In a bold move that echoes the brand’s rich history, Drai’s has made its East Coast debut with the opening of a luxurious supper club in the Meatpacking District of New York City. This venture marks the evolution of a legacy that began three decades ago in Los Angeles, originally conceived as a French restaurant. Dustin Drai, the current president of Drai’s Management Group and the son of the brand’s founder, Victor Drai, has successfully woven traditional elegance into the fabric of contemporary dining.
From its inception in 1993, Drai’s was not just a restaurant but a cultural phenomenon. Known for appealing to celebrity clientele, the brand has expanded over the years to include nightclubs and beach clubs that attract stars from Rihanna to Jennifer Lopez. However, Dustin feels that the heart of Drai’s lies in its foundational concept, which he aims to refine within the New York location. This supper club represents both nostalgia and forward-thinking, a homage to its roots infused with modern sensibilities.
French-American Cuisine with a Modern Twist
Drai’s Supper Club promises diners a menu that beautifully bridges French and American culinary traditions. Under the guidance of Chef Yoo Hyun Suk, guests can indulge in dishes that evoke Michelin-star elegance while remaining accessible. The menu features creatively designed plates such as a sweet and savory tomato tarte and delicacies like frog legs and steak au poivre. What stands out, however, is their extravagant $1,000 caviar service, which exemplifies the boldness and opulence of Manhattan dining.
Dustin’s vision is clear: the food must not only be delicious but also visually stunning, catering to the Instagram generation. Every dish is an artful creation, inspiring diners to capture their experiences in photographs—though Dustin is decidedly cautious about falling into the trap of becoming overly gimmicky. “It’s about striking a balance between class and creativity,” he asserts, reinforcing his intent to deliver a refined dining experience devoid of superficiality.
A Sophisticated Night Out
Perhaps one of the most compelling features of the Drai’s Supper Club is its ambiance. Unlike typical nightlife hotspots, the lower level of the venue has been customized into a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge, complete with live music. This transformation speaks to an audience that is perhaps a bit older and weary of the relentless club scene, seeking an alternative that allows for relaxation and conversation, yet still offers an elevated nightlife experience.
Dustin emphasizes that the focus here is on sophisticated cocktails rather than bottle service and loud DJs that have become synonymous with nightlife. “It’s a space for people who want to enjoy an evening without the pressure of being part of the fray,” he remarks. The environment is designed to be elegant yet inviting, encouraging social interaction and enjoyment rather than merely a space to dance the night away.
The Promise of Unparalleled Service
With the launch of Drai’s Supper Club, Dustin is determined that every guest, celebrity or not, enjoy the highest caliber of service. His belief in the need for exceptional hospitality stems from the notion that positive experiences lead to lasting relationships with the brand. “Our goal is to ensure that anyone who walks through our doors feels like a VIP,” he insists, hinting at an upcoming guest experience that rivals other high-end establishments in the city.
Dustin anticipates that the spirit of Drai’s will attract a diverse crowd united by a desire for quality, comfort, and a refined night out. In a city as fast-paced and demanding as New York, the aspiration to create a space where people can relish a night without the raucousness is a refreshing deviation from traditional dining and nightlife offerings.
As reservations open on April 22 and the official launch approaches on May 1, New Yorkers are eager to see whether Drai’s can live up to its ambitions and breathe new life into the supper club scene. This venture stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of a brand that has evolved yet remains committed to its roots, offering a promising blend of culinary excellence and sophisticated atmosphere.
Leave a Reply