Manhattan, NY According to SL Green, Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud officially opened the doors to Le Pavillon at One Vanderbilt Ave. Located at the corner of Vanderbilt Ave. and East 42nd St., Le Pavillon is across from Grand Central Terminal.
The 11,000 s/f dining space features a garden path, blending nature and architecture. Surrounded by nature, chef Boulud has created a culinary retreat for New Yorkers and visitors. The restaurant concept was inspired by the traditional pavilions found throughout France, in parks or avenues lined with beautiful gardens and trees, which are places for celebrations and gathering, and their striking similarities to the wonderful tree-lined plaza and the garden within Le Pavillon.
“I can’t think of a more fitting moment to open Le Pavillon,” said chef Boulud. “Despite the many, many challenges that we have faced in the last year our commitment to creating this dining destination never wavered and, in fact, we are more certain than ever that this celebration of cuisine, nature and architecture is exactly what New Yorkers need right now. It is my sincere hope that this is an opportunity to celebrate New York City for all of us.”
“Le Pavillon is not only the most special and unique dining experience, it is now a symbol of New York City’s recovery,” said Marc Holliday, chairman and CEO of SL Green. “We have always felt a deep responsibility to create a restaurant worthy of this iconic location - overlooking Grand Central and within the now world-renowned One Vanderbilt. Given the year we’ve all had, we are truly honored to have had the opportunity to partner with Chef Daniel to create something extraordinary that can give the entire city hope and energy.”
“New York City is driving recovery for all of us, bringing back our world-class restaurants, lifting up our sensational chefs, and supporting everyone involved in the dining industry,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Today’s announcement is about sending one message, loud and clear: Bon Appetit, New Yorkers!”
The partnership between SL Green and chef Boulud goes far beyond the creation of Le Pavillon. Together the team founded Food1st, a non-profit foundation started in April 2020, to alleviate the on-going food shortage in New York City that was amplified throughout the pandemic. Food1st’s mission is to help feed New Yorkers and emergency service workers who have limited access to food by partnering with food service providers in a way that also helps revitalize the New York City food service industry at a time when its workers need it the most. In celebration of the opening and the recent one year anniversary of Food1st, SL Green today announced an additional $250,000 donation to the foundation. With this investment, Food1st has raised nearly $5 million and served more than 600,000 free meals to date.
With interior design led by Isay Weinfeld alongside architecture firm KPF, Le Pavillon captures the spirit of a New York skyscraper living in harmony with nature.
The interiors feature lush greenery, live trees and foliage woven throughout the dining room. The spacious dining room can accommodate up to 120 guests and includes a mix of low and soaring ceiling heights, and a 46-seat bar area. Suspended above the bar, American artist Andy Paiko created a custom, hand blown glass chandelier, highlighting breathtaking views of Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler building.
“One Vanderbilt is defined at street level by its dramatic podium, with a large angled cut that opens up visually to the east, gesturing directly toward Grand Central,” said James von Klemperer, KPF President and Design Principal. “Located on the upper floor of this soaring space, Daniel Boulud’s restaurant Le Pavillon will offer diners views of some of New York City’s most memorable pieces of architecture, including the spire of the Chrysler building.”
Standing 1,401 feet tall, One Vanderbilt is the new headquarters for many of the world’s leading finance, banking, law and real estate firms, and is approximately 90% leased. The 1.7 million-square-foot skyscraper offers an unparalleled package of amenities, innovative office design, technology offerings, best-in-class sustainability practices and a prime location at the doorstep of Grand Central Terminal.
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