On October 10, Thrillist ran an item announcing an ambitious new restaurant. Ambitious not because of the cuisine—it's said to be offering solid brasserie fare—but because of the location: the main level of the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Soon after, the critics started arriving at the restaurant, dubbed Metro Marché. Bloomberg's Alan Richman, in a review dated November 8, awarded it points "for bravery, not yet for cuisine"; two weeks later, New York's Gael Green raved about "amazingly good brasserie dishes at astonishingly gentle prices." Not bad.
Why, you might then wonder, does one awake today to three—count 'em, three (3)—nearly identical stories in the Sun, Metro and amNY touting the opening of the very same Metro Marché (not to mention the supposed birth of the Port Authority as a fine dining destination)? Fair question. In reply, public relations specialist Steven Hall would like to introduce you to the cutting-edge concept of the ribbon cutting (full press release below). For restaurants that seem to be on uncertain footing two months after opening, the ribbon cutting offers fresh salvation. Do be sure, though, to do exactly as Hall does: when employing said strategy, pitch writers who don't tend to cover the food beat—and don't be afraid to give away a little champagne at 11:30 in the morning.
· French Cuisine May Alter Port Authority's Reputation [NYSun]
· New eatery at the Port Authority looks to change area's image [Metro]
· Bus Depot Diners Get an Upscale Option [amNY]
MEDIA ADVISORY/ PHOTO OPPORTUNITYThe Welcome Note image at top is courtesy of the Port Authority and can be found in its natural habitat here. Don't let the security advisory scare you away.PORT AUTHORITY OFFICIALS, RESTAURANT OWNERS STEVE TENEDIOS & SIMON OREN, & NEW YORKERS GATHER TO CELEBRATE THE GRAND OPENING OF METRO MARCHÉ: THE FIRST FINE DINING RESTAURANT TO EVER OPEN AT THE PORT AUTHORITY BUS TERMINAL
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Champagne Toast, & Can Can Girls "Kick-Off" This Milestone In New York City History
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(NEW YORK, NY) - Owners Simon Oren and Steve Tenedios will be joined by Port Authority officials to celebrate the opening of Metro Marché at the Port Authority Bus Terminal's South Wing at Eighth Avenue and 41st Street on Tuesday, December 5th at 11:00AM.
The event will be marked by a photo opportunity that includes a ribbon cutting, Can-Can dancers in the spirit of the French Brasserie, and a champagne toast to welcome the new restaurant.
Metro Marché is a hybrid European brasserie and prepared foods shop. The restaurant boasts a full wine list and a zinc bar imported from Paris; it seats about 100 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant's design gives the feeling on being located downtown: the interior, boldly splashed with red, yellow and black paint and terrazzo, was designed by Scott Kester, whose other restaurant interiors include Marseille and Sushi Samba. Simon Oren's, Tour De France restaurant group operates and partners with 13 restaurants in New York City.
DATE: Tuesday, December 5th, 2006
LOCATION: Metro Marché, 625 8th Avenue @ 41st Street
TIME: Ceremony: 11:00AM
Champagne Toast & Light Buffet: 11:30AM
