Parisian bistro, Le Relais de Venise L'entrecote to open in Manhattan

One of the busiest and most popular restaurants in all of Paris, a unique half-century old establishment that serves only one entrée for lunch and dinner--entrecote steak and french fries (with a secret house sauce)--will soon open one of its first American eateries at 345 Park Ave. According to restaurateurs Steven and Michael Elghanayan, who operate under a franchise agreement with the Parisian bistro, Le Relais de Venise L'entrecote, have signed a long-term lease with the Rudin family, at 345 Park Ave. Steven and Michael Elghanayan signed for 4,100 s/f of prime ground floor and 2,000 s/f of lower level space at the corner of 52nd St. and Lexington Ave. The restaurant expects to open in April 2009 with a seating capacity of 190, and according to the Elghanayans, will be "an identical replica" of its European counterparts. "We are delighted to bring a truly one-of-a-kind restaurant experience to the heart of New York's business district," said Bill Rudin, president of Rudin Management Co. Louis Somoza and Samantha Rudin of Rudin Management Co. represented the landlord in the retail leasing transaction. Jacqueline Klinger of North West Atlantic represented the tenant. A block-through 44-story office tower, 345 Park Ave.'s main entrance is on East 52nd St. Rudin Management Co. is a full service real estate organization serving the interests of the Rudin family, which owns and manages one of the largest private property portfolios in New York City. Among its real estate holdings are 17 office buildings containing approximately 10 million s/f and 22 apartment buildings comprising over four million s/f of residences.