New York City's 16th Street will no longer be the same as the influential Union Square Cafe begins its closing ceremony. This restaurant was a favourite of New York's publishing world for 30 years and in no small part contributed to the Union Square area's rejuvenation. With the cafe's creation in 1985, the Square saw the opening of movie theatres, gyms, a playground and Whole Foods. It was also the inspiration for the award-winning Union Square Cookbook and the highly successful Second Helpings from Union Square Cafe, both by respected restaurateur, author and Union Square Cafe owner Danny Meyer.
However, due to a significant rent hike, Meyer decided against renewing the restaurant's lease at 16th Street. Following assessment of 25 possible new locations and much nail-biting among the patrons who were concerned that the cafe would 'move away', Meyer announced that Union Square Cafe will definitely remain in Union Square.
An earlier report by New York Eater described Union Square Cafe's new space at the corner of Park Avenue South and 19th Street as thrice the size of its current home. Star designer David Rockwell is at the helm of re-designing. Not only will this new space be given an up-do, but all employees of former tenant City Crab will be absorbed across the different restaurants of Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group.
According to The New York Times, Union Square Cafe will mark its remaining days at its current location with a 12-day ceremony, beginning December 1 until December 12. The cafe will be serving a three-course dinner menu at $85 per person and will highlight some of its best seasonal dishes. The menu, fondly titled the 12 Nights of Union Square Cafe, will include garganelli with white truffles, beef tartare, lamb braciole and Berkshire rack of pork. Reservations for these nights may be made by phone only. The cafe's standard ala carte menu will be available for the lunch crowd.
