The Citiblog

Café Chelsea is the Latest Addition to the Landmark Chelsea Hotel
August 9, 2023, 1:20.13 am ET

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Photos: Noah Fecks

Café Chelsea, an all-day French-American bistro, now fills the space once occupied by Capitol Fishing Tackle at the iconic Chelsea Hotel. It is also the hotel’s first new restaurant since the arrival of El Quiote in 1930.

The restaurant, operated by Sunday Hospitality and partner Charles Seich, dives deeply into French cuisine. Executive Chef Derek Boccagno ‘s menu is showcasing classic dishes such Boudin Noir & Blanc, black & white sausages with Dijon; Crudo de Thon, bluefin tuna crudo with herbs de provence, and lemon-caper vinaigrette; Pâté with duck & pork, pistachios and apricot Dijon; and Tartare de Boeuf steak with shallot, cornichon, and egg yolk. There are also several raw bar selections.

Entrees include Poulet Rôti, half rotisserie chicken, grilled new potatoes, herbs, mâche salad, and sauce vin jaune; Maitake Au Poivre with maitake mushroom and cognac peppercorn sauce; and Steak Frites with maître d’hôtel butter and sauce marchand de vin.

Wine Director Claire Paparazzo has curated a wine list with both French and American producers, in addition to global names. The list features a broad range of wines, ranging from high-ticket items for collectors, to more approachable varieties for everyday enjoyment. Cocktails focus on French-born spirits like Christo's Vesper (vodka, empirical symphony, lillet, herbs de provence), Klein Blue (bas armagnac, plum, honey, blanc de blanc) and Tarot Garden (cognac, cointreau, cherry, lemon).

Café Chelsea was designed to compliment the historic building with a sense that it’s always been part of the hotel. Works of art that have belonged to the property for decades are hung throughout the space and traditional French accents have also been incorporated, including a Zinc bar, vintage chandeliers, and decorative molding.

Visitors will also find dedicated formal dining spaces like the Petit Café, a sun-drenched day-time cafe, the Grand Café, which serves as the main dining room, as well as a 20-seat private dining space called the ‘Wine Room,’ which will become available at a later date. A solarium with its own dedicated bar is also available for private functions.

Café Chelsea is located at 218 West 23rd St, New York, NY. For more information, visit cafechelseanyc.com



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