City Gives the Green Light to Union Square Restaurant

Simon Oren, of the 5 Napkin chain, will get to open his new restaurant in the Union Square Pavilion after all. Last spring, the chef/restaurateur won the contract for the restaurant, and in January, the Union Square Community Coalition filed a suit against the city arguing that the use of the space was awarded without proper approval from the State Legislature. A judge issued an injunction against the restaurant and the park's seasonal holiday markets, but that ruling was overturned yesterday by a panel of New York State appellate judges. The panel ruled that "the seasonal restaurant and holiday market concessions at issue do not violate the public trust doctrine since they are permissible park uses."

Work on the space began last spring, but it was stopped by the lawsuit in January. Now, Oren and his team can finish what they started. The new restaurant is doing business under the name Chef Driven Market. As the Post notes, this will be an upscale seasonal restaurant that is expected to serve things like an $18 omelet. It should open later this year.
· Appeals Court Backs Opening of Tony Union Sq. Park Eatery [NYP]
· Union Square Pavilion CAN Be Turned Into Brunch Destination [Gothamist]
· All Coverage of The Union Square Pavilion [~ENY~]
[Photo: Wikipedia]