Business & Tech
‘Sopranos' Star To Open Upper West Side Speakeasy
Actor Michael Imperioli is opening Scarlet, an art deco-inspired speakeasy, on the Upper West Side Tuesday. Here's where:
![Actor Michael Imperioli is opening Scarlet, an art deco-inspired speakeasy, on the Upper West Side Tuesday. Here's where:](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/ap/24287441/20231205/011719/styles/patch_image/public/ap22294193555592___05131527371.jpg)
UPPER WEST SIDE, NY - Upper West Side-dwellers with an HBO subscription may recognize a television star inside a new speakeasy opening Tuesday in the neighborhood.
That’s because Michael Imperioli, known for his roles in “The Sopranos” and “The White Lotus,” is slated to open upscale bar Scarlet with his wife at 468 Amsterdam Ave. near 82nd Street. Doors open Tuesday at 5 p.m. sharp.
“I cordially invite you to experience the latest creation by Victoria Imperioli,” the White Lotus star wrote in a Tuesday Instagram post, nodding to his wife, who is a set designer.
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The couple owned the Chelsea bar Ciel Rouge, which offered a similar red-themed interior design, per The New York Times. Red velvet curtains, art deco-inspired touches and soft scarlet lighting will revive the former downtown bar’s ambiance.
“Those of you who remember our old joint, the infamous Ciel Rouge (1995-2005) will be happy to return to Victoria’s magical world. Fans of her Architectural Digest Open Door Tour can indulge in the jazz age inspired vibes in person.”
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The new speakeasy is set to feature small plates like Lollipop Lamb Chops Au Jus and Foie Gras Torchon imagined by veteran restaurateur Jeremy Wladis (of Harvest Kitchen and Good Enough To Eat fame), plus a menu of cocktails curated by Matt Burkhardt. Expect a White Lotu cocktail mixing Champagne with a punch of Don Q Cristal rum, pineapple, yuzu and coconut sugar.
The Pisco Pink Panther — featuring pisco, raspberry Disaronno Amaretto, orgeat, lemon, and rosewater — will be another specialty cocktail on the menu; classics like the French 75 will also be made available.
In his Tuesday social media post, Imperioli noted that live music and events at Scarlet are in the works and will be announced at a later date.
“We will be part of finding these acts and artists and musicians, events and spoken word stuff,” the actor told the New York Post.
“It will be different from all my neighborhood places,” Wladis added. “You can come in jeans, shorts, or a tuxedo.”
The new speakeasy sits at the former site of Zai Dessertery, which closed last year. Before that, it was a check cashing center.
Scarlet will be open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday 5 to 10 p.m., per Eater.
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