On November 22, 2011, The Plaza launched a dual-phase expansion of The Plaza Food Hall, a popular European-inspired specialty Food Hall located on the hotel’s Concourse Level.

In addition, the hotel’s lower level will be transitioning to a food-focused concept with a select group of brands that will become part of the newly-created Plaza Food Halls. Phase One will encompass the expansion and re-branding of the current Food Hall into Todd English at The Plaza Food Halls, while the Phase Two transformation of the retail concept to be known as The Plaza Food Halls will be unveiled in spring 2012.

The Plaza Food Hall represents a collaboration between Elad US Holdings and chef and restaurateur Todd English, with design by renowned architect Jeffrey Beers, and had the distinction of being the first Food Hall concept to open within New York City.  Originally 5,400 square-feet when launched in June 2010, after the renovation, Todd English at The Plaza Food Halls will be expanding its footprint by more than 3500 square feet, allowing for 132 additional seats that will also double as private event space.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled at the success of the Food Hall,” said Todd English, Chef and Restaurateur. “After experiencing great Food Halls abroad, it was my dream to realize my own vision here to the States and I am very excited to be able to bring even more interesting international flavors to our patrons via the new culinary stations.”

The centerpiece of the expansion of Todd English at The Plaza Food Halls will be a spacious new Pasta Bar located in the former Peter Lik Photography space. The Pasta Bar will house a production center, equipped with all the accoutrements of the process including an imported, custom-made pasta machine, where guests may watch as fresh pastas are created from raw ingredients to finished product along the 35-foot marble bar.  Adjacent to the Pasta Bar, patrons may enjoy contemporary takes on classic cocktails at The Food Hall’s handsome new seventeen-seat Bar which will also offer over a dozen artisan beers. Complete with two flat screen TVs, the Bar will be an inviting spot where food from any of the stations may be ordered.  Nearby, 28 custom wine lockers which house 9 bottles each, enable guests to rent their own unit to store their favorite wines on-site, for easy pairing with their meal. A wine list will be made available to guests to make their selections, ensuring their favorite vintage is always on hand.

A new Cheese & Charcuterie shop will be located near the entrance at Todd English and will feature imported and house-made cheeses such as burrata, organic whole milk mozzarella and goat cheese and both local and international selections of cured meats, such as prosciutto and sopressata.  A Salad Station will offer make-your-own options and a lineup of crisp salads to enjoy off the menu or to take away. A Chef’s Table will be located next to the existing Sushi Bar and will serve as both a demonstration area and as a display station for fresh seasonal items. The Sommelier Table in the new space will be the ideal spot for guests to increase their wine knowledge and to sample food and wine pairings during seasonal events.

The expansion will also provide ample room for expanded market offerings and is the perfect place to shop for gourmet items for make-at-home-meals. All items made on the premises – flatbread dough, fresh pasta and sauces, cheese and charcuterie by the pound, a seasonal soup selection and tapenades and chutneys – will also be available to take home. The new space will be available for private events up to 175 for receptions and 135 for seated luncheons and dinners.

Construction on Phase Two of The Plaza Food Halls will commence in January 2012.  The Plaza Food Halls will be devoted to carefully-curated food retail concepts, with proven, high-quality brands such as Sant Ambroeus, Tartinery, FC Chocolate Bar by Francois Payard, Pain D’Avignon, Three Tarts, Luke’s Lobster, Sushi of Gari, William Greenberg, Billy’s, No. 7 Sub, Maison du Chocolate and Lady M Cake Boutique.

The conversion of the Concourse Level to The Plaza Food Halls will also include a thoughtful mix of sophisticated design and creative application.  Common seating areas will be appointed with new furnishings and custom-designed furniture to mirror the look of Beers’ original Food Hall design. The space will feature a warm, contemporary color palette and classic materials that reflect the diverse culinary offerings and inspirations of the original concept. Millwork will be rendered from white oak stained a deep chocolate brown throughout, marble countertops and flooring composed of custom designed mosaic tiles extend the look of the original restaurant design to the retail area. In addition, pieces created exclusively for The Plaza Food Halls will include columns of antique mirror adorned by softly illuminated, hand‐blown sconces that will flank the individual entry ways, elegant wall coverings that will gently reflect light from the illuminated inner cove, custom ceiling mounted fixture, and metallic and glass accents.

The Plaza Food Halls are located in The Plaza at 1 West 59^th Street, Concourse Level, New York, NY 10019. Hours: The Plaza Food Halls: 10am – 8pm daily; 11am – 7pm on Sundays; Todd English at The Plaza Food Hall: 11:00am – 10:00pm Sunday to Thursday; 11:00am – 11:00pm Friday and Saturday. A companion website will also launch during the Grand Opening. For more information, please call 212-986-9260 for Todd English or 212.546.5499 for the new Plaza Food Halls.