Restaurateur Keith McNally (pictured above, right), known for his collection of French-inspired restaurants including stalwarts Minetta Tavern and Balthazar, arguably made New York City’s famed Meatpacking District a destination 'hood when he opened his darling Pastis Parisian-style bistro in 1999, attracting Manhattan’s social elite for oysters, Champagne and all things French fare. (This editor should know—Pastis was a regular hangout for me when I moved here back in the day.) When it was announced five years ago that Pastis would close—due to that pesky New York City rent problem—hearts broke all over Manhattan and beyond. It was the end of an era.
On Friday, McNally, as well as restaurateur and partner Stephen Starr, reopened those iconic wooden doors at 52 Gansevoort Street, just a stone’s throw from the original location. The new iteration of Pastis now sits among a different crowd than it once did: a finished High Line, new Whitney Museum and many, many shops. McNally was the lead in designing the new space, which cost some $8 million to build, and includes the original curved zinc bar, subway tiles, vintage mirrors and a mosaic-tiled floor.
Starr, on the other hand, is in charge of the f&b program; his corporate chef, Michael Abt, is helming the line. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, guests can expect old favorites like escargots, croque monsieurs (et madames) and trout Amandine, as well as new dishes including boudin blanc.
Welcome back, Pastis—we’ve missed you so.
Pastis is located at 52 Gansevoort Street. For opening hours, click here.
Image by Jen May.
