Is it too soon to get the fall preview rolling? How about planning this year's holiday party? If you're hyper-advanced on your to-do list, or an editor of a publication with a six-month lead time, snackwire is here to help. Just in from the in-box "Grayz Set to Open September 2007". Read on, full release after the jump.
Grayz Set to Open September 2007
Architectural Treasures Found at New Gray Kunz Project in Midtown Manhattan
New York, NY - January 1, 2007 - The much-anticipated bar and lounge/private dining venue, Grayz, now under construction by Gray Kunz and company, is projected to open in September 2007, following sixteen to twenty weeks of construction, and several weeks of staff training. A landmark building, located at 13-15 West 54th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in New York City, Grayz will combine period architectural pieces with the glamour and luxury this setting demands, for cocktails and fine finger foods in the lounge, and state-of-the-art space for private events.
Demolition of the entire restaurant interior revealed the cornerstone of Grayz's design: original, nineteenth-century brick walls, four fireplaces (one will be operational) and interior archways, all dating back to the 1800s, when the building was first constructed. Major changes to the structure include a complete overhaul of both the downstairs production kitchen and the upstairs finishing kitchen, and the eradication of the "waterfall" on the lower level, which will be replaced by a hanging garden. The focal point for the main private dining room will now be a long, two-story wall, which doubles as projection space, ideal for media events. Gray Kunz design team for Grayz includes architect Chris Smith, of CMS Architecture, kitchen designer Jimi Yui of Yui Design, and Steven Magnus of IronBridge Consulting.
The beauty of Grayz will be in the architectural details, like a curving, modernistic bar against the backdrop of a vintage 1800's New York town house. The vaulted, barrel ceiling destined for the lower reception area will be brick-faced to mirror original details in the home. There is also a two-story wall of wines, visible on both floors, yet enclosed by a glass wall on the lower, private dining level. "At 13-15 W. 54th Street, we're focusing on the Rockefellers, era 1950s, when New York City was - and still is-the economic epicenter of the world," says Mr. Kunz. "Their home reflected the power and grace of the era, depicting the elegance of the time with a gaiety and glamour we plan to replicate with Grayz." (Members of the Rockefeller Family owned the townhouse in question from the late 19th century until the death of Nelson A. Rockefeller in 1979).
The enclosed wine cellar space on the ground floor will also sport a private table for cocktails and dining. Another new addition to the building is the wide, curving staircase that descends to the lower floor. Construction will be in full swing by early February 2007.
Grayz capacity is approximately 225, which breaks down into cozy alcoves, one with a fireplace, intimate rooms for eight, twelve or sixteen, and private dining rooms for 74 or 48, which can also be combined for one large event. Grayz flexibility makes it an outstanding locale for any occasion, business or pleasure.
The food for the bar and lounge, as envisioned by critically acclaimed chef Gray Kunz, will be a selection of very fine finger foods created to match, complement or contrast with, the cocktails. In addition to original and classic cocktails, the beverage program at Grayz will include a deep selection of champagne and sparkling wines, to highlight the festive nature of the place, as well as wines by the glass and bottle offerings. The finest spirits from around the world, brewed beverages and signature warm and cold drinks will make up the remaining offerings. Recipes and food style remains in development. A general manager and a chef de cuisine have yet to be named.
Gray Kunz is currently the chef and owner of Café Gray in the Time Warner Center, New York, (212) 823-6338. He earned his U.S. renowned at Lespinasse, earning 4-stars for his then ground-breaking blend of Asian and French cuisines. Café Gray opened in October of 2004 and received one Michelin star in November, 2005. For further information about Grayz, located at 13-15 West 54th Street, New York, NY, 10019.
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