VERDE New York celebrated its official opening on October 8, following its media preview the week prior, with a performance by Mojave Grey and a crowd ready to party.
The restaurant at 85 Tenth Avenue joins VERDE locations in Paris, Dubai and Saint-Tropez. After a summer soft opening, the two evenings introduced its Mediterranean and Provençal menu alongside DJs and performers. Hosts greeted arrivals with Champagne, and coats were checked before being directed to the dining room.
Inside, VERDE gives the classic dining room glamour a richer, more contemporary treatment. The backlit stone bar glows beneath chandeliers with sweeping black arms and gold-lined shades. In the dining room, tiered crystal chandeliers are reflected in mirrors within illuminated arches, softening the room’s exposed steel columns and dark slatted ceiling.
Photo Courtesy: VERDE / Richard Oliver
Chef Julien Lee Thibault’s menu included grilled octopus with confit potatoes and smoked onion espuma, truffle pizzetta, spinach and ricotta ravioli in sage butter and salmon with beurre blanc. Plates were passed around the table, with the food as neatly presented as it was perfectly seasoned. The sauces were rich, but the meal never felt overly heavy.
The Caesar Cardini was a favorite. Romaine spears were layered with anchovies, Parmesan and golden croutons. The individual portions made sharing simple, with crunch and flavor in every piece. The Duo of Tuna and Yellowtail was another highlight, its rich slices of fish served with orange and passion fruit dressing. The main courses also included duck Parmentier with confit duck, jus and mashed potatoes. Vanilla crème brûlée, a fine apple tart and French toast with salted caramel followed for dessert.
Photo Courtesy: VERDE / Richard Oliver
Midnight VERDE was the must have drink. The cocktail combined Bombay Sapphire gin, basil and lime cordial, green peppercorn essence and green tea soda. The soda gave it a refreshing lift alongside the savory dishes, almost like a palate cleanser between bites. On both visits, staff were close by whenever another drink was needed. They checked in without hovering and enjoyed the party as much as the guests.
During dinner, the DJ periodically raised the volume as the lights pulsed and intensified. Conversation resumed between bursts of music, with food still being served. Later, the lights dimmed and the music grew louder. Guests moved between the dance floor and bar, while others gathered around cocktail tables to talk. The busiest dancing was near the DJ booth. People circulated throughout the room, joining different conversations and socializing between sets.
At the grand opening, DJ Alexander Fahlberg played to a crowd that included Anthony Ramos, Jocko Sims, Rick Gonzalez and Eva Shaw. Mojave Grey’s appearance brought live vocals and electric guitar over electronic beats. The party also ushered in dancers in jeweled bodysuits and beaded headpieces, with long white feather boas sweeping from their shoulders.
Photo Courtesy: VERDE / Richard Oliver
VERDE brings a full New York evening to one place with a modern Mediterranean menu to share beneath crystal chandeliers, curated cocktails at the bar and a DJ drawing a fashionable crowd onto the dance floor.
