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The Public Theater Doubles Down On Food, Brings In Andrew Carmellini
By
Garth Johnston
Published May 22, 2012
Modified May 22, 2012
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By
Garth Johnston
Published May 22, 2012
Modified May 22, 2012
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With the Public Theater's renovation well underway and Joe's Pub all refurbished would you be surprised to hear that the storied theater has signed up a storied chef to help feed the masses of hungry theatergoers? The Public has tapped Andrew Carmellini (The Dutch) and restaurateur Luke Ostrom to run its expanded dining options—including a brand new lounge called The Library at The Public Theater.
The new lounge, named after the building's past life as the Astor Library, will live in the Public's renovated mezzanine level and will offer cocktails, wine, craft beers and, according to the theater, an "American menu of classic and signature dishes, appetizers, bar snacks, and desserts nightly until 2 a.m." In addition to serving Carmellini's food at The Library, the theater will also serve it at Joe's Pub.
The Library's 2,000-square-foot space is being designed by The Rockwell Group and will apparently draw its inspiration from the building's history. So expect "vintage elements—including a textured area rug in The Library’s central gathering area, distressed leather chairs, and industrial steel-frame bookcases along the perimeter of the room—intended to invoke a cozy and informal environment." Sounds like the perfect place for some of that so-hot-right-now reclaimed wood.
Our biggest concern about this newcomer? After it opens in "the fall" when you say you'll meet someone at the Library you'll have to differentiate between the one at the Public and the one on Avenue A. Such a hard life!
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andrew carmellini
joe's pub
the library at the public
the public
Garth Johnston
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