New York’s Newest Restaurant With a View Opens Above Herald Square Park

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2013-- The landmark renovation of Macy’s Herald Square brings an exciting, new culinary experience to New York’s dining scene. With views high above Herald Square Park, Macy’s proudly announces the debut of Stella 34 Trattoria – a modern Italian restaurant – at its world-famous flagship. In partnership with The Patina Restaurant Group, Macy’s reimagines the department store restaurant concept with a celebrated culinary team in the heart of midtown Manhattan and the fashion industry. Overlooking Broadway, this sixth floor destination will feature an authentic Neapolitan menu created by Executive Chef Jarrett Appell in collaboration with renowned Lincoln Ristorante Executive Chef Jonathan Benno. Opening in early March 2013, Stella 34 Trattoria will continue the legacy of fine foods and dining at Macy’s Herald Square.

The 10,000 square-foot trattoria, seating 270, will feature a chic Prosecco Bar, an intimate, semi-private dining room, casual lounge, and a marble dining counter facing an open kitchen that will offer patrons a distinct and memorable dining experience. Showpieces of the restaurant will be the three wood-burning ovens and the 240-foot-long carrara marble and stainless steel sculptural bar sweeping through the spacious dining room, creating the longest bar set for food, dining and drinks in New York City. Nestled within the design will be the first U.S. outpost of Florence, Italy’s, famed Vivoli gelateria and signature “cibi ronda” antipasti display. Enhancing the dramatic design will be natural light flowing in from the store’s 12-foot-high bay windows which have been re-opened for the first time in more than 50 years. With the Empire State Building setting a striking backdrop, Stella 34 Trattoria will tempt the foodie and fashionista with an authentic taste of Italy in New York’s most iconic department store.

“Stella 34 Trattoria is an extraordinary endeavor in department store dining,” said Warren Wolfe, vice president of Macy’s Foods Division. “For the first time in the store’s history, Macy’s will bring destination dining to the sixth floor of our flagship and offer customers a unique vantage point for never-before-seen views of Broadway and 34^th Street, matched by a sophisticated dining experience.” Wolfe continued, “With the historic renovation of Macy’s Herald Square, we are able to enhance the shopping experience of our customers with extensive dining options that cater to their lifestyles and expectations of the World’s Largest Store.”

Patina Restaurant Group CEO Nick Valenti said, “It is an honor to make history with one of the most well-respected icons of retail. Stella 34 Trattoria will re-define department store dining - for the first time, guests will visit a retail store for the cuisine as much as the fashion.”

Stella 34 Trattoria is a culinary testament to the talented team who developed the concept and menu. Conceptualized by New York restaurateur Nick Valenti, along with Jonathan Benno, Executive Chef of Lincoln Ristorante, who was tapped to oversee menu development, Stella 34 draws on Italy’s rich culinary heritage and modern design aesthetic. Assembled at Stella 34 are award-winning teams - Executive Chef Jarrett Appell, who received his diploma in Mastery of Italian Cuisine in Colorno, Italy, will helm the kitchen, and Stefanie Morgado will take the reigns as Pastry Chef after developing the dessert menu with Lincoln Ristorante Pastry Chef Richard Capizzi.

Authenticity is at the core of the culinary program at Stella 34 Trattoria. Neapolitan pizza will be prepared in three wood-burning ovens in the “Vera Pizza Neapolitan” tradition, made from Caputo flour imported from Naples and topped with house-made Fior de Latte mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes. Additional offerings include salumi, house-made fresh pasta, “piccoli piatti” - signature Italian antipasti designed for sharing - and an al forno entrée section highlighting the distinct flavors imparted by the wood-burning ovens.

Beverages at Stella 34 Trattoria combine the flavors and heritage of Italy with the adventurousness of Manhattan. An exclusively Italian wine list features more than 100 bottles in varietals representing the diversity and quality of Italy’s best wine regions. A contemporary take on the Bellini blends Italy’s sparkling wine with fresh, seasonal purées such as white peach, red raspberry and dark berry. Classic trattoria cocktails such as the Negroni and Aperol Spritz are featured alongside innovative “Italian Soda Cocktails” in three flavors: Luxardo Cherry Soda, Ruby Orange Soda and Limonata Soda.

Stella 34 Trattoria’s epicurean fare will be complemented by a dramatic interpretation of contemporary Italian design. Created by STUDIO V Architecture, in partnership with Macy’s and Patina Restaurant Group, the space will showcase the richness of Italy’s food offerings weaving its most iconic materials – marble and stainless steel - into the design. Marble mosaic floors; hand-blown glass pendants; rich, avodire wood panels; curved, corian banquettes; and leather seating will be illuminated by the warm, daytime light and the sparkle of the evening skyline.

Additionally, the sleek, contemporary design will be enhanced by a gallery of original art by celebrated American pop artist and caricaturist, Robert Risko. Inspired by Macy’s stellar cast of celebrities who have graced the flagship throughout its legendary history, Risko created 23 one-of-a-kind pieces that will adorn the walls of this newest and most ambitious restaurant venture by Macy’s.

With dedicated elevators located at the corner of 35^th Street and Broadway, the restaurant can be accessed after store hours for late-night dining and cocktails.

The restaurant will begin serving lunch Monday through Sunday from 11:30 a .m. – 4 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. For additional information or reservations, please call (212) 967-9251 or www.stella34.com. Reservations will also be available via the Macy’s App in the coming weeks.

About Macy’s

Macy's (NYSE: M), the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home.

Macy’s Herald Square is New York City’s most iconic department store, welcoming more than 20 million visitors from around the world each year. The world-famous flagship is a retail institution known for its fashion and epic events -- most notably the Annual Macy’s Flower Show^®; Macy's 4th of July Fireworks^® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade^®. Built in 1902, the “World’s Largest Store” currently houses more than 1 million square-feet of retail space. In 2011, Macy’s Inc. announced that the store will increase its selling space to 1.2 million square-feet following an extensive four-year, 400 million dollar renovation. The renovation will transform the store into one of the most technologically advanced, fashion-forward and exciting destinations in the world with new designer departments, epicurean experiences and multi-level luxury shops.

For Macy’s media materials, images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom.

Source: Macy’s

Macy’s
Elina Kazan, 646-429-7448
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Deanna Williams, 646-429-7458
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