The Waverly Inn, Balthazar, Il Cantinori have all been such places that were known not only for their food— but who ate there.
Now, not only is the latest “it” restaurant NOT downtown— it’s also Greek.
The famed Tao Group opened Avra Madison and it has quickly become the New York City in crowd’s latest craze— just steps from Central Park and complete with real lemon trees and pool inside (no, not for swimming).
Celebrities and posh New Yorkers are lining up to get a table.
Tony Bennett celebrated his 90th birthday here and in the first few weeks of its opening numerous celebs have been seen nibbling on fresh Lavraki flown in from Greece and zucchini chips deep fried in extra virgin olive oil including Diane Kruger and Jason Wu, Giuliana Rancic with Elie Tahari, and property mogul Larry Silverstein.
The kitchen is being helmed by Tao partner and executive chef Ralph Scamardella and rockstar architect/designer David Rockwell came up with the design— which includes a stone feature wall that was created with blocks from a Greek quarry and eight-foot lemon trees at the entrance that take customers back to the Greek countryside.
Look inside Avra Madison:
Avra Madison’s by-invite-only grand opening was the stuff Hollywood premieres are made of. Have a peek inside the party.
AVRA Madison Estiatorio Grand Opening from TAO Group on Vimeo.
