This fall Icrave will redefine the American steakhouse experience with the debut of STK, the latest restaurant from the owners of One Little West 12th, located in the heart of the Meatpacking District.
In creating STK, Icrave took their greatest inspiration from the world of theater, specifically, from the starkly lit set designs of Robert Wilson. In the dining area, for example, theatrical barn-door lights drop a soft spot of light onto each table, illuminating parties of diners, while bubbles of light sparkle in the darkness overhead. "High-contrast lighting sets a theatrical tone to the space, and enables the restaurant to shift guests' attention from one feature to another, from visit to visit, or even within one evening," explained Icrave principal Siobhan Barry. An added bonus of the soft spotlights on the patrons, Siobhan points out, is "they make each person feel like a star."
Not only has Icrave blended two concepts into one with STK -- the modern New York steakhouse with a downtown lounge -- but they have broken from convention altogether in the design of the restaurant. For example, the cozy hearth that has been a steakhouse staple for generations is reinterpreted in a 10-foot tall lavender-glass fireplace, while traditional cattle horns have been reborn in a white flowing horn-like sculpture that emerges from above the bar. "These are metaphors for what you normally see in a steakhouse," said Icrave founder Lionel Ohayon. "We've broken down the barriers of a normal steakhouse and lost the overly masculine vibe that has long been the trademark of the genre."
With its sultry, sleek decor, STK is both sensual and welcoming. The main floor, consisting of 3,300 square feet, features a large central lounge furnished with creamy leather banquettes, textured crocodile tiles and custom glass walls. The space is studded in varying hues of purple, and incorporates exotic woods and other natural materials.
To encourage interactions among guests, casual open seating is equally comfortable as a meeting spot for after-work drinks as for an informal meal, smoky mirrors allow patrons to catch glimpses of each other and a catwalk sneaks between banquettes providing space for impromptu encounters.
"We used wood for warmth, glass and mirror for opportunities to catch glimpses or reflections, various leathers and skins for a soft feel on surfaces people will touch, and points of light for contrast and sparkle," said Ohayon.
STK's main dining room has seating for up to 200. The second floor features private dining rooms named for famous burlesque stars, such as "The Tempest Storm" (with seating for 70), "The Betty Page" (with seating for 20), "The Do May" (with seating for 20), and "The Mabel Saintley" (with seating for 40). These rooms provide the perfect setting for private parties or corporate and special events. Also on the second floor are a boudoir, champagne rooms-two rooms connected by double doors that can be rented separately or joined for larger parties, and a clubroom. In addition to the entire restaurant, Icrave designed the nightclub/lounge Tenjune, which is located below the restaurant on the basement level.
The signature steakhouse fare will likewise be reinterpreted with a modern twist, featuring organic cuisine that will appeal to the young sexy market as well as the established New York diner. Upon seating, diners will be presented with a selection of assorted shellfish and STK skewers to begin the meal. Steak will be the main attraction at STK, but the menu will feature a selection of Petits, Mids, and Big Boys to appeal to all appetites.
About Icrave
Since the company was founded in 2001, the name ICRAVE has become synonymous with creative energy-driven spaces that actively engage visitors in their environment. ICRAVE has established a high profile client list in hospitality and retail, and a reputation for delivering many of Manhattan's top nightclubs and restaurants. As ICRAVE's reputation has grown, their project roster has expanded to Europe and Asia, including the Playboy Club in Shanghai, China, and the McCormick center in Glasgow, Scotland. Recently completed projects include the highly anticipated Koi Restaurant in New York and Hyde Lounge in Los Angeles. ICRAVE's current project roster includes a W Hotel, the Sanctuary Hotel in New York and a boutique hotel in New Orleans. They are also working as the Creative Director for the Maxim Casino project in Las Vegas and are collaborating with the Harrah's group on developing some exciting new hotel and entertainment venues.
Icrave: https://www.dexigner.com/directory/detail/8095
About STK
Address: 26 Little West Twelfth Street (between Greenwich Street and Washington Street) New York, NY 10014
Phone: 646-624-2444
Square Footage: The ground floor of STK is 3300 sq ft (excluding the kitchen); the 2nd floor is 3000 sq ft (also excluding the kitchen). Tenjune is 3400 sq ft.
Owners: The One Group
Opening Date: September 2006
Web site: http://www.stkhouse.com