The Grand Opening of Jour et Nuit

                                                      Bonjour!

It was a very French evening as New York's finest came out to celebrate the opening of Jour et Nuit, Bistro-Bar.  The current incarnation of 8 West 58th Street  bears an air of classic French bistro with a decidedly American modernity.  A fitting addition to the already luxe life neighborhood and shopping district that holds The Plaza, Bergdorf Goodman, and the Paris Theater, Jour et Nuit (Day & Night) is a welcome escape.  The chicly decorated sub-terranean space*** is more of a supper club than a lounge, unlike the space  previously. Last evening Mid-Town East's newest jewel provided the perfect introduction to its opening night guests.

Ranging from actors, designers, models and the social elite, the establishment's guest list was a virtual who's who that included: Gbenga Akinnagbe, Bebe Neuwirth (pictured at left), Leven Rambin, Gustavo Arango, Douglas Hannant, Ann Caruso, Peter Davis,Sonja Morgan, Tracy Stern, Kristian Laliberte, Countess Lu Ann de Lesseps, Patrick McDonald, Coralie Charriol Paul, Nick Raynes, Patty Raynes, Alexandra Lind Rose, Frederique van der Waal and Annabel Vartanian (pictured below at left).  Providing a personal touch, by way of individually greeting each guest, was Restauranteur Frederick Lesort owner of the famed Frederick's establishments .  Mr. Lesort was accompanied by Derek and Daniel Koch, twin brothers who have partnered with him to expertly run the space.

Daniel Koch (pictured at left), one half of the twin duo, will no doubt bring the hip and social set to dine and hang at Jour et Nuit on the many cold Winter nights ahead.  Mr. Koch shared that he and his brother have previous experience working in a French restaurant (Le Bilboquet), as well as in the nightlife industry (Pink Elephant).  "We're really focused on this restaurant, and that is what keeps us grounded and stable, and fulfills our passion.  The next step is to get this baby up and going...and that's what we intend to do."  Brother Derek Koch further exemplified both the duo's passion and dedication by personally attending to the requests of several of the evenings VIP guests, leaving no stone unturned when it came to superior service.

Dinner soon was served and one private room (set for 8 or more) held a rather large party of guests who dined on appetizers of Tuna Tartare, entrees of Seafood Linguini, Braised Short Ribs, and succulent Veal Shank ... a feast to behold after the evening's earlier light fare of Tatare de Saumon, Coque Monsieur etc.  Spirits flowed like water, but Jour Et Nuit's signature drink NAVAN Chai Mar TEAnis were preferred by most of the patrons. The roar of the crowd which seemed to go on for several hours was only dimmed by the increasingly late hours of the night.

As well dressed fashionistas (from several walks of life) began to depart, so to did their very handsome counterparts.  Upon departure, guests were gifted with Jour et Nuit's signature macaroons created by its pastry chef especially for the occasion -- a delicious reminder of the evening, and no doubt a fittingly sweet incentive to return.

***-Chicly decorated, sub-terranean space includes a front dining room and bar, collage-like murals, and contrasting natural wood set against cream colored walls. Private rooms can seat up to as many as twenty. The cavernous back room can be described as a  dimly-lit lounge unto itself complete with DJ booth and a second bar for eager patrons.

*photos by The Quest for "it"