BWW Previews: HOLDEN & ASTOR in NYC's Meatpacking District

Holden & Astor officially opened their doors on Wednesday, September 24th for dinner and weekend brunch. This stylish restaurant is located at 409 West 13th Street in the heart of the Meat Packing District. It is the concept of restaurateur, Nick Boccio whose New York projects include the Greenwich Project and the Mulberry Project along with Tri-Hospitality Group's, Shawn Kolodny and Ryan Tarantanino whose portfolio includes VIP Room. They have partnered to create the ultimate dining hotspot.

Led by Executive Chef, Carmine DiGiovanni and Master Mixologist, Sam Ziar, Holden & Astor offers a chic, comfortable and lively environment with creative, classic Modern American cuisine.

DiGiovanni is responsible for Holden & Astor's culinary vision. He has spent his time at renowned restaurants such as Cipriani, Tourant and Picholine where helped the restaurant achieve two Michelin stars for four consecutive years. Most recently, DiGiovanni has been with The Project Group which has allowed him to develop an innate understanding of the kitchen and has he has earned a respected reputation in the culinary industry.

Renowned mixologist, Sam Ziar has been in the beverage industry for over ten years. Before joining The Project Group, he was the General Manager and Food and Beverage Director at Orient Express in the West Village. Prior to that, Ziar acted as Head Bartender and Consultant at Mulberry Project as well as the Lambs Club where he worked under his mentor and colleague, Sasha Petraske.

Guests of Holden & Astor will find a dinner menu comprised of classic items, updated with creative flourishes including Guanciale with pickled mustard seed, radish and cilantro, Blackened Heritage Pork Tenderloin with corn pudding, clams and broccoli rabe and a Chicken Duo Brick Style with pulled BBQ "toast" and buttermilk ranch. For dessert, Chef DiGiovanni has updated classic dishes with complimentary flavors to create Ice Cream Sliders made with pistachio ice cream and chocolate fudge and Chocolate Cake with salted butter popcorn and popcorn ice cream or their Peaches and Cream with brown sugar ice cream. A brunch menu will be available through the weekend and will feature Eggs Benedict with DiGiovanni's signature homemade cheddar biscuits and sweet treats like Cornflake Crusted French Toast, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and savory dishes like Pork Belly Hash, BBQ Brisket Sandwich and Chicken Paillard.

Sam Ziar's cocktail program includes distinctive signature drinks. The "Lure," is a vodka based drink that is teamed with lavender, lemon, coconut water and fruits rouges. The "Troy," is a mix of mescal, lustau east India, pineapple and lime and the "Wembley Stadium," a rose tinted drink, is comprised of Pink Peppercorn gin, crème de peche, Peychaud's bitters, lemon and orange. A well rounded selection of international wines will also be available by the glass and by the bottle.

Holden & Astor is located at 409 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10014. They are open for dinner Monday to Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday for brunch and dinner from 11:00 am to midnight and Sunday for brunch and dinner from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. With seating for 92 persons, the average dinner price is $30.00 and all major credit cards are accepted. Reservations are strongly recommended. You can call them at (212) 675-2400 or visit their web site at www.holdenandastor.com. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Holden & Astor