Carmellini Picks a Name for his French Project: Lafayette

Andrew Carmellini tells Vogue that his new French restaurant in the old Chinatown Brasserie space will be called Lafayette. Nine letters, three syllables, one singular sensation. The space will have a "zinc-hooded rotisserie," a wine cellar, a big clock above the bar, and plenty of blue leather banquettes. The menu will focus on dishes from the southeast and southwest of France. Last month, Carmellini announced that Damon Wise (Craft, Monkey Bar), will be the chef de cuisine here. Check out a rendering of the space from design titans Roman and Williams:

[Photo: Vogue.com]
Don't stare directly at this drawing for too long or you might go blind. Lafayette is slated to open at the end of the year.
· Andrew Carmellini Returns to France with Lafayette, Coming Soon to NoHo [Vogue]
· All Coverage of Andrew Carmellini [~ENY~]