THE HIP LOWER EAST SIDE'S HOTEL CHANTELLE

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Hotel Chantelle
92 Ludlow St
Between Broome St and Delancey St
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The Hotel Chantelle

Don’t let the name fool you...you may never want to leave, but there are no rooms for check-in at Hotel Chantelle. A high-end cocktail lounge that is distinguishing itself from the abundant nightlife scene of New York City’s hip Lower East Side with a chic updated take on classic French sophistication, Hotel Chantelle is the brainchild of Co-Owners Benjamin Shih and Ravi Patel. Style was extremely important to Shih, constructing and designing the entire interior himself, a rare feat for a business owner. Hotel Chantelle’s dark, dashing interior is one part Mad Men, one part downtown cool and all parts must-visit evening haunt. Guests can tuck themselves away in the plush burgundy leather pin-tucked banquettes and booths, or unwind at the classic kidney-shaped bar. The flicker of exposed bulbs and shell lamps shed a sultry light on the whimsical wallpaper and mix of reclaimed wood and materials that finish off the decor, dating back as far as the 1700s (salvaged by Scott Lash and Chris Donna of Provenance Old Soul Architectural Salvage). The drinks available at the bar match the style of their surroundings. The Bramble, a refreshing blackberry sour, is the signature drink and is the perfect palette-pleasing way to begin the evening. Those in search of a classic will appreciate The Gibson, a martini with cocktail onions and the spice of whole peppercorn. Meanwhile The Bravo, a favorite of the French Foreign Legion in Indochina, provides a tropical twist on the standard Gin & Tonic with highlights of tropical fruits. For true cocktail connoisseurs, an a la carte drinks menu boasts an impressive array of fine spirits to sip, whether accompanied by one of the selected beers or alone. Co-owner Benjamin Shih never thought his college side job of bartending was going to end up being his golden ticket. Graduating from University of Michigan and Boston College Law School Shih eventually found himself in London under the wing of bartender- extraordinaire Dick Bradsell. Returning to the states Shih opened Royal Oak and Sweet Ups in New York City’s Williamsburg neighborhood. His newest job, co-owning bar and lounge Hotel Chantelle with partner Ravi Patel. Having built Long Island City’s first luxury boutique hotel, the Ravel Hotel and restaurant & lounge Penthouse 808, Patel has a reputation of being one of New York City’s most innovative, pioneering hoteliers and restaurateur. In the coming months, the kitchen will open with a carefully crafted seasonal menu. In perfect alignment with the venue’s atmosphere, the menu will reflect the local cuisines of the ports at which French colonial ships would have docked, according to the time of year. Secondly, a 4,500 square-foot rooftop restaurant and lounge will soon open with a retractable roof, so you can enjoy brunch at this hotspot year-round. This season, Hotel Chantelle has all the right style and flavor to make the new space the must-visit spot this winter. For more information on Hotel Chantelle please visit www.hotelchantelle.com.