Jia Lounge, the new night spot inside the Hotel on Rivington, makes its debut tonight. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) offered a preview yesterday. Here’s an excerpt from the story:
Roberto Buchelli and Corey Lane are opening Jia, a 1,200-square-foot lounge meant to evoke the sophistication of 1930s Shanghai… As part of their 10-year agreement with the 108-room hotel, Messrs. Buchelli and Lane will also be launching what they bill as a “progressive Mediterranean” restaurant at the lodging. Mr. Buchelli said the still-unnamed dining spot, with about 100 seats, will open in early June.
Buchelli has worked at restaurants such as Beautique (dubbed by the Post as a “playpen for millionaires”) and Provocateur, the swanky club in the Gansevoort Hotel. Lane is managing partner of 13th Street Entertainment and a Meatpacking District veteran.
Buchelli told the Journal that the Lower East Side is the next nightlife destination (hasn’t t been that for years?) One thing drawing the new team to the neighborhood is the extensive development happening. He cited Ian Schrager’s new Public Hotel, which will feature multiple nightlife venues.
The lounge has been hosting VIP’s for some time, but tonight is the official opening. Hours right now are 11 p.m.-4 a.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. The Hotel on Rivington is in the midst of an extensive renovation.
