning menu at Le Chalet shows all his earmarks," says Robert Simonson, a spirits writer for the New York Times and author of a forthcoming book on the history of the martini. "The spirits hail from every continent. It's no surprise the menu features such things as croissant-infused Cognac and shallot-infused St. Germain. Nico often uses unusual herbs, spices and flavors as as jumping off point for his original cocktails."
Left: The Liqueur D’Echalotte, made with vodka, shallot-infused St. Germain, pineapple, and cucumber.
The delicious desserts are by Pierre Hermé.
The Ispahan, shown here, is made with macaron biscuits, rose petal cream, raspberries, and lychees. The restaurant's cheesecake is noted as "The Famous One" on the menu-a nod to the success of its Parisian forebear. A selection of Hermé's sweets is also offered to-go from a glass case near the restaurant's entrance.
A striking staircase connects the eighth and ninth floors.
Combined, the space encompasses more than 15,000 square feet.
Le Chalet feels like an Alpine hideaway.
The 8th floor bar's outdoor terrace is opening soon for the summer.
Did we mention the incredible cocktails?
The Vodka Soda (Not) features peanut butter-infused five-year-old rum, honey, Nutella, egg, chocolate stout, and nutmeg.
L'Avenue at Saks is quickly becoming one of the city's go-to spots for quality cocktailing and celebrating.