Update on Layla's Bar: It May Not Be Called Layla's After All; Monarchs Will Love It
Posted at 02:51:54 PM in Bar openings, Brooklyn nightlifeby Justine Goodman
It used to be the neighborhood spot Lillie's, then it was going to be called Layla's, and now Time Out is reporting that Neil Ganic's forthcoming bar and restaurant in Red Hook (above), which was supposed to soft-open last fall, will be called Annabelle. We don't know about that, but we do know these fancy, "French inspired benches covered in hand colored leather, custom designed for the restaurant" are sweet:
Here's what else we know, as per this letter from Layla/Annabelle's interior designer, Glen Kinnaird:
I do know that the project has been halted a few times with inspections and local construction conflicts. According to my inside source over there, IKEA's delayed opening, now set for August 2008, also allowed them a needed extension concerning the opening of the new bar and restaurant. Just so you know, my company (Kinnaird Designs & Interiors) was actually hired by one of Ganic's silent partners to consult with them on the interiors for those two commercial spaces. As the designer for the commercial interiors and consultant to the partners, the name change was not brought to my attention.
I do have the confidence to say that the opening will be amazing when it actually takes place. The bar now has a modern Italian LED lighting installation to be installed over the mid-century bar. The juxtaposition of the two periods gives the feeling of the melding of time periods. Both spaces will be adorned with incredible interiors as the GC has offered an "old world style" attention to detail like no other project I have ever worked on. This is not a glued together attempt to make money off the soon to bloom new area of New York. This bar and restaurant are sure to be serving in this area for generations. All together with Ganic's world acclaimed culinary talents and the opulent decor, both spaces are sure to be the talk of Brooklyn and New York, no matter what the final outcome of the business names. I can't wait to hear about Ganic's new menu and I will try to get it to you as soon as I have it. I hear it will have everything from super reasonable executive and local lunches to a luxury meal tailored for groups not seen since the days of the monarchs.
Monarchs, eh? Then let's hope they don't mind making the trek to Red Hook.
Well, maybe not monarchs, but they hope to bring delicious food to patrons of Petit Crevette and to the rest of the community. And the bar will evolve in an organic way that's inviting to all- and the garden will certainly be open for great food and beer by the spring!...We hope to see you there!
Posted by: janet ficarra | January 06, 2008 at 07:58 AM