New York - January 07, 2005

Aquafresh

Aquavit Moves to the East Side

Lever House, time to batten down the hatches. Alex and Julian, go secure the Grill Room.

Aquavit is moving on up to the East Side. Smack into the trendy stretch of Park in the 50s. Announcing itself with elegant restraint and jaw-dropping design as the latest see-and-see-me hot spot.

Owner Håkan Swahn has spent the past six months transforming the space into a master class in Scandinavian modernism. Chairs and chandeliers in the cafe are ’60s originals from Verner Panton. The ceiling in the bar soars to inspiring heights. (If you can’t close the deal here, you don’t deserve to.) The mid-century wooden salt and pepper shakers in the dining room were scored on eBay.

If the private room is too much, book one of the marble tables at the back of the dining room. Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s menu hasn’t changed (why mess with three stars?), but he and exec chef Nils Norén will serve more casual Swedish fare in the cafe. (Seven different kinds of herring. Skål, dude.)

Hotter real estate. Competitive neighbors. A much-needed makeover.

A classic New York story.

Aquavit, 65 East 55th Street, between Madison and Park Avenues (212-307-7311).