Major Food Group has opened a new Italian concept, Torrisi Bar & Restaurant, in New York. Cozy but convivial, Torrisi is anchored by an open kitchen that infuses drama across a dining room designed by Garrett Singer Architecture + Design that accentuates the industrial flair of the 19th-century structure it calls home.
“True to a classic SoHo loft designed of the 1980s we wanted to honor and showcase the original 1880 architecture, by exposing and dramatically illuminating all of the buildings textures and shapes,” Singer says. “We wanted guests to feel the warmth and intimacy of dining in a small classic NYC restaurant. Yet, at the same time, feel the energy and scale of dining in unparalleled New York City landmark spaces.”
The Puck Building’s vaulted ceilings, red brickwork, cast-iron columns, and round arched windows instill a historic flair across Torrisi, accented by dramatic lighting and abundant daylighting. Solid alabaster and brass sconces also cast the dining room in a warm glow, while columns painted with a new coat of emerald green served as the inspiration for new Victorian-style wainscotting. A grand emerald quartzite bar accented with brass pendants acts as the main focal point in the space, which is also lined with velvet booths, marble mosaic floors, and press floral wallpaper. Old World Italian tailor shops inspire the private dining room, where gleaming burl wood panels, luxe carpeting, vintage crystal chandeliers, and a grand Art Deco table instill a sense of opulence.
“[Singer] immediately understood what this undertaking called for: to honor the famed features of the building, and to create a space—an energy—that couldn’t exist anywhere but here on Mulberry,” adds chef Rich Torrisi. “Torrisi is a fun expression of fine dining.”
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