Visionary restaurateurs Scott Sartiano and Richie Akiva are restoring the glamour, charm and exuberance of a bygone era to 244 West 14th Street with their modern dining concept, The Darby. Reviving the ethereal culture of authentic entertainment and culinary destinations in New York City, The Darby, located in the legendary Nell’s space, is an ode to an era of American dining where a veritable cad
re of New Yorkers, tastemakers, social influencers and luminaries mingled over hand crafted libations and delectable dishes while delighting in the first class onstage entertainment. Within the dramatically adorned walls of The Darby, redesigned by Steve Lewis, lies a 100-seat restaurant with famed Chef Alex Guarnaschelli at the helm. Chef Guarnaschelli, who currently has three shows on the Food Network: “Alex’s Day Off”, The Cooking Loft”, and “Chopped,” combines her creative impulses with her extensive background in the food industry, calling upon the Union Square Green Market's vast selection of fresh local ingredients to showcase the best produce the season has to offer. Guests will be treated to modern continental fare highlighted by creative re-envisioned American classics such as the Darby Carpetbagger (an oyster-stuffed filet of beef), in addition to an impressive raw bar selection bursting with the freshest offerings from the sea. Accompanying Guarnaschelli’s menu is a choice selection of inventive cocktails. The design team of Lewis & Dizon embrace the history of the former Nell’s space while emphasizing the glamour of the 1950/60’s restaurant, replete with classic carved moldings, oversized spindle-back banquettes and mercury glass finishes. The designers created a polished nickel "Dia-grid cage," which hovers off the ceilings and walls. The "cage," with its sleek and sharp modernism, leaves the brilliant past just out of reach but not forgotten. The result is a romantic dance between this past and state of the art hospitality design. With an ambiance reminiscent of an old-fashioned 1950/60’s-era experience, The Darby exhibits a mix of innovative culinary offerings and interactive live performances. The Darby’s performances, on the large stage, are situated amongst diners every night. Sartiano and Akiva along with musical influencers Andre Harrell and Lady Rizo have pieced together The Darby’s house band, incorporating elements so versatile that they encompass everything from Broadway to Jazz, modern-day Pop Soul and old school classics.
