Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Long-Awaited Food Hall Has Opened Its Doors
Step aside, Eleven Madison Park. It looks like there's a new culinary giant in Manhattan, and its name is ... decidedly less glamorous. Introducing: the Tin Building. But, don't let its unfancy name fool you. This 53,000-square-foot walkable marketplace is the latest creation by world-famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and it has been over a decade in the making (per Food & Wine).
Jean-Georges Vongerichten is a three Michelin-starred French chef with a penchant for Eastern gastronomic stylings. His culinary flare has led him to open 49 restaurants around the world, but the chef's impact has perhaps been the greatest in New York City. In fact, Michelin itself lauds Vongerichten as "one of New York's most celebrated culinary stars." Even New York Magazine writes, "It's probably safe to say that in the past two decades, no single chef has had more influence on the way New Yorkers dine out — or on the way other chefs cook and other restaurants look." Celebrity chef Mario Batali similarly praises Vongerichten. "He invented America's answer to nouvelle cuisine," says Batali, via New York Magazine. "When I first came to New York, his book 'Simple Cuisine' was the holy grail for young chefs." So, now that Jean-Georges Vongerichten's long-awaited food hall has finally opened its doors, what can fans expect to find inside?
Something for everyone
Since New York City is one of the most famous culinary hubs in the world, it makes sense that Jean-Georges Vongerichten would make Manhattan home to The Tin Building. The marketplace boasts six food counters, six sit-down restaurants, four bars, retail spaces, private dining options, and even a grocery store (per Food & Wine). Lower East Siders can grab a latte and a breakfast pastry from T. Café, or sit down at Crêpes and Dosas, or Double Yolk – which transitions into a caviar bar at night. For dinner, patrons can choose from offerings like The House of the Red Pearl fine Chinese dining, The Frenchman's Dough for pasta or pizza, and Fulton Fish Co. with a full raw bar, among many others. Visitors can expect to see Vongerichten's personal touch firsthand: According to Vongerichten's website, the chef is "involved in every aspect of his restaurants — concept, menu, architectural design, staff selection, and trainings."
The chef has been busy lately. Earlier in August 2022, Jean-Georges Vongerichten sealed the deal for a restaurant at 425 Park Ave – with a 1,000 square-foot show kitchen and 45-foot tall ceilings – where tenants pay up to $300 per square foot (via New York Post). The Tin Building is holding limited preview hours during August: Thursday-Sunday from 12-5 p.m. at 96 South Street at Pier 17.