LEVANTeast AT THOR NOW OPEN IN THE HOTEL ON RIVINGTON

The Hotel on Rivington is pleased to announce the opening of LEVANTeast restaurant, under the direction of Matt Levine (ML Creative Group), owner of The Eldridge, and creative force behind Georgica in The Hamptons. LEVANTeast fuses the culture and vibrancy of the Lower East Side with the fun-fine-dining experience of a classic French bistro fused with the culinary American classic cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. LEVANTeast features delectable dishes like Wild Striped Bass, a variety of grilled fruits along with perfectly handcrafted cocktails such as the Superfruit Mojito. All set against a background of vibrant live music from some of the cities hottest DJ’s. Executive Chef Laurent Brunacci brings his mastery of French culinary skills to create a scrumptious fare in this new downtown atmosphere.

"LEVANTeast is a fusion of fine-dining with the atmosphere and culture of the Lower East Side, a combination of classic French Bistro and Mediterranean influence. The staff at LEVANTeast is extensively trained with focus on each and every detail, from our chef's use of international spices in our uniquely crafted spa-fused dishes, to our mixologists use of seasonal ingredients in our signature cocktail list. This coupled with our unmatched customer service will make our patrons experience at LEVANTeast one to remember." - Matt Levine, LEVANTeast .

Guests dine in an impressive space by renowned designer Marcel Wanders. The airy dining room features a 21-foot soaring glass ceiling that offers views of the Lower East Side’s historic tenement buildings. The adjacent LEVANTeast Lounge has been turned into a gallery for the artwork of Alexandra Richards, daughter of founding member of The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards featuring portraits of musical icons such as Bob Dylan, Eta James, Jimmy Hendrix and Slash. The LEVANTeast Lounge creates the perfect atmosphere to grab cocktails before your night out.

One’s palate will be indulged with an appetizer such as the Seared Peppered Steak. Brunacci uses a piece of flat iron steak coated with cracked black pepper and sea salt, which is pan seared black and blue. It is thinly sliced and arranged on a bed of baby arugula; the meat sprinkled with parmesan regiano and fresh basil and garnished with tomato grapes, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

A classic entrée to follow is the Wild Striped Bass which is a pan roasted fish filet with freshly squeezed lemon juice and delicately placed chopped fresh herbs complemented with a side of fresh chunky chilled mango served on top a bed of baby bok choi, blanched and stir fried lightly with olive oil and international seasoning.

Other new introductions include The Duck Breast "couscous" – which ecompasses a brown chicken jus reduction broth base with fresh seasonal herbs, harisa, fresh orange segments and diced seasonal vegetables. The couscous is served with diced dry apricot and raisins, fluffily cooked and is served on top of the long island duck breast.

It would not be a Levine production if perfectly handcrafted specialty cocktails were not included. Expert mixologist Jamie Gordon is be responsible for the concoctions using exquisite seasonal and local ingredients. LEVANTeast will include the Irish Rose with Jameson Irish Whiskey, Plymouth Sloe Gin, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Rose water, and Ginger Ale; the Cit-y Safe with Absolut Citron, Guava Puree, Sage, Fresh Lemon, and Club Soda; the Superfruit Mojito with Bacardi Dragon Berry Strawberry Infused Rum, Muddled Strawberries, Mint, Lime, and Ginger Ale.

The sounds of LEVANTeast is set by some of New York City's top DJ's - DJ Mia Moretti on Tuesdays, DJ Justin Allen on Wednesdays, DJ Ant Demby on Thursdays, DJ Prince Peter on Fridays, and DJ Manero on Saturdays, along with weekly surprise guests.

LEVANTeast Executive Chef Laurent Brunacci is a native of Cannes, France, where he began his culinary career 26 years ago. Laurent launched his career at Le Royal Grey Restaurant, a Michelin rated restaurant in Cannes where he worked and refined his talent. Two years later, he moved to Les Prés et Sources d’Eugénie, rising to the challenge of this renowned restaurant. Working as Executive Chef of The Buckingham Gate at the Taj Hotel in London helped guide Laurent toward perfection during his next two years, until he came to New York City where he was named Executive Chef at Park Bistro, Brasserie des Theatres and Cafe Noir for 4 years. Laurent then was recruited by the Forgeois Group to serve as Executive Chef for the openings of Jules Bistro, Le Singe Vert and Bar Tabac. Laurent combines the atmosphere of downtown NYC with his experience and knowledge for excellent fare.

LEVANTeast serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and brunch on Saturday and Sunday, in addition to providing room service for hotel guests. The Hotel on Rivington, a 21-story glass tower hotel with 360º-unobstructed views, opened its doors in October 2004 in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Additional hotel amenities include a hair salon, lobby bar, private dining room and a spectacular, triplex penthouse suite. For more information on The Hotel on Rivington, please visit http://www.hotelonrivington.com/.

Reservations for LEVANTeast can be made at 212-475-2600.