The New Bar 41 Opens May 8 At Hotel 41 At Times Square

The new 70-seat Bar 41 is scheduled to open May 8, 2003 at Hotel 41 at Times Square, located at 206 West 41st Street, (between Seventh and Eighth Avenues), both operated by Boutique Hotel Management Group, LLC (BHG) here. Bar 41 will provide locals and visitors alike with a mix of classic and contemporary cocktails together with a straightforward menu that emphasizes relaxed elegance and sharing.

Created by Hotel 41 at Times Square partner Benjamin Soleimani of Morgan Construction Management, New York, the interior is intentionally devoid of excessive visual stimuli to create an intimate haven of sophistication and style set amid the lights, sounds and bustle of New Yorks famous Times Square. Bar 41 envelops guests in a sense of escape with an added splash of drama. Inspired by an Art Deco style of the 1920s the space has a decidedly modern yet inviting feel.

The primary walls are paneled in honey-colored figured anigre trimmed in black lacquer; one radiused wall is crafted with illuminated Italian glass tiles. Floors are a polished dark walnut. The bar top is Black Andes Granite, backed by a glass wall, etched to simulate the appearance of louver blinds. Half-inch glass shelving completes the design and artfully compliments the back bar display.

The Bar 41 dining room is outlined by plush banquettes with intimate tables of varying sizes situated throughout. Tables have a perimeter of rich walnut, stained to an ebony hue, with back painted glass inserts -- while chairs, bar stools and banquettes are comfortably upholstered in rich slate-blue mohair. Bar 41 is softly illuminated with warm cove lighting, both recessed and suspended from the charcoal-gray ceiling by aubergine sockets. Seven color televisions (six arranged in a sequence and one independent 42-inch plasma screen) allow select images of the outside world in.

Executive Chef Marcello Moretto, a graduate of the French Culinary Institute (CFI) and most recently of La Grenouille, New York, were he served as a roundsman, is charged with setting the culinary agenda for Bar 41. Morettos dishes are hearty and flavorful, often all-American in orientation with a touch of international influence.

A sample of Bar 41 menu items includes the following -- entrees: Steak and Frites with Peppercorn Sauce ($24), House-made Butternut Squash Ravioli ($18), Sushi Plate ($21) and Chicken Paillard ($18); featured sandwiches: Bar 41 Hamburger ($15), Grilled Tuna Sandwich with Wasabi Mayonnaise ($15) and Roasted Turkey and Prosciutto Club ($15); salads along with appetizers to share: Shrimp Provencal ($12), Bar 41 Pizze ($10), Crab Cakes ($12) and Chicken Satay ($9); and desserts: 41 Dipping Donuts, Warm Fudge Brownie, New York Cheese Cake and Warm Apple Crisp (all $8).

In addition to the classic mix of martinis, Manhattans and gimlets, Bar 41 will offer a selection of signature cocktails including: Cosmolini, Bar 41 Martini, Metropolitan and Bar 41 Mojito. Bar 41 signature cocktails are priced at $12. A well-appointed beer, wine, Champagne, bourbon, port and single malt list is also offered.

Bar 41 is open daily -- from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. (till 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday) for breakfast and from 4 p.m. to midnight for cocktails, appetizers, dinner and dessert. Bar 41 also has a private/VIP room that seats up to 12 people and can be reserved for special events. All major credit cards, except international cards and Diners Card, are accepted and there is no cover charge (with the exception of select special events). Valet parking is available for $35. For reservations and more information, please call 212.703.8600 and visit www.boutiquehg.com.

At its prime Times Square location, Bar 41 is next door to the Nederlander Theatre, home of famous rock opera Rent and just steps from Broadway theatres, entertainment and restaurants, Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. The Midtown location is also cen